A Heart-Pounding Tale of Love, Bravery, and the Magic of Coming to Life
Author: Jen Montgomery-Rice
Illustrator: Zoe Saunders
Age range: 3-8 years
Year: 2026
“WHOOSH!” One minute, Joe is a quiet stuffed rabbit, and the next, his fur feels electrified. Joe Bunny isn’t just a toy; he is Morgan’s best friend, and when life gets turned upside down by a family move, Joe finds himself facing every toy’s worst nightmare: being lost.
But Joe isn’t about to stay put. This brave bunny springs to life, bouncing through “hot and shaky” feelings and navigating a series of tricky, silly, and high-stakes situations to find his way back to his girl. It’s a “forward-thinking” adventure that explores the deep bond between children and their lovies, proving that love is the ultimate battery pack for a stuffed rabbit’s courage.
Why this book is helpful:
- Navigates Big Changes: Provides a safe space for children to discuss the “shaky” feelings that come with moving or life transitions.
- Models Problem-Solving: Shows Joe using his wits and bravery to navigate obstacles, encouraging kids to do the same.
- Validates Transitions: The “lost and found” theme helps children process feelings of separation and the joy of reunion.
- Collaborative Origins: Since this story was perfected with input from actual K-3 students, the pacing and “silly spots” are expertly tuned to keep kids hooked.
- Promotes Empathy: Helps children understand loyalty and the importance of looking out for those they love.
Ask your kids: “If your favorite toy came to life, what adventure would they go on?” It’s a creative, human-centric way to build community and spark that “outside the box” imagination!
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