That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown is a favourite story here, my daughter finds Queen Gloriana’s behaviour seemingly un-queenlike! In our house this is a particularly well read bedtime story, one of those that my daughter often chooses when she’s tired and wants to spend time with comforting, familiar characters.
The Story: Queen Gloriana sends various members of the armed forces to try and persuade Emily Brown to give her Stanley, Emily’s soft toy rabbit, in exchange for a range of new toys. Emily refuses to give Stanley away but one morning she wakes up and finds him gone. She goes straight to the palace to rescue Stanley and gives Queen Gloriana advice on how to look after her own teddy bear. Some time later Emily receives a thank you letter.
Emily Brown is a feisty, adventurous heroine and she is absolutely determined that Queen Gloriana won’t take her beloved rabbit away. It is hilarious to see Queen Gloriana become more and more demanding and great to see a small girl doggedly stand up for what is hers. Every time the military appears Emily and Stanley are out exploring (e.g. in a rainforest, in space) and we love Neal Layton’s illustrations (including photos and collage) which beautifully depict their amazing adventures. There is lots to look at in the pictures, we especially love Stanley’s collaged body which shows how well loved he is.
Love conquers all in the award winning, wonderfully entertaining That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown which illustrates the fact that you can’t always have what you want. However, Emily’s ability to help the spoilt queen after she has stolen Stanley makes for a happy ending for everybody.
Age Range: 3 +
Author: Cressida Cowell / Illustrator: Neal Layton
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