In honor of Charlotte Zolotow – June 26, 1915 – November 19, 2013 – poet, editor, publisher and author of more than 70 picture books.
Author: Charlotte Zolotow
Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
Publisher: Scholastic Book Services, 1968 (originally published in 1962)
Age: 4-8
Themes: rabbits, birthdays, color
Opening: “Mr. Rabbit,” said the little girl, “I want help.” ” Help, little girl, I’ll give you help if I can, ” said Mr. Rabbit.
Summary: (from my library catalog) Mr. Rabbit helps a little girl find a colorful present for her mother’s birthday. Mrs. Zolotow had submitted it as The Color Book, but it was turned down because it was initially a collection of poems without any children or relationships. Eventually she revised it, using color to help a child choose a birthday gift (see resource link below for more). Persistence paid off: it is one of her most popular books and now available in many languages.
Why I like this book: is Mr. Rabbit’s personality, his matter-of-fact dry but gentle humor, and his patience with the little girl demanding his help. Most of all his final wish for her mother’s birthday…” a happy basket of fruit.”
Resources/Activities: Read more on how the book came about on the Charlotte Zolotow website – HERE ; prepared activities from Live Oak Media – HERE
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks and parent/teacher resources go to Susanna Hill’s blog – HERE
julie rowan-zoch 
Thank-you, Julie. A fitting tribute to a remarkable person. I think When I Have a Little Boy and When I Have a Little Girl may be my favorite of her books.
LikeLike
I haven’t seen those, thanks for the tip!
LikeLike
I love,love this book. I particularly like that rabbit. Ms Zolotow was a remarkable woman who left a remarkable legacy. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
70 PBs – hope I still have time!
LikeLike
Great choice.
LikeLike
It was the first Zolotow I could find in my shelf – but a great one!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing:)
LikeLike
A beautifully written and illustrated book, Julie, and a good lesson from Charlotte. Sorry to hear of her passing.
LikeLike
I hope we can all make contributions to the kid-lit world with the same amount of heart.
LikeLike
Great idea to do a tribute! I haven’t read that book.
LikeLike
This tribute really blew my mind. That is one of my favorites that Charlotte wrote. Love her work! I Know A Lady is so well written too. If You Listen is another one. Imagine you were one of her illustrators. How cool would that have been? Far out! Later pal! 🙂
LikeLike
YEAH – maybe I can do my own illos of her work for fun? Thanks for the idea, wonderful friend!
LikeLike
You must!
LikeLike
Beautiful book, Julie. Reminds me a bit of the Peter Rabbit series. So sad she has passed away. Lovely tribute.
LikeLike
So glad someone chose a Zolotov picture book to review today. Super tribute.
LikeLike
Thanks, Joanna. It’s a great book.
LikeLike
Such a great tribute to Zolotov. Glad you reviewed her beautiful book. Couldn’t access you site via Susanna’s link. Finally saw your review in my reviewer and realized it was your selection.
LikeLike
Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes I mess up when I link from my tablet and not the computer.
LikeLike