Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book)

We received this book as a gift. It has adorable illustrations with a great vintage feel, and my toddler twins loved the activities ... but I neglected to take it away from them after we finished reading it (because you know how it is with toddlers -- take something away that they like? and listen to tears for ten minutes? not likely!) and in about fifteen minutes, they had torn it completely apart. The comb spine style of book is NOT durable in the hands of toddlers!

This particular book is one that I enjoy sharing with new mothers and their newborn. It's one of the classics.

I was born and raised in another country, so I didn't grow up with this bunny, but I heard so much about it and was told it's a classic. I decided to purchase one for my son. I have to say it's a major disappointment because 1) it's poorly made that's not strong enough to sustain an infant's pulling, chewing, and abusing, 2) the sharp edge of the book always seems to hit my son's face (I'm afraid it will scratch his eyes one day...), 3) the fabric in the peek-a-boo page is very weak that it probably will come off in a few months, 4) the smell of the flowers is so storng (considering I try to buy everything organic and without perfume), 5) Daddy's scratchy face? it's a piece of sandpaper which is so rough that I would not let my son touch it in case it hurts his soft skin. Overall, I think it might have been a great concept in 1940, but time has changed and so should the construction of the book itself.

My son does love this book...especially the peek-a-boo page. However, I don't know why it's not constructed better. This book was about $10, and the pages are a thick paper instead of board book material. Since this book is geared towards the little ones, they really should make this into a board book. How much more expensive can that be? There are other touch and feel books that are board books that sell for $5 or $6.

This little book which I bought on impulse turned out to be the best of the activity books for my son, now 13 months old. He is easily distracted and this book (coupled with his father's additional stories about the bunny) helps him stay focused and stimulates imagination. It is also very helpful at the evening meals, when he is so fascinated that even the tiredness does not make him fuss over his cereal. He literally screams in delight whenever we take the book out.
The simple drawings, mild colors and especially soft fur of the bunny make this book an essential for every baby. I cannot recommend it strong enough. A classic, it will sure be a great gift for many generations of babies.