Review : Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach

Judgy Bunny is a cute little character with a very big (negative) attitude. She has arrived at the beach and nothing is going to impress this bunny. It’s too hot, too sandy, too many seagulls and even a bright beautiful beach ball will not lighten her mood. She will find any reason to complain and meeting new friends is not on her agenda.

With crossed arms, a pouting face and highly opinionated responses, one can instantly recognise the judgy bunnies we meet (or at times have been) in our lives.

Not willing to give anything a try, not even an ice-cream, Judgy Bunny is approached by another bunny on the beach who is more than willing to include her into their beach fun and games. Reluctantly Judgy Bunny ‘tries’ their activities whilst wondering why would they want to include her?

This wonderful and creative story is a clever opportunity to help children to develop positive mindsets and discover that by being open to new experiences might just lead to beautiful moments of friendship and joy. If you find you often are saying, ‘You don’t know if you like it till you try it,’ then this is the book for you and your young readers.

The illustrations by Linzie Hunter are truly a delight. The story itself has simple short text on each page and combined with the vibrant and bold illustrations, children will easily resonate with the emotions and reactions throughout the story. The use of panelling on some pages to build scenes with multiple activities is very effective.

The exaggerated expressions that Judgy Bunny displays will give the reader some great laugh-out-loud moments. And of course, there is nothing better than endpapers that join in the fun and manage to tell their own story.

This book will be loved by early readers who can follow the story easily through text and illustrations, as well as being a highly engaging read-aloud in homes and schools. The story lends itself beautifully to many insightful discussions around perspectives in all aspects of our lives.

It is exciting to note that this is the first book in the series and we can look forward to discovering Judgy Bunny in other ‘terrible places’ with no doubt more laugh-out-loud reactions.

Activity sheets 


Title: Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach
Author: Scott Rothman
Illustrator: Linzie Hunter
Publisher: Penguin, $24.99

Imprint: Sourcebook Jabberwocky
Publication Date: 24 March 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781728296722
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book