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 · 5,490 ratings  · 199 reviews

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Oct 29, 2010 Anne rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: jill joyce (and addy)

They're all grown now, but every one of my kids loved this story.
It's one of those books that the kids can participate in by yelling out the answer. In this case, they repeat back all the animals that PJ previously lived with in his attempt to not be a bunny.

The gist of this complicated plot is that PJ Funnybunny is sick of all the things that go along with the bunny lifestyle. Too many carrots! Too many siblings! He's done with this nonsense.
He strikes out on his own to find his place in the wo

They're all grown now, but every one of my kids loved this story.
It's one of those books that the kids can participate in by yelling out the answer. In this case, they repeat back all the animals that PJ previously lived with in his attempt to not be a bunny.

The gist of this complicated plot is that PJ Funnybunny is sick of all the things that go along with the bunny lifestyle. Too many carrots! Too many siblings! He's done with this nonsense.
He strikes out on his own to find his place in the world, and one by one eliminates living like other animals due to one problem or another.

His issues range from silly:

To slapstick:

In the end, of course, PJ decides that being a bunny suits him right down to his big floppy ears, and he goes home. Which is the moral of the story that every mother wants, right?
Kidding!
But this is one of the books that was universally beloved in my house when the kids were little and it has a special place in my heart. And on my shelf.

Highly Recommended.

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Nov 23, 2019 Calista rated it it was amazing

I loved this beginning book. The artist brought the creatures facial expressions to life; they felt so real.

P. J. Funnybunny (Love that name, it's fun to say) decided he didn't like being a bunny and he went looking for a different animal to be. He didn't fit in with the other animals, especially the skunks which cracked up the nephew. He found that being a bunny was actually pretty great.

It's the journey of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The Journey to a different land makes you appreciate what

I loved this beginning book. The artist brought the creatures facial expressions to life; they felt so real.

P. J. Funnybunny (Love that name, it's fun to say) decided he didn't like being a bunny and he went looking for a different animal to be. He didn't fit in with the other animals, especially the skunks which cracked up the nephew. He found that being a bunny was actually pretty great.

It's the journey of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. The Journey to a different land makes you appreciate what you have and when you get back you are so thankful. This book is precious and it's too bad I don't think I read this as a child. It's a great book.

The nephew is a little old for this book, but he loved the Funnybunny and he laughed at this story. It was so cute and he gave this 4 stars. Some classics still work.

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May 07, 2010 Ronyell rated it it was amazing

"It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" is apart of the famous "P.J. Funnybunny" series written by Marilyn Sadler along with illustrations by Roger Bollen. In P.J's latest adventure, P.J. decides that he does want to be a bunny anymore and so he goes on a journey to find another breed of animals to live with. "It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" will surely be a classic for fans of P.J. Funnybunny.

Marilyn Sadler has written a delightfully cute story about how P.J. Funnybunny was not satisfied with being a mere b

"It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" is apart of the famous "P.J. Funnybunny" series written by Marilyn Sadler along with illustrations by Roger Bollen. In P.J's latest adventure, P.J. decides that he does want to be a bunny anymore and so he goes on a journey to find another breed of animals to live with. "It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" will surely be a classic for fans of P.J. Funnybunny.

Marilyn Sadler has written a delightfully cute story about how P.J. Funnybunny was not satisfied with being a mere bunny until he experiences the lives of the other animals. I love the way that Marilyn Sadler has made a point being yourself as P.J. soon finds out that maybe it is not so bad being a bunny as he experiences the various activities done by the other animals that he would not normally do. Roger Bollen's illustrations are hilarious and cute at the same time, especially of the image of P.J. Funnybunny having huge ears and a large pink nose, making look like a very cute bunny.

"It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" is the perfect book about being yourself and being satisfied with your current lifestyle. I would strongly recommend this book to children ages three and up since the content is extremely family-friendly and the format is easy to read.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

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Apr 06, 2010 Matthew rated it it was amazing

This is the very first book I successfully read on my own when i was about 4 or 5. This book will always hold something dear to me and it holds a very deep and wholesome moral: Always be yourself.

Its a great book to read to younger children with great illustration and short but descriptive paragraphs on each page. If your young one is just starting out, this is the one to grab. 5/5

Jun 14, 2021 Debbie rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. P.J. Funny bunny was very sad. He did not like being a bunny so he wanted to be a bear then a bird, and then beaver, and then a pig and ..
Loved this story line there wasn't anything i didn't like about this book. First time reading this author and it won't be the last. I rescued bunnies from bad situations so anything about bunnies i will read. P.J. Funny bunny was very sad. He did not like being a bunny so he wanted to be a bear then a bird, and then beaver, and then a pig and ..
Loved this story line there wasn't anything i didn't like about this book. First time reading this author and it won't be the last. I rescued bunnies from bad situations so anything about bunnies i will read. ...more

May 12, 2019 SoulSurvivor rated it really liked it

I sometimes forget that I get a lot of recommendations from compadres who are children's librarians or teach children . The title should have given me a clue ?! Anyway , it was a good 5 minute read . I sometimes forget that I get a lot of recommendations from compadres who are children's librarians or teach children . The title should have given me a clue ?! Anyway , it was a good 5 minute read . ...more

Nov 29, 2020 Josie J rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I ever read and it is so nostalgic to look back on. I remember reading this book consistently throughout my early childhood. definitely a 5-star read purely for nostalgia attached.

Apr 27, 2016 Camie rated it really liked it

PJ Funnybunny is tired of being a bunny , but after trying on the personas of other animals , learns a valuable lesson about liking who you are. Q's Easter Book. PJ Funnybunny is tired of being a bunny , but after trying on the personas of other animals , learns a valuable lesson about liking who you are. Q's Easter Book. ...more

Mar 18, 2008 ABC rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: toddlers/preschoolers

This is about a bunny who doesn't like living with his bunny family, and wants to live elsewhere. He lives with various animals, until he realize the best place is home with his own bunny family. This is about a bunny who doesn't like living with his bunny family, and wants to live elsewhere. He lives with various animals, until he realize the best place is home with his own bunny family. ...more

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
Personal Response: Tony gave this book a 5 out of 5 because it is funny and it is a good book. Tony liked that P. J.(the bunny) wandered into other animal's families. He also liked that P.J. went through all of these different animal's families, just to be a bunny.
Plot: The book It's Not Easy Being a Bunny is about a bunny named P. J., and P. J. was tired of being a bunny. P. J. went on an adventure to see what animal he wanted to be. He went to a bear's house, and It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
Personal Response: Tony gave this book a 5 out of 5 because it is funny and it is a good book. Tony liked that P. J.(the bunny) wandered into other animal's families. He also liked that P.J. went through all of these different animal's families, just to be a bunny.
Plot: The book It's Not Easy Being a Bunny is about a bunny named P. J., and P. J. was tired of being a bunny. P. J. went on an adventure to see what animal he wanted to be. He went to a bear's house, and besides, he didn't want to be a bear because they hibernate. Next P. J. went to live with the birds, and he liked it for a little while until he realized that he can't fly like the birds. After that, he wanted to be a beaver, but they did to much work and P. J. doesn't like work. Then P. J. thought that it would be fun to be a pig, so then he decided to go live with the pigs until he found out that all they do is sit in the mud. He then decides to go be a moose, because he thought he would like being a moose, but he didn't because he couldn't make the same noise as them. P. J. wanted to be a possum after that because he thought it would be exciting, but he couldn't hang upside down like the possums because it gave him a headache. Next, he wanted to be a skunk, but he could not handle the stench and left. After all of the animals he wanted to be, he decided that he wanted to be a bunny because he is good at being a bunny.
Recommendations: I recommend this book for little kids. The ages from 3-year-olds to 8-year-olds. This book is great for any ages but kids will probably like it the most. ...more

P.J Funnybunny did not want to be a bunny anymore, he didn't like his big ears or what his mom fed him, he wanted to be other animals around him. P.J Funnybunny tried to be a bear, a beaver, a bird, a pig and many other animals, but with every new animal he tried to be, he found something he couldn't do like them or something he didn't like that they did. This book was a hidden message kind of book as I like to call it, it is a good read as it is, but when you dig a little deeper there is an imp P.J Funnybunny did not want to be a bunny anymore, he didn't like his big ears or what his mom fed him, he wanted to be other animals around him. P.J Funnybunny tried to be a bear, a beaver, a bird, a pig and many other animals, but with every new animal he tried to be, he found something he couldn't do like them or something he didn't like that they did. This book was a hidden message kind of book as I like to call it, it is a good read as it is, but when you dig a little deeper there is an important message behind the writing. In Its Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J Funnybunny wants to be everyone but himself, but in the end, he finds that he likes being himself. This is showing students the message that it is important and the best option just to be yourself because it is the best you can be and that's why I would want it in my classroom. I love books like this because I want to teach my students that they should just be themselves because it is the best they can be. This is such a powerful idea and this book had such a positive way to convey this message! ...more

Mar 26, 2013 Aaron_ebert rated it it was amazing

"It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" is a book about a rabbit who's not satisfied with the everyday life of being a rabbit. He ventured into the world to try to become like different animals. He attempted to be; a bear, a bird, a beaver, a pig, a opossum, a moose and finally a skunk. After living with each of these animal families for a short period of time, P.J realizes that his life as a bunny isn't really as bad as he thought it was. He returns to his family and appreciates his life more. I really l "It's Not Easy Being a Bunny" is a book about a rabbit who's not satisfied with the everyday life of being a rabbit. He ventured into the world to try to become like different animals. He attempted to be; a bear, a bird, a beaver, a pig, a opossum, a moose and finally a skunk. After living with each of these animal families for a short period of time, P.J realizes that his life as a bunny isn't really as bad as he thought it was. He returns to his family and appreciates his life more. I really like the book. I think each one of us can learn something from P.J. Funnybunny. Many of us take our families and lifestyles for granted. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. ...more

Mar 09, 2020 Kelly Wickham rated it it was amazing

This is an adorable story about a bunny that is tired of eating cooked carrots and being a part of such a large family with so many brothers and sisters. So, he decides to go out into the world to try and be something else. He tries out many different kinds of families from bears to skunks and several things in between but realizes that things are quite right for him with these other species. By the end of the book, he realizes that it is not so bad being a bunny and returns home and is happy to This is an adorable story about a bunny that is tired of eating cooked carrots and being a part of such a large family with so many brothers and sisters. So, he decides to go out into the world to try and be something else. He tries out many different kinds of families from bears to skunks and several things in between but realizes that things are quite right for him with these other species. By the end of the book, he realizes that it is not so bad being a bunny and returns home and is happy to eat cooked carrots and play with all his brothers and sisters. The illustrations are fun and the story is interesting and endearing. ...more

Oct 18, 2017 Casey rated it it was amazing

PJ Funnybunny gets down on himself because he has big ears, he tries to find himself by living with a bear, a bird, and other animals only to find that being a bunny is what he's good at and what he's meant to be. This story is obviously a allegory for being yourself and not changing yourself for anyone else. As a child I remember reading this and wanting to be a bear.

You always want something that you're not. The book says this in the beginning but doesn't say how that's normal and okay. I st

PJ Funnybunny gets down on himself because he has big ears, he tries to find himself by living with a bear, a bird, and other animals only to find that being a bunny is what he's good at and what he's meant to be. This story is obviously a allegory for being yourself and not changing yourself for anyone else. As a child I remember reading this and wanting to be a bear.

You always want something that you're not. The book says this in the beginning but doesn't say how that's normal and okay. I still love the book but true is true.

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Aug 09, 2018 Angie rated it really liked it

My Review: This is such a classic book, I remember reading it as a kid myself, so I was thrilled when Munchkin picked this story out at the library. I love the classic illustration style, it is simple and a little cartoonish that adds character to the story. Munchkin really liked that he was able to read the story, the words were all simple and the sentences short. There is a lot of repetition that young ones will enjoy. It also has a great message about being happy with who you are and not tryi My Review: This is such a classic book, I remember reading it as a kid myself, so I was thrilled when Munchkin picked this story out at the library. I love the classic illustration style, it is simple and a little cartoonish that adds character to the story. Munchkin really liked that he was able to read the story, the words were all simple and the sentences short. There is a lot of repetition that young ones will enjoy. It also has a great message about being happy with who you are and not trying to be someone else. ...more

5 stars.

Ok ok so my childhood nostalgia is coming into play here just a little, but here me out, it is still a really great picture book. It's funny and the message is about loving who you are. What's not to like about that.

I'm sure most of us have been in PJ's predicament, where he wants to be someone other than who he is.

This book also reminds me of that 1994 movie, North. (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110687/)

I hadn't realised that there were so many books in this series. I only ever had the

5 stars.

Ok ok so my childhood nostalgia is coming into play here just a little, but here me out, it is still a really great picture book. It's funny and the message is about loving who you are. What's not to like about that.

I'm sure most of us have been in PJ's predicament, where he wants to be someone other than who he is.

This book also reminds me of that 1994 movie, North. (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110687/)

I hadn't realised that there were so many books in this series. I only ever had the first two growing up so I'm looking forward to tracking down the rest.

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Each time I read this, I like it a bit better!

A very funny story about a bunny who wants to be any other animal except a bunny!

He tries being a bear, a skunk, a beaver, etc. but he realizes that being a bunny is best!

Great for children to read to discover that they too are perfect just the way they are!

P.J. no longer wanted to be a bunny, therefore he tried to become all different types of other animals, only to discover he really liked being a bunny. It is a good read for children who are having troble realizing that who they are is pretty amazing.

A very funny story about a bunny who wants to be any other animal except a bunny!

He tries being a bear, a skunk, a beaver, etc. but he realizes that being a bunny is best!

Great for children to read to discover that they too are perfect just the way they are!

Nov 18, 2017 Heather rated it it was amazing

Adorably written and illustrated! Borrowed from the little free library by Acorn Park. I totally relate - I want to be a bunny and eat cooked carrots too!

Dec 17, 2018 Watch Books rated it really liked it

A well illustrated and engaging book about being who you are and belonging. Would recommend. -Zoe

Feb 19, 2019 Isla rated it it was amazing

I like this book because at the end the bunny realizise he belongs with the bunny's. I like this book because at the end the bunny realizise he belongs with the bunny's. ...more

Feb 22, 2020 Bronwyn rated it really liked it

Another I apparently never logged.

This is a fun little book. My son likes all the different animals. The illustrations are cute and I like that it's about being happy with who you are.

Feb 22, 2020 Jamille Parks rated it it was amazing

I love these beginner books. I can't wait to teach kids how to read. I love these beginner books. I can't wait to teach kids how to read. ...more

Feb 23, 2020 em rated it it was amazing

read this out loud w/ the boyfriend in the middle of target. get on our level.

Sep 16, 2020 Mandi rated it it was amazing

This has been a family favorite for years! We've read it so much we have all the lines memorized but we still read it regularly 😁 It's a funny look at being content 💜

Sep 26, 2021 Chelsey rated it it was amazing

Marilyn Sadler creates a story in which a bunny does not want to live at home amongst the chaos. The rabbit moves from house to house and in the end realizes that he belongs at home with his family. This beautiful story is meant to teach young children that though you may be unhappy at the moment, the place you belong is always home with family. This story helps children see animals and their spelling while teaching them about the housing for different animals. This is a great lesson that could Marilyn Sadler creates a story in which a bunny does not want to live at home amongst the chaos. The rabbit moves from house to house and in the end realizes that he belongs at home with his family. This beautiful story is meant to teach young children that though you may be unhappy at the moment, the place you belong is always home with family. This story helps children see animals and their spelling while teaching them about the housing for different animals. This is a great lesson that could be intertwined with a science lesson to follow. ...more

May 06, 2017 Eboni Johnson rated it it was amazing

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler is under the genre Children's Literature as a picture book. It is intended for the audience ages three to seven years. This story is about a character named P.J Funny bunny who doesn't like being a bunny - he doesn't like eating lots of carrots or his big floppy ears. So, one day he decides to live like other animals. I rated It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler five stars because the theme of this story teaches young readers to love and app It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler is under the genre Children's Literature as a picture book. It is intended for the audience ages three to seven years. This story is about a character named P.J Funny bunny who doesn't like being a bunny - he doesn't like eating lots of carrots or his big floppy ears. So, one day he decides to live like other animals. I rated It's Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler five stars because the theme of this story teaches young readers to love and appreciate who you are. This story explores the many ways others are admired for the differences – difference that sometimes we cannot relate to. The elements of the story are captured as we see P.J not liking being a bunny (exposition) to deciding to live like other animals (rising action) to realizing how hard it is being a bunny and living like other animals (climax) to appreciating who he is (falling action) to returning home (denouement). The use of language connects to the illustrations making this didactic tone more relatable. After sharing this book with a group of four year olds, we discussed the question, "It's not easy being four because…" The answers every absolutely hilarious - some were, "I want to be five, it's hard being a big brother, and I want to go to the store to get marsh-mellows!" One simply stated, "I have no complaints". This book encourages younger readers to appreciate and acknowledge who they are and their current responsibilities.
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With a degree in fine arts, Marilyn Sadler assumed she would be an illustrator. But when early in her career she was presented with an opportunity to write, she seized it and quickly discovered that she had found her true love. No sad, sappy stories for her, however. She likes to make herself laugh, and with that her characters usually end up looking pretty silly for one reason or another.

Her firs

With a degree in fine arts, Marilyn Sadler assumed she would be an illustrator. But when early in her career she was presented with an opportunity to write, she seized it and quickly discovered that she had found her true love. No sad, sappy stories for her, however. She likes to make herself laugh, and with that her characters usually end up looking pretty silly for one reason or another.

Her first children's book featured a fastidious little English boy named Alistair Grittle and was originally created for the English publisher, Hamish Hamilton, as well as for Simon & Schuster in the United States. Having created a boy with such perfect behavior, she then turned her attention to a not so perfectly behaved little boy. His name was P.J. Funnybunny, and he has existed in a series of books for Random House, including the highly prestigious Dr. Seuss Cat In the Hat series.

Marilyn's television credits include two PBS Reading Rainbow programs featuring Alistair, an Alistair program for the BBC, three ABC Weekend Specials featuring P.J. Funnybunny, and a show based on her children's book, "Elizabeth and Larry", for Showtime's Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories.

Between 1999 and 2004, The Disney Channel produced three Original Movies based on her book, "Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century". Each of Disney's Zenon movies had exceptionally high ratings, with Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century and Zenon the Zequel among the highest rated shows in the history of The Disney Channel.

In 2004, Playhouse Disney began production on Marilyn and Roger Bollen's animated series, Handy Manny. Handy Manny premiered September 16, 2006, as the highest rated Playhouse Disney series premiere of all time. In 2009, Marilyn was nominated for an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of Handy Manny.

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