 Original book cover | |
| Author | Dorothy Kunhardt |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's story |
| Publisher | Golden Books |
Publication date | 1940, re-issue May 1, 2001 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print paperback |
| Pages | 20 |
| ISBN | 0-307-12000-7 |
| OCLC | 7375218 |
| Followed by | Pat the Cat |
Pat the Bunny is the first[1] "touch and feel" interactive children's book, written and illustrated by Dorothy Kunhardt. Since its publication in 1940, it has been a perennial best-seller in the United States. Rather than follow a linear narrative, the book invites the reader to engage in tactile activities, such as patting the fake fur of a rabbit, feeling sandpaper that stands for "Daddy's scratchy face", trying on "Mummy's ring", reading a book within a book, playing peekaboo with a cloth, and gazing into a mirror.[2]
It was written and illustrated by author Dorothy Kunhardt. She created Pat the Bunny for her three-year-old daughter Edith, who went on to become a children's writer herself.[3] The New York Times considered it the first interactive books ever written.[1]
Child development experts, such as pediatrician Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, recommend the book due to its "sensory approach".[4][5]
The proceeds from Pat the Bunny support I Am Your Child, a national public awareness campaign created by the Reiner Foundation to stress the importance of early brain development.[6]
- ^ a b Kunhardt Jr., Phillip B. (1990-12-23). "The Original Touchy-Feely: 'Pat the Bunny' Turns 50". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2008-04-26.
- ^ ToyBuzz (2020-09-03). "100+ Fun and Educational Books for 3 Year Olds 2021". Retrieved 2022-09-01.
- ^ Schiro, Anne-Marie (July 29, 1984). "COMPANION FOR A CHILDREN'S CLASSIC". The New York Times. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
- ^ "Pat the Bunny (Golden Touch and Feel Book)". Hicklebees.com. Archived from the original on 2006-11-10. Retrieved 2006-06-13.
- ^ "15 Easy Sensory Activities You Can Do At Home With Infants & Babies". Romper. 16 April 2021. Retrieved 2022-09-01.
- ^ Auerbach, Stevanne (1999). "Golden Books". Drtoy.com. Retrieved 2006-06-18.