Pat the Bunny

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Pat the Bunny
Original book cover
Author Dorothy Kunhardt
Country USA
Language English
Genre(s) Children's story
Publisher Golden Books
Publication date 1940, re-issue May 1st, 2001
Media type Print paperback
Pages 20
ISBN ISBN 0-307-12000-7
Followed by Pat the Cat

Pat the Bunny is a "touch and feel" book for small children and babies that has been a perennial best-seller in the U.S. since publication in 1940. It is not a book in the traditional sense, but more a collection of things to do, such as pat the fake fur of a rabbit on one page, feel a bit of sandpaper that stands for "daddy's beard" on another, and look in a mirror on yet another.

Contents

[edit] Book format

The book was well known and distinct for having many different materials for young children to touch, such as a cottonball representing a rabbit tail, a cloth to lift and see what was on the other side, a mirror to look into, a wedding ring to stick their finger through, and even a miniature book about a bunny.[1]

[edit] Writing

It was written by Dorothy Kunhardt, who was a successful children's author when she wrote Pat the Bunny for her 3-year-old daughter, Edith.[2] It was partly an experiment in using interactive elements in a book, which was unusual at the time.

[edit] Reception and legacy

Since publication, Pat the Bunny has sold over 7 million copies, making it the number 6 all- time bestselling children's hardcover book, according to Publishers Weekly.[3] The original book was so successful that Edith Kunhardt wrote three companions: Pat the Cat in 1984, Pat the Puppy in 1991, and Pat the Pony in 1997. The publisher, Random House, has developed an entire line of related products,[4] and the company DIC will create a TV series based on the book.[5][6] The book continues to be popular, appearing as eleventh best selling children's illustrated book for the week of June 15th, 2006.[7] Golden Press makes more than a quarter million copies a year.[1] The book was endorsed by experts in child development for its "developmental features" and "sensory approach".[8] In August 2004, Classic Media and Evergreen Concepts partnered to help promote the Pat the Bunny brand.[9] On March 4, 2008, a DVD of the book was released with interactive materials included and an interview with Jean Kunhardt, the authors granddaughter.[10] There have also been parodies of the book, such as "Pat the Politician" mocking contemporary political figures.[11] The proceeds from Pat the Bunny supports I Am Your Child, a national public awareness campaign created by the Reiner Foundation to stress the importance of early brain development.[12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b PHILIP B. KUNHARDT JR (1990-12-23). The Original Touchy-Feely: 'Pat the Bunny' Turns 50. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  2. ^ Schiro, Anne-Marie (July 29th, 1984). COMPANION FOR A CHILDREN'S CLASSIC. New York Times. Retrieved on 2006-06-18.
  3. ^ Pat the Bunny. Powell's Books (2006). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  4. ^ the story of pat the bunny. Golden Books (2005). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  5. ^ Mallory, Michael (January 1st, 2001). Wild about Harry's pals Execs snap up magical, mystical tomes. Variety.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  6. ^ Licensing 2000: Not the Way We Were?. Publishing Trends (July, 2000). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  7. ^ Bestseller List for June 15, 2006. Booksense Booksellers (June 15th, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  8. ^ Pat the Bunny (Golden Touch and Feel Book). Hicklebees.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
  9. ^ Classic Media and Evergreen Concepts Form Strategic Partnership to Develop Licensing Programs for Little Golden Books and Pat the Bunny. PRWeb (2004-08-04). Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  10. ^ Ranny Levy (2008-02-19). Pat the Bunny Comes to DVD March 4. kidsfirst. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  11. ^ Anderson, Lessley (2004-07-24). Pat the Politician: A Political Pull and Poke Parody. San Francisco Weekly. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  12. ^ Auerbach, Stevanne (1999). Golden Books. Drtoy.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-18.