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The Runaway Bunny

Name: The Runaway Bunny
ISBN: 9780060207663

by Margaret Wise Brown

8.2 / 10 89K ratings

Language: English
Published: 1942
Publisher: Harpercollins
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9780060207663

A little bunny announces his intention to run away, imagining various fantastical transformations to escape. With each declaration, his mother lovingly responds, describing how she would find him, no matter what he became or where he went. She envisions becoming a fisherman to catch him as a fish, a mountain climber to find him as a rock, or a gardener if he were a flower.

This gentle story explores the unwavering devotion between a parent and child, illustrating a mother's constant presence and unconditional love. It offers a reassuring message about the enduring bond and the comfort of knowing you are always cherished and sought after, even when imagining independence.

Subjects

Original edition

The Runaway Bunny

Originally published in 1970 English The Trumpet Club

Other editions (93)

Listen to the summary Narrated summary

Once there was a little bunny who yearned to explore, to discover what lay beyond the familiar burrow. "I am running away," he declared to his mother, his whiskers twitching with imagined adventure. His mother, with a gentle gaze, simply replied, "If you run away, I will run after you. For you are my little bunny."

Undeterred, the little bunny imagined himself transformed. "If you run after me," he said, "I will become a fish in a trout stream, and I will swim away from you." But his mother, ever watchful, countered with a soft smile, "If you become a fish in a trout stream, I will become a fisherman, and I will fish for you."

The little bunny, with boundless imagination, then pictured himself as a soaring bird. "If you become a bird and fly away from me," he chirped, "I will fly far, far away." Yet his mother's love knew no bounds. "If you become a bird and fly away from me," she murmured, "I will be a tree that you come home to."

He dreamt of becoming a crocus in a hidden garden, tucked away from sight. "If you become a crocus in a hidden garden," he thought, "no one will ever find me." But his mother's reply was unwavering: "If you become a crocus in a hidden garden, I will be a gardener, and I will find you."

The game continued. He envisioned himself as a little sailboat, drifting across the wide, open sea. "If you become a little sailboat and sail away from me," he declared. And his mother, with the breadth of her affection, responded, "I will become the wind and blow you where I want you to go."

Even as a circus acrobat, flying high on a trapeze, the little bunny sought to outwit her. But his mother's devotion remained steadfast. "If you go flying on a flying trapeze," she promised, "I will be a tightrope walker, and I will walk across the air to you."

Finally, the little bunny imagined his ultimate transformation, a complete change of form. "If you become a little boy and run into a house," he mused. And at this, his mother's response was the most comforting of all: "If you become a little boy and run into a house, I will become your mother and catch you in my arms and hug you."

A sense of warmth settled over the little bunny. He understood then that no matter how far he might roam in his thoughts, no matter what he might become, his mother's love would always be there, an unbreakable bond that would find him and bring him home. "Shucks," said the little bunny, a contented sigh escaping him. "I might just as well stay where I am and be your little bunny."

And so he did. "Have a carrot," said the mother bunny, offering a sweet, orange treat, and together they sat, wrapped in the quiet certainty of their love.

What other readers say

Liked

Many readers cherish this book as a beloved childhood classic, often recalling it with fondness and nostalgia. Its beautiful and imaginative illustrations, particularly the vibrant color spreads, are consistently praised for their artistic quality and ability to spark a child's imagination. For many, the story conveys a powerful message of unconditional maternal love and reassurance, highlighting a mother's steadfast devotion and her promise to always be there for her child, no matter what. It is seen as a peaceful and comforting read, ideal for bedtime, and a source of solace for those with a "restless heart." Some interpret the narrative as a sweet tale of a mother's playful engagement with her child's desire for independence, ultimately reaffirming a secure bond.

Disliked

However, a significant number of adult readers find the book's central dynamic unsettling, interpreting the mother rabbit's persistence as possessive, controlling, or even "stalker-like" behavior. They argue that the mother stifles the young bunny's natural desire for independence and autonomy, portraying a "helicopter parent" rather than one fostering secure attachment. This perspective suggests the book's message is one of codependence, where the child's attempts to establish boundaries are repeatedly overridden. Some reviewers also found the illustrations, particularly the black and white portions or certain character expressions, to be "creepy" or "boring," leading to disengagement from young readers. The absence of a father figure is also noted by some as a point of contention.

In short

Ultimately, this book remains a deeply divisive classic, often evoking strong and contrasting reactions depending on the reader's age and perspective. While children frequently embrace it as a comforting story of enduring love and playful imagination, adults tend to analyze its underlying psychological implications, leading to interpretations ranging from heartwarming to deeply problematic. It is recommended for young children who might find reassurance in the idea of a parent's constant presence and for families seeking a traditional story about parental devotion. However, adults or parents sensitive to themes of over-parenting or control should approach it with an open mind, as its message can be perceived in multiple, sometimes contradictory, ways.

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