Pat the Bunny
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| Author | Dorothy Kunhardt |
|---|---|
| Country | USA language = English |
| Genre(s) | Children's story |
| Publisher | Golden Books |
| Released | 1940 May 1st, 2001 (re-issue) |
| 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 hardly a book in the literary 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.
[edit] Background and publication
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.[1] It was partly an experiment in using interactive elements in a book, which was unusual at the time. Dorothy felt that there was more to books than just words on paper and that added elements could increase a child’s love for reading and learning. 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.[2]
[edit] Literary significence 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] The book was endorsed by experts in child development for its "developmental features" and "sensory approach".[8]
[edit] References
- ^ Schiro, Anne-Marie (July 29th, 1984). COMPANION FOR A CHILDREN'S CLASSIC. New York Times. Retrieved on 2006-06-18.
- ^ Auerbach, Stevanne (1999). Golden Books. Drtoy.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-18.
- ^ Pat the Bunny. Powell's Books (2006). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ the story of pat the bunny. Golden Books (2005). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ Mallory, Michael (January 1st, 2001). Wild about Harry's pals Execs snap up magical, mystical tomes. Variety.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ Licensing 2000: Not the Way We Were?. Publishing Trends (July, 2000). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ Bestseller List for June 15, 2006. Booksense Booksellers (June 15th, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
- ^ Pat the Bunny (Golden Touch and Feel Book). Hicklebees.com. Retrieved on 2006-06-13.
