YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY!
From the You're Finally Here! series
by Mélanie Watt ; illustrated by Mélanie Watt
“You’re on your way!!! And you’re taking me with you, right?”
In Watt’s You’re Finally Here! (2011), a rabbit narrator expressed irritation that readers took so long to show up. This time, Bunny’s here to cheer audiences on: “Congrats! You did it! Off you go!” Where are readers going? That’s unclear, but either way, Bunny’s expecting to be their plus-one. “Do you know how much FUN we’d have together?” More fun than playing at the park, watching movies, or attending a birthday party. Bunny and readers would make a team stronger than “a volcano blast…stronger than duct tape…stronger than a superhero…stronger than the smell of stinky cheese!” And surely readers will feel lost if they’re parted from Bunny. “SO DON’T LEAVE ME BEHIND!!!” demands an overwrought Bunny before calming down. Bunny alternates between presenting readers with well-thought-out arguments and getting worked up. Finally, Bunny admits, “I’LL MISS YOU.” Bunny may have a few tricks in store to ensure readers get the message—and a few demands once kids decide to invite Bunny along (“I MUST travel by private jet you know”). Watt brings her big-eyed, bouncy protagonist back for a second salvo that’s shot through with encouragement and silliness. Wildly expressive Bunny again communicates directly with readers through speech bubbles set against wood-grained backgrounds; youngsters will be happy to let this exuberant rabbit accompany them wherever they go.
Fourth-wall-breaking fun.
(Picture book. 3-8)