Antonia Woodward Books

The Missing Bunny by Holly Webb is a heartwarming and captivating short chapter book story, perfect for early readers, especially those in Key Stage 1. The book blends themes of empathy and real-life situations, making it an excellent choice for both independent reading and story time in class.

The story follows Annie, a young girl with two new pet bunnies, eagerly awaiting the chance to introduce them to the hutch her dad has built. However, in the hustle and bustle of getting ready for school one morning, Annie forgets to properly close the hutch door, and Humbug, one of the bunnies, escapes. What will happen to poor Humbug?

Children will easily connect with the story, and the worry for a beloved pet opens up opportunities for meaningful discussions. The vocabulary is accessible yet not overly simplified, making it a great stepping stone for children who are ready to transition to chapter books.

A standout feature of this book is the colourful and engaging illustrations. These visuals break up the text, helping young readers understand the emotions and settings of the story, and making it easier to follow the narrative. The illustrations are especially helpful for visual learners or children with developing literacy skills.

In my Year 2 class, the storyline captured the children’s attention, and many chose to read the book independently after our class reading sessions.