Taking Care of Mama Rabbit by Anita Lobel (review)

Mama Rabbit is sick in bed, so her ten little rabbits spring into action to try to make her well. Each brings her something meant to help her feel better, ranging from things that might actually aid a sick person (a fresh hankie, a cup of hot cocoa) to those intended more for cheering one up (a flower, a necklace, a drawing). The little rabbits are about to begin their pièce de résistance (putting on a show for their mother) when Papa Rabbit shows up with medicine. Mama informs him that she doesn’t need it after all (“Our darling rabbits have made me all better without it”), and it’s on with the show. The story is sweet and the message of everyone pitching in to try to help Mama feel better is a good-hearted one, but the premise that the children cure the mother’s illness through their actions alone, without pharmaceutical help, might also be problematically wishful, particularly for kids with seriously ill parents. Lobel’s vibrantly hued gouache and watercolor illustrations are warm and cozy, though, and the kids who prefer their stuffed animals to dolls will be drawn to the cute, clothes-wearing little bunnies. While those looking for a get-well-themed title may be better off with Karma Wilson’s Bear Feels Sick or Rosemary Wells’ Felix Feels Better (BCCB 6/01), fans of Lobel’s 10 Hungry Rabbits (BCCB 3/12) may particularly enjoy this new bunny outing.