Attack of the Snack

Attack of the Snack

book

2020, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
84%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Rabbit and Bear tackle a mysterious lake visitor with friendship, blueberry poop jokes, and the kind of gentle chaos that makes early readers giggle.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what early chapter books should be: funny, illustrated, emotionally smart, and genuinely entertaining. The Rabbit and Bear series has built a solid reputation for helping kids transition from picture books without feeling like they're eating their vegetables.

Rabbit's got bad habits and Bear is patient—it's a classic odd-couple friendship that works. The mystery setup (what IS that thing in the lake?) keeps pages turning, and the resolution involves both problem-solving and emotional growth. Plus, any book that can make blueberry poop funny without being gross deserves credit.

At 112 pages with Jim Field's charming illustrations throughout, it's the right length for kids who are ready to feel like 'real readers' without getting overwhelmed. The 4.8 Amazon rating and positive reviews from School Library Journal back up what parents already know: this series delivers.

Age Fit

Ideal for kids ages 5-8 who are ready for chapter books but still want illustrations and humor. The accessible language, short chapters, and silly premise make it perfect for building reading confidence. By age 9, most kids will have moved on to meatier chapter books.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

A gentle friendship story between Rabbit and Bear that models problem-solving, acceptance, and making amends when you mess up. The humor is age-appropriate (yes, there's blueberry poop jokes, but it's exactly the right kind of silly for early readers). Rabbit's self-centered habits get challenged in healthy ways, and Bear provides a steady, kind counterbalance.

Imaginative
82

The premise of a mysterious creature landing in a lake invites curiosity and problem-solving. The illustrated chapter book format with Jim Field's artwork adds visual interest. The 'is it tiny or huge?' mystery setup encourages kids to think about perspective and problem-solving, though it's not breaking new ground in children's literature.

Safe
95

This is a wholesome early chapter book with zero concerning content. The 'worst' thing here is bathroom humor about blueberry poop, which is perfectly age-appropriate silliness. No violence, no scary elements beyond mild mystery tension, no mature themes. Books like this are exactly what parents can hand to kids without worry.

Enriching
80

Solid lessons about friendship, accepting differences, and fixing mistakes when you turn 'the Best Day Ever into the Worst Day Ever.' The chapter book format helps build reading confidence and stamina for kids transitioning from picture books. Themes of acceptance and cooperation are woven naturally into the story rather than feeling preachy. Not deeply complex, but age-appropriate emotional growth.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Perfect bridge from picture books to chapter books—illustrated, manageable length, engaging story
  • Models healthy friendship dynamics where mistakes get fixed and differences get accepted
  • Bathroom humor that's actually funny without being gross or mean-spirited
  • Julian Gough's writing has genuine wit that doesn't talk down to kids
  • Part of a beloved series with consistent characters kids can follow across books
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What to Watch For

  • Rabbit is kind of a jerk at times (but that's the point—he learns and grows)
  • The humor skews toward the silly/potty variety, which some kids find hilarious and others find meh
  • Third in a series, so kids might want to backtrack to books 1 and 2

Conversation Starters

  • "Rabbit thought he could solve the mystery by himself but needed Bear's help. When have you needed help from a friend?"
  • "What would you do if a mysterious creature landed in your lake?"
  • "Rabbit turned the Best Day into the Worst Day. Have you ever accidentally ruined something and had to make it right?"
  • "Why do you think Bear and Rabbit are such good friends even though they're so different?"

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