Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar - Story Snug

Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar by Emily MacKenzie

Ralfy Rabbit’s book obsession leads him into big trouble in this very amusing, beautifully illustrated story. But canย anybody help him find a solution to his book addiction?

The Story: Ralfy rabbit is unlike other rabbits whoย dream about vegetables and dandelion filled meadows. He dreams about books and his obsession leads to him stealing books from people’s houses. One day Arthur notices that his favourite book is missing and realising that he has been burgled he sets out to catch the thief. Nobody believes Arthur’s story about a bunny book thief, least of all PC Puddle who becomesย the next victim of Ralfy’s crime. PC Puddle catches Ralfy redhanded and when he takes part in an identity parade his book obsession unmasks him as the thief. Arthur feels sorry for Ralfy and introduces him to the library, the perfect place for a book bunny to spend his time.

Whilst we do not condone Ralfy’s thieving behaviour we find Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar a very amusing story. We’re happy that instead of being punished for his addiction Ralfy is given help for his problem. He’s a huge book lover but he isn’t a selfish rabbit, he compiles booklists for his family and friends as well as lists of his favourite books and books that he wants to read. My daughter doesn’t understand the humour in the book titles on his lists but they are all well known titles with a bunny related twist, my favourites include Warren Peas, The Rabbit with The Dandelion Tattoo and Gone with The Carrots.

Emily Mackenzie’s illustrations are full of humorous details. We love Ralfy’s stripy ‘I Love Books’ teeshirt and the mask he wears when he’s up to no good. My daughter pores over the page showing Arthur’s spy kit (she wants to make one too!) and the two double spreads showing the identity parade make me laugh, especially the two rabbits having a standoff over a carrot! The rabbits all look very different and my daughter likes comparing those that are introduced at the beginning of the story to those in the identity parade. Arthur, a little boy, and PC Puddle are human characters (although we only see PC Puddle’s hand) and there are only children in the library, no other rabbits!

We love Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar. It’s a great story which celebrates reading, books and libraries in a very humorous way.

Age Range: 3+

Author / Illustrator: Emily MacKenzie


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30 responses to “Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar by Emily MacKenzie”


  1. Alison avatar

    My daughter loves this book. She took it to pre-school today to show her class-mates.


    1. Catherine! avatar

      It’s a great story isn’t it. We love all the rabbit inspired book titles ๐Ÿ™‚


  2. AJ Irving avatar

    I can’t believe we have read this book yet! I’m adding it to our reading list!


    1. Catherine avatar

      It’s only been published this year. Hope you enjoy it ๐Ÿ™‚


  3. Christine M. (Cool Mom) - Tech Support for Stanley & Katrina avatar

    Wow, this sounds adorable! Thanks for sharing on the #KidLitBlogHop. Have a super weekend ahead.


    1. Catherine avatar

      It is, who can’t resist a bunny who loves books?!


  4. Rebecca avatar

    This looks like the perfect book to pair with the American title Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea and Lane Smith!


    1. Catherine avatar

      I don’t know that story, will check it out ๐Ÿ™‚


  5. Verily Victoria Vocalises avatar

    This sounds like a really great book – one I would get for my daughter if she were a bit younger. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x


    1. Catherine avatar

      It’s a fab book for bookaholics, a great advertisement for libraries too ๐Ÿ™‚


  6. Erika avatar

    This sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for the recommendation! Visiting from the #Kidlitbloghop ๐Ÿ™‚


    1. Catherine avatar

      It is a fun story ๐Ÿ™‚


  7. Brittany avatar

    What a funny book! I’ll have to find this for my four year old to read; he loves the act of changing via mask. The illustrations look great!
    Thanks for sharing. Stopping by via Kid Lit Blog Hop


    1. Catherine avatar

      I hadn’t thought about it before but the mask also gives him a kind of library superhero look ๐Ÿ™‚


  8. Katie @ The Logonauts avatar

    This sounds like a really fun book for younger children. Hooray for books worth stealing! Thanks for linking up with the #KidLitBlogHop today.


    1. Catherine avatar

      It’s a fun book for adults to read to children too ๐Ÿ™‚


  9. Julie Grasso avatar

    This looks hilarious and Gigi is obsessed with solving all things mystery. We will have to check this one out.


    1. Catherine avatar

      Gigi will need a spy kit like Arthur’s ๐Ÿ™‚


  10. Aileen Stewart avatar

    This book sounds really fun. Maybe a child’s version of the Book Thief?


    1. Catherine avatar

      I don’t know The Book Thief Aileen – will check it out.


  11. Stephanie avatar

    This book sounds hilarious. I love the idea of a picture book that makes me laugh as much (or more) than my three year old! I will definitely check out Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar by Emily MacKenzie. Popping by from the Kidlit Blog Hop ๐Ÿ™‚


    1. Catherine avatar

      The book lists are brilliant and really make me laugh ๐Ÿ™‚


  12. chantelle hazelden avatar

    I’ve seen a review for this book previously and I love that the theme of the story actually revolves around books!! thanks for sharing with #readwithme x


    1. Catherine avatar

      It’s a great story and a fantastic advert for libraries ๐Ÿ™‚


  13. Kim Carberry avatar

    Aww! This sounds like a lovely book! Lots of fun x


    1. Catherine avatar

      It is humorous whilst being a great advert for libraries.


  14. Kgomotso avatar

    Ralfy Rabbit sounds adorable! #PoCoLo


    1. Catherine avatar

      He is, I’m glad he is saved from his life of crime ๐Ÿ™‚


  15. Merlinda Little ( @pixiedusk) avatar

    Amazing story that I am sure my 4-1/2 year old boy would love =) #mmwbh


    1. Catherine avatar

      It’s a fun story ๐Ÿ™‚