I have definite political opinions, but for the most part, I try to avoid writing about them on this blog.
But today I'm reviewing a picture book. And it's politically-charged. So consider yourself forewarned.
I heard about this book the morning it was released.
A quick caveat: I don't have a lot of nice things to say about Mike Pence, but I will say this: he has one awesomely-named pet rabbit.
Namely, Marlon Bundo.
If you don't know the story behind the story, Mike Pence's daughter, Charlotte Pence, released a book from the perspective of the pet rabbit called "Marlon Bundo's A Day in the Life of the Vice President". The book even features watercolours from Karen Pence, the "Second Lady". You can find the Goodreads page for this book here.
Well, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver heard about this story, and in classic John Oliver style, decided to answer the question: What happens when a troll is a rabbit? Of course, he addresses this questions with humour, intelligence, a British accent, a lot of profanity, and more than a little snark.
The result is A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.
Like many others, I bought this book (just the ebook so far; hopefully the hardback will be available soon in Canada. I also HIGHLY recommend the audiobook) because of the underlying drama. Hey, a war of books? Yeah, I'm curious. Besides, 100% of Last Week Tonight's proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project and AIDS United. So I got to satiate my curiosity and support at least one great cause. Win-win.
I was not expecting this book to be so utterly, one-hundred percent charming.
The description is as follows:
"A picture book about a Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence - the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever... With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming children's book explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different."
If you're worried about this book being nothing more than a huge "screw you", though, it isn't. At all. There are only minor mentions of the Vice President at all. And, while there is discussion of democracy, this is not a hate-filled book. There is a stinkbug who only wants boy bunnies to marry girl bunnies, who doesn't like anyone being different at all. And, while the stinkbug may indeed wear a red tie and have a toupee, the choice in colouring (he's green, not orange, his toupee is white) helps keep it all relatively subversive. It's definitely a book for children. There are friends (I really like the Mr. Paws, the Very Good Dog) who all realize that they are all different in some way, and they all support their friend Marlon, because, after all, "That's what friends do."
This book is more than the publicity stunt it could very easily have turned into.
It's absolutely a wonderfully-illustrated, charmingly-written book about support and change and being a friend and standing up for things and love. It's in a perfect tone for children, but adults could use the reminder too.
Check out the cast for the audiobook, please, as well. It's incredible. I will be getting that soon, too.
It's so easy to respond to things with hate. But there's enough of that in the world. This book was more to me than a message or its proceeds or just how GOOD it is. It's a reminder, to me, that when we see something we don't like in the world, we have the chance to respond how we wish. The group behind this book decided to put something positive out there. When we see anger and hate and hurt, wouldn't it be lovely to respond in the same way? With creativity and positivity and support and love and open arms? "Because that's what friends do."
Have you read this one yet? What do you think of the story behind this story? Is it more or less likely to convince you to purchase the book? What's one of the best picture books you've read?
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