Bunnies on the bus by Philip Ardagh illustrated by Ben Mantle

 

The best picture books:

• have illustrations that go beyond the text
• work on many levels
• can be enjoyed by adults and children 
• can be enjoyed over multiple readings

Bunnies on the bus meets all of these criteria. Kirkus said: "The illustrations alone will keep readers occupied for hours."

I saw the fun of this book very early in the story. As the bunnies take over driving the bus, leaving the elephant driver behind, they whizz past the bus stop which is beside a pedestrian crossing. On the crossing there are four beetles.  

The bunnies drive the bus at a frantic pace through the town. Meanwhile so much is happening. A bank robbery is being planned and executed, a freshly baked chocolate cake goes flying, the pig postman drops his mail which is then caught by the wind and we watch it sail away and a mother bunny calms her baby with a story book - Goldiflops and the three bears. Look out for the love story which is also happening in the background.

I laughed when I saw the clock at the railway station along with the Walker Bear statue. And the story ending is perfect.

"Bunnies at the stop! Bunnies at the stop! Time to get off now. They jump down with a hop! But wait. What's happening down in Station Lane? The bunnies from the bus have jumped onto a train!"

Take a look at the publisher trailer. and here is a video of Philip Ardagh reading part of his book. Once again I marvel at the work done by illustrators. Philip Ardagh wrote this rhyming romp but Ben Mantle has such a wonderful imagination which gives the reader a delightful visual feast. Here are some activity sheets.