Fierce Bad Rabbits

The Tales Behind Children's Picture Books

Clare Pollard

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A nostalgic and eye-opening journey through our best-loved picture books, from Peter Rabbit to The Gruffalo

What is The Tiger Who Came to Tea really about?
How is Meg and Mog related to Polish embroidery?
And why does death in picture books involve being eaten?

Fierce Bad Rabbits explores the stories behind our favourite picture books, weaving in tales of Clare Pollard's childhood reading and her re-discovery of the classic tales as a parent. Because the best picture books are far more complex than they seem - and darker too. Monsters can gobble up children and go unnoticed, power is not always used wisely, and the wild things are closer than you think.

Published: 18 August 2020
ISBN: 9780241354797
Imprint: Penguin General UK
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
RRP: $26.00

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Praise for Fierce Bad Rabbits

Perceptive, illuminating, scholarly, entertaining. Why has no one written this book before? Essential reading for every thinking parent
Penelope Lively

A happy way to reconnect with old friends. Pollard has identified a gap in the history of literature
The Times

Hard to put down . . . thoroughly enjoyable. Pollard has managed to dissect all our favourite stories, while leaving their magic intact
Spectator

Stunning. Packed with revelations. Pollard writes with a joy that is luminous. Essential reading for anyone with a child, or who ever was a child
i

Delightful. As good a guide as you could hope for. Will make you think again about why you loved children's stories, and will lead you to new discoveries too
Harper's Bazaar