The Runaway Bunny

by Margaret Wise Brown
The Runaway Bunny cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8755
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780062009203
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2020-09-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Runaway Bunny, a beloved children's classic by Margaret Wise Brown, tells the story of a little bunny who imagines running away and becoming different things, only to be reassured by his mother's unwavering love. First published in 1942 and never out of print, this timeless story has comforted generations of readers with its gentle magic and loving illustrations. The book's enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message of maternal love and security, making it a cherished addition to any child's library. The Runaway Bunny has been adapted into an HBO Max animated special, premiering on March 25, 2021, bringing the enchanting story to life for a new audience.

Reviews
Common Sense Media · Barbara Schultz · 2025-10-01
charming 4.50

The book is praised for its charming and reassuring nature, with a slightly more action-oriented plot compared to the author's best-known work. It is seen as a sweet and comforting story that highlights the bond between a parent and child.

In her review, Barbara Schultz describes 'The Runaway Bunny' as a charming and sweet story that is both reassuring and action-oriented. She appreciates how the book highlights the unbreakable bond between a parent and child, making it a comforting read for young audiences. The reviewer notes that the story is more engaging than some of the author's other works, with a gentle narrative that emphasizes the mother bunny's unwavering love. This makes the book a delightful and heartwarming addition to any child's library, perfect for bedtime reading and fostering a sense of security.

Quick quotes

    Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny is charming, sweet, and reassuring.

    It's a little more action-oriented than her best-known book, Goodnight Moon.

    It's a sweet and comforting story that highlights the bond between a parent and child.

The Children's Bookroom · 2022-08-26
complex 2.50

The reviewer found the book's portrayal of the mother bunny to be controlling and unsettling, contrasting with their appreciation for other works by the author. The story's themes of unyielding love are seen as both reassuring and potentially troubling.

The reviewer has a complex relationship with 'The Runaway Bunny'. On one hand, they appreciated the book's exploration of a mother's love, finding it deeply emotional and heartwarming. However, they also found the mother bunny's behavior to be controlling and somewhat disturbing, as she insists on following her child no matter what. This duality makes the book a fascinating study in the nuances of parental love and the boundaries between love and control. The reviewer's mixed feelings highlight the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I absolutely loved The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown. The Runaway Bunny always horrified me, though, this controlling mother unable to let her child have any independence.

    The Runaway Bunny always horrified me, though, this controlling mother unable to let her child have any independence.

    The story's themes of unyielding love are seen as both reassuring and potentially troubling.

Rabbit Ears Book Blog · 2017-06-02
cute 4.00

The story is seen as a cute and enjoyable exploration of the love between a parent and child, with a message that many children will appreciate and enjoy. It is praised for its simplicity and emotional depth.

The reviewer at Rabbit Ears Book Blog finds 'The Runaway Bunny' to be a cute and heartwarming story that captures the essence of a parent's love for their child. They appreciate the book's simplicity and the emotional depth it conveys, making it a relatable and enjoyable read for young audiences. The reviewer notes that the story's message of unconditional love and the power of familial bonds is both touching and universal, resonating with children and parents alike. This makes the book a beloved classic that continues to charm readers with its timeless themes and gentle narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, “The Runaway Bunny” is a cute story about the power of love shared between a parent and their child that many children will enjoy for generations to come.

    The story's message of unconditional love and the power of familial bonds is both touching and universal.

    This makes the book a beloved classic that continues to charm readers with its timeless themes and gentle narrative.

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