TL;DR: If you have a kid in the "reluctant reader" phase or a Minecraft addict who refuses to pick up a book, Rabbit’s Bad Habits is your secret weapon. It’s funny, scientifically accurate (yes, including the gross parts), and written by the guy who wrote the literal ending to Minecraft.
Quick Recommendations:
- For the Minecraft fan: Rabbit’s Bad Habits
- For the "Dog Man" graduate: The Bad Guys
- For the kid who loves animal facts: The Wild Robot
- For the parent who wants better dinner conversation: Wow in the World
If you’ve ever sat through the 10-minute scrolling text at the end of Minecraft (the "End Poem"), you’ve read the work of Julian Gough. He’s the philosopher-poet of the gaming world, and he brought that same existential, slightly weird, and deeply human energy to the Rabbit and Bear series.
When kids find out the guy who wrote their favorite game also wrote a book about a rabbit who eats his own poop, their interest spikes by about 400%. It’s the ultimate "cool factor" bridge from the console to the nightstand. For parents, it’s a relief to know that the "brain rot" they fear in gaming is actually connected to high-quality, award-winning literature.
Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the rabbit—in the room. Within the first few pages of Rabbit’s Bad Habits, Rabbit eats his own poop.
Specifically, he eats "caecotrophs."
Before you ban the book for being "low-brow," here’s the no-BS reality: It is 100% scientifically accurate. Rabbits actually do this to stay healthy. Gough uses this gross-out moment not just for a cheap laugh (though kids will howl), but as a gateway to teaching actual biology.
Kids in the 6-9 age range are in a developmental sweet spot where "gross" is the highest form of currency. They are moving away from the "everything is precious" vibe of Bluey and into the "tell me something shocking" phase. This book meets them exactly where they are without talking down to them.
The Dynamic Duo: Grumpy vs. Zen
The heart of the book is the relationship between Rabbit (an anxious, selfish, judgmental jerk) and Bear (a calm, empathetic, slightly dim-witted but wise giant).
- Rabbit represents every kid (and adult) having a bad day. He’s territorial, he hates change, and he’s rude.
- Bear represents the emotional intelligence we’re all trying to model. She doesn't judge Rabbit for being a jerk; she just exists near him with kindness.
It’s basically a masterclass in how to handle big emotions disguised as a story about a snow-thieving bunny.
If your kid is used to the frantic pace of YouTube or the high-octane chaos of Roblox, standard "classic" chapter books can feel slow. Here is how this book stacks up against other popular titles:
While Dog Man is great for visual literacy and pure silliness, Rabbit’s Bad Habits offers a bit more "meat" in terms of vocabulary and character arc. It’s a great "step up" for kids who want the humor of Dav Pilkey but are ready for more narrative structure.
Both use the "misunderstood animal" trope, but where The Bad Guys is an action-comedy, Rabbit and Bear is more of a "cozy-comedy." It’s a great bedtime read because it doesn't overstimulate, despite the poop jokes.
If your child liked the nature survival aspects of The Wild Robot, they will appreciate the winter-survival stakes in Rabbit’s Bad Habits. It’s like a lighter, funnier version of the same "animals in the woods" vibe.
Recommended Ages: 6–10
- Ages 5-6: Perfect for a "read-aloud." You’ll get to do a great "grumpy" voice for Rabbit, and the illustrations by Jim Field are large and engaging enough to keep them focused.
- Ages 7-8: This is the "sweet spot" for independent reading. The chapters are short, the font is large, and the vocabulary is challenging but accessible.
- Ages 9-10: Might feel a little "young" for advanced readers, but the dry humor and the Minecraft connection usually keep them engaged for a quick, fun afternoon read.
There are zero "safety concerns" here in the traditional sense. There’s no violence, no inappropriate romance, and no consumerist pressure.
However, you should be prepared for:
- The Gross-Out Factor: As mentioned, the coprophagy (poop-eating) is a plot point. If you have a very low tolerance for "toilet humor," this might grate on you. But remember: it’s biology, not just a fart joke.
- Rabbit’s Attitude: Rabbit is genuinely mean to Bear for about 70% of the book. He calls her names and steals her food. If your child tends to mimic "mean" characters, you might want to have a quick chat about why Rabbit is acting that way (hint: he’s scared and lonely).
- The "Habits" series: This is a series. If they like this one, they’re going to want The Pest in the Nest and Attack of the Snack. Budget accordingly.
Ask our chatbot about other books with "grumpy" protagonists
If you want to move beyond "Did you like the book?", try these conversation starters:
- On Perspective: "Rabbit thought the avalanche was a monster. Have you ever been scared of something that turned out to be totally normal?"
- On Friendship: "Why do you think Bear stays friends with Rabbit even when he’s being a jerk? Do you think she’s being 'too nice' or is she just being a good friend?"
- On Science: "Did you know that rabbits actually have two different kinds of poop? One is for the grass, and one is for... a snack? Why do you think their bodies do that?"
- On Digital Literacy: "The guy who wrote this book also wrote the end of Minecraft. Do you see any similarities between the 'End Poem' and the way Rabbit thinks about the world?"
Rabbit’s Bad Habits is a rare find: a book that is genuinely funny to children, scientifically literate, and emotionally resonant for adults. It doesn't pander, it doesn't preach, and it acknowledges that sometimes, being a person (or a rabbit) is just plain hard.
If your kid is currently stuck in a loop of Skibidi Toilet videos and Roblox obbys, this is the perfect "off-ramp" back into the world of physical books. It’s got the "edge" they want with the heart you want.
- Grab the book: Check it out at your local library or buy it here.
- Watch the Minecraft "End Poem": If they’ve never "beaten" the game, look up the text of the End Poem together. It’s a great way to show them that "the computer guy" is a real person with big ideas.
- Diversify the "Gross": If they loved the science-meets-gross vibe, try the Wow in the World podcast for more "human body" facts that will make you gag and them cheer.
Check out our guide on navigating "brain rot" and finding high-quality alternatives