Mama mia. Here I go again.
(Two American political picture books in one week? This one is also courtesy of the bookshelf beside my friend’s couch.)
This is a cute little book that tells the story of Marlon Bundo: a lonely bunny who lives at the Naval Observatory. One day, Marlon meets another boy bunny and the two fall in love … but are told by the nasty Stink Bug that they aren’t allowed to get married. Marlon and his friends realized that they are able to vote-out the Stink Bug and make their own rules.
What I liked:
The Illustrations. This isn’t the best-illustrated children’s book I’ve ever encountered, but the pictures – whimsical little watercolours – are nonetheless lovely to look at. Plus: Marlon Bundo is wearing a bow-tie. No explanation needed.
The Humour. There are a number of dry chuckles hidden within these pages. I don’t think kids will ever get them … but, they’re certainly nice to stumble across as a grown-up reader.
The Message. The themes are communicated simply but effectively: (1) Love is love, (2) Friends support you, (3) By engaging in the democratic process, you can change the world for the better.
What I didn’t like:
The Politics. OK … A book whose sub-theme is democracy is going to be inherently political … but adding rather-overt political imagery detracts from the message and comes across as a publicity stunt. Further: arguments like this aren’t usually effective in changing people’s opinions. If anything, they’re likely to polarize people even more.
Favourite Quote:
Dill Prickle
… look. It’s a HEDGEHOG named DILL PRICKLE!
You cannot not love that!
The Details:
- The Book: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss
- Published: 2018, Partially Important Productions
- My Copy: The-bookshelf-beside-my-friend’s-couch
- Read date: May 18, 2019
- Rating: ★★★☆☆
- You should read this if you like … punny animal names
- Avoid this if you dislike … not-so-sneaky political messaging
The Geeky Jock 
Great review! In response to the political parts, it might be because the book is meant to be a parody in response to the picture book put out by Vice President Mike Pence and his wife about their bunny and their conservative social viewpoint.
*frantic googling* oh my – you’re right! It’s a total parody!! — So, the big question: do I need to read the originals to compare?!?!
Maybe?! Just to see how straight and narrow Pence’s is? Could be interesting.
It’s good to have something to compare satire against 😁 However: my library doesn’t have the book, so out of luck. (Or, in luck.)