From the bestselling author of Attack of the Underwear Dragon comes the hilarious picture book introduction to Judgy Bunny, who thinks every new experience is THE WORST. Especially if she wasn't invited. Or if she might not be good at it. Or if it just looks awesome... er, terrible, that is.
For this judgy bunny, nothing's worse than a day at the beach. The sun? Too bright. That view of the blue sky and gleaming sand? Awful. Sand castles? Ugh. Ice cream? Yucky.
Yep. Everything is TERRIBLE. It has to be, right? There’s no way she could EVER have a good time. Not with the inexplicably friendly bunny who's offered to fly kites with her, or the ice cream cone that possibly isn't a flavor she detests, or boogie boarding, which she actually... isn't bad at??! Okay. MAYBE it's fun. But she'll be the judge of that.
SCOTT ROTHMAN is a writer of picture books, screenplays, theater, and humor pieces. Scott’s debut picture book ATTACK OF THE UNDERWEAR DRAGON (Random House) and its sequel RETURN OF THE UNDERWEAR DRAGON were both National Indie bestsellers and are being developed into a musical kids TV series by Mercury Filmworks with best-selling illustrator Pete Oswald and Tony-award winning composer Bill Sherman.
His most recent book KITTYBUNKPORT was featured on the TODAY SHOW and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager for her Summer Reading List. Scott’s book WARM AND FUZZY (Tundra, illustrated by Brian Won) received a starred review from Booklist who called it a “fun and helpful read about overcoming anxieties.”
Scott’s other kid’s books include the Virginia Readers’ Choice finalist BLUE BISON NEEDS A HAIRCUT and BUBBLE GUM BISON NEEDS A BATH (Random House, both illustrated by Pete Oswald), PARFAIT, NOT PARFAIT (Roaring Brook Press, illustrated by Avery Monsen), MAKO & TIGER: A SHARK’S TALE (Random House, illustrated by Mika Song) and BASKETBALL TOWN (Candlewick Press, illustrated by Darnell Johnson). He has six more books coming out in 2026.
A screenplay Scott co-wrote with playwright Rajiv Joseph, DRAFT DAY, topped the 2012 Black List before being made into a feature film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Kevin Costner. In addition, Scott co-wrote the script for the comedy ARMY OF ONE starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Larry Charles.
Scott also wrote the book for the one-person musical TODD VS. THE TITANIC (music and lyrics by Murder for Two’s Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair) which was produced by the Adirondack Theatre Festival and the Hangar Theatre.
Scott’s humor writing has appeared in The New Yorker, GQ and McSweeney’s. He received an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU.
Judgy Bunny is my new spirit animal. The beach can be a bear especially when you’re sure it’s going to be horrible but I love how slowly Judgy Bunny was able to see the good in the fun and friends he can make when he opens himself up.
I think a big part of reviewing children's books is how does it make the parent feel as they read it? I want to have fun while my kid has fun. I liked the way the illustrations made me feel. There was a cute, sunny feeling. I also liked the word choice. I felt like this would be a good entry to reading. But my favorite part was when Judy Bunny says "Why are you being so nice to me?" And there was the perfect response: "I try to be nice to everyone." Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.
Adorable illustrations, but I agree with some of the other reviews here that it might not send the *best* message to kids around finding comfort, happiness, etc.
Bunny's day at the beach is one bummer after another until some new playmates offer a glimpse at a different perspective.
I've always loved the book This Beach is Loud because it acknowledges that for some children, particularly young children and children with sensory processing challenges, a day at the beach isn't exactly, well...a day at the beach. In Judgy Bunny, Rothman touches on this a bit too with maybe a side of the phenomenon all parents have experienced: contrariness for its own sake. The juxtaposition of the kawaii-level cuteness with Bunny's string of complaints is instantly disarming.
The vibe of this reminded me a little bit of Jory John's own ode to crankiness: Penguin Problems, only with more sunshine. It would be a 5 for me if it weren't for the one scene when Bunny is literally physically pulled along to join a game after refusing. It all turns out okay in the end, but I think this maybe walks right on the line between encouraging and crossing a boundary. Yes, it's good to try new things and be open-minded, but also---it's okay to say no sometimes, too and we want our kids to know that as well. I still think it's a fun read, but this might be a good conversation to have during (or afterwards).
When I saw this title and cover, I knew I had to read it to my two young beach-loving granddaughters. The illustrations are fun and pop from the page, and the character expressions really represent each character's attitude and feelings. Children will enjoy pointing out familiar things on the beach, and will get excited for the next beach outing.
The author does a great job of getting across the super-grumpiness of the oh-so-judgy bunny, by using just one or two negative words on a page. By contrast, the positive-attitude bunny speaks more eloquently and shares alternative perspectives and actions, which engages the grumpy. As a result of a charitable bunny reaching out to a judgmental one, the latter one's day -- and attitude -- turns around. But does the lesson stick? While it seems that it may, one final page shows that once a judgy bunny, always a judgy bunny, but maybe this is now a slightly nicer one.
From the one side, JUDGY BUNNY AND THE TERRIBLE BEACH is a reminder to children to always be kind, even to those who don't seem interested in receiving kindness. From the other side, it suggests that the responsibility of being happy is ON someone else's shoulders to provide happiness to you.
I would have liked to see the judgy bunny show even one small kindness back or mutter a thank you (as the 6-year-old granddaughter suggested it should have said) so I could be convinced that she has grown and learned from the beach day. Alas, not this time.
Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach made me smile from the title alone—because who among us hasn’t had a “judgy bunny” kind of day? Judgy Bunny arrives at the beach already convinced that everything about it is awful, and she wastes no time criticizing the sun, the sand, the activities, and even the food. Her running commentary might be very recognizable, especially for readers who are wary of new experiences or quick to decide they won’t enjoy something.
Things begin to shift when Judgy Bunny encounters a genuinely kind and patient bunny who invites her, gently and without pressure, to try things she’s already written off. That interaction becomes the emotional hinge of the story, showing how perspective—and a little openness—can change an experience entirely. Judgy Bunny’s transformation does feel somewhat abrupt, but that’s likely a function of picture book page limits rather than a lack of intention.
What truly carries this book is the artwork. Linzie Hunter’s illustrations are vibrant, expressive, and full of visual humor, making the beach feel lively even when Judgy Bunny insists it’s the worst place imaginable. This is a fun, accessible picture book that opens the door to conversations about trying new things, managing first impressions, and how sometimes the worst day ever… isn’t.
Judgy Bunny is a very cute, very grumpy little rabbit. She is at the beach, but everything is “bad.” It’s too hot! Sea creatures are gross! Sandcastles are overrated! And so on, including being annoyed at the other bunnies having fun and eating ice cream. Until they invite her to play. Suddenly, everything is a little better. Maybe she can try playing in the sand and eating ice cream. She just needed to be included.
The illustrations are very cute and fun. The artwork looks to be done digitally, but with a watercolor style. Bunny’s grumpiness is played for laughs (why did she go to the beach if she hates everything about it?) Once she feels included, she allows herself to try some new things, though she is still grumpy about it. But she realizes she is in the wrong, asking the other friendly bunnies why they are being nice to her when she wasn’t nice to them. It is a nice little book that encourages the reader to be kind to others; maybe they just need a friend. This will be a great addition to your storytime stacks. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the eGalley to review!
With this book you get exactly what is promised: this bunny is judgy and everything on this beach--including the beach--is terrible. She complains about everything and everyone (mostly because she's secretly mad she wasn't invited to play with them) until someone invites her to play and slowly she starts to actually enjoy things.
It's a great book for getting kids to realize that not everything is terrible and just needs to try some things out or try a different version of it. For instance, our little judgy bunny is told that she likely just hasn't found the right flavor of ice cream and that's why she doesn't like it, so she tries a different one and lo and behold she does enjoy it more. Some things she finds that she still doesn't like, but ultimately her outlook becomes more positive and she becomes less judgy.
So if you're looking to help steer a kid into a more positive direction, this book might be a good start for them. Plus the art is excellent and fun to look at. I have no doubt this bunny will join the likes of the main characters of the Creepy (Carrots/Crayon/etc) or (Don't Let the) Pigeon series.
My 4 star rating is an average of the 5 star fun, bright and colorful digitally created illustrations that capture the bunny main character’s grumpiness, dismay, alarm, uncertain and, ultimately, joy and delight perfectly plus the 3 or 4 star text.
Bunny is not happy about being at the beach at all. The sun is too hot, the ball that bonked him is just too round, he is certain he doesn’t like ice cream like all the other kids are eating and he certainly has no interest in being at the party he wasn’t invited to attend. But a little brown bunny introduces him to the yumminess that is ice cream, does invite him to the party where he discovers the exhilaration of boogie boarding. But ball really are too round.
Solid picture book purchase with brief text done in a wide variety of sizes and fonts that includes a message of giving new things a try before you get all grumpy about it. Perfect for the very youngest of listeners through grade 2.
Everyone knows someone like Judgy Bunny - unable make her happy or satisfied if she isn't included, doesn't win the prize, or it wasn't her idea. This time, she finds herself on the beach, where it is too hot, bored because she is not invited to join in the fun activities - until she is. Her sandcastle is a disaster, her kite string breaks, her ice cream cone melts, and a beachball hits her in the face. When she loses her temper and pops the beach ball, the boy who dragged her to join the group gives her peace offerings and continues to include her and she discovers an activity she really enjoys.
Rothman's text is just right for preschoolers and the story keeps flowing along to its surprise ending. Readers are privy to Judgy Bunny's thoughts, so it is clear what is going on throughout the story.
Digital illustrations by Linzie Hunter are bright and colorful, perfect for the beach.
Judgy Bunny is going to the beach. Judgy Bunny is determined to not have a good time. It's too hot. It's too sunny. There's too much sand. She hates sandcastles. And the noise - way too loud. Ice cream - who needs it? And, then to top it all off, she gets bonked on the head by a thrown beach ball. A small boy runs up and wants her to join in the fun, and guess what, Judgy Bunny decides she does like the beach.
Children can easily suffer overload from too much stimulation, too much noise, too many new things and their go-to emotion may be to be judgmental, or to cower, or to withdraw from all the commotion. This story can be a great read-aloud, shared with preschoolers and lower elementary grades, and a way to talk about feelings and attitudes and about the fear of not fitting in.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, in exchange for a review.
Judgy Bunny is more than a little hesitant about a visit to the beach. So hesitant bunny is determined not to enjoy anything. Though Bunny sees the other beach goers playing with beach balls(which Bunny does NOT like), building sand castles, and flying kites, they feel left out and unwanted. When Bunny accidentally pops the beach ball the others are tossing around, Bunny is surprised that they aren’t angry. Bunny is still hesitant when asked to join the others in games and eating ice cream, but soon comes to the conclusion that maybe the beach isn’t THAT terrible.
This story might assure young children that while they may be afraid of the unknown, perhaps it will end up being a positive experience for them. The illustrations are drawn with , for the most part, calming colors but there are pops of color to capture the viewer’s interest.
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a (usually) delightful subgenre of kids’ books – grumpy character who hates everything finally finds something they don’t hate. These are usually super fun for story times because you can be really over the top when reading. And this title immediately drew me in as a fun possibility for summer. The cover is perfect - his glasses, his grumpy little face, and the seagull! Judgy bunny hates the beach…but also feels left out of the fun. But when they’re invited to JOIN the fun, it’s still just as terrible. However, they eventually meet their polar opposite bunny, who is just immune to all of their crankiness. Lessons are learned and it’s all extremely cute. I can hear kids giggling at the repeated complaint that beach balls are simply too round!
Judgy bunny dislikes the beach and named activities that they hated, like flying kites, building sandcastles, and kept complaining about the beach ball being round. To be honest, reading this book made me quite annoyed with the bunny complaining all the time, but I know it is part of the narrative…At the end, judgy bunny met new friends and learned to enjoy the beach; I just wished the author just left it as that, instead of bringing back the complaints of how round the beach ball is. I guess I kind of get that the author may be trying to say that even though you start to enjoy something, it’s still ok to dislike some things about it… I do quite enjoy the illustration as it’s very detailed and colorful, but I’d probably not recommend this book for kids to read, just not my cup of tea to share.
Oh my goodness…don’t we ALL know someone like Judgy Bunny? There are some people in this world you just can’t satisfy, and he starts off being very judgmental and disapproving of everything at the beach. But then along comes another bunny who makes him see another - better - side to things, and don’t we all need someone like that? Someone to make us stop being such a stick in the mud and finally observe the beauty and wonder all around us? I love how in the end Judgy Bunny was able to see the beauty in his day at the beach. Also, the graphics in this book are adorable. I would recommend it to everyone.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).
Judgy Bunny does not like anything about his day at the beach. The weather is too hot, sandcastles are no fun, and ice cream is nothing special. But after she gets boinked in the head with a beach ball and makes a new friend, her outlook slowly begins to change. Her new friend is positive and persistent and helps Bunny see things in a different light. The visual humor adds depth to the story, making it a hit for both kids and adults. What stands out most, however, is the gentle message: that sometimes our derision masks a fear of not fitting in, and that kindness and openness can turn even the worst day around. A great conversation starter for kids about attitude, inclusion, and giving new experiences a chance.
The illustrations are cute, and the dialogue is funny, but I would have liked to see more growth from the main character. It's nice that the other animals welcomed and included Judgy Bunny, but it's unlikely for that to work out long-term without an attitude change and some reciprocation. I'm not sure what the point of this book was. Maybe it's a lesson about inclusion, or maybe this was just intended as comedy, but I don't think it's particularly effective. This book is fine, but it doesn't stand out among similar beach-themed books for anything other than the main character's bad attitude.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story was a creative way on approaching feeling unhappy in a situation that everyone else seems to enjoy. The pictures are clear on what is happening but also fun to look at! Judgy Bunny has a day at the beach and nothing feels right. It's too hot and she is not having fun. But another bunny does their best to help her have fun! The beach is the perfect setting for this book. It seems like the perfect place to enjoy the day but that isn't always how we feel. I read this one with my 4 year old son and he loved it. He liked when the friend bunny was helping Judgy Bunny have a good time. He also thought the scenes where she got hit with the beach ball was pretty funny.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the ARC!
Judgy Bunny arrives at the beach, and finds that it's too hot, the sandcastles are not impressive, and no one has invited them to hang out and play and eat ice cream.
Then, by accident, Judgy Bunny ends up meeting some others, and ends up having fun with them, even after Judgy Bunny causes a small mishap.
The illustrations are so cute, and I love the little crumple Judgy Bunny makes with their lips when negatively commenting on everything around them.
And the story itself is sweet, with a friendly bunny showing Judgy Bunny how they can not only be open to meeting others, by being nice to everyone, but also to have fun with them.
It's an encouraging and positive sentiment.
Thank you to Netgalley and to SOURCEBOOKS Kids for this ARC n exchange for my review.
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley. Told in simple to follow text for younger readers with plenty of context clues in the illustrations. Though written for younger readers, we all could benefit from this refresher on attitudes. Judgy Bunny does not like anything about the beach and lets readers know this on every page. Then, he meets another bunny who is kind. I love this exchange as they talk about kindness. Judgy decides to try some of the things he put down before and discovers life isn't so bad. An amusing touch at the end. A wonderful family read aloud to talk about new experiences.
"Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach" follows a grumpy bunny on her day trip to the beach. Nothing is to her liking and she'd really like to go home, until others help show her that new things can be fun too! I thought this was a cute, quick story for ages 2.5+. As a preschool teacher, I know some children can be quite skeptical of "new" and this is a silly, child-friendly adaptation of that. Often kiddos just need a kind friend to guide them and help ease them into activities. The illustrations were also very well done!
Thank you, Sourcebooks Kids, for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
"Again, it's so funny, funny, funny!" - my 4 year old! 😂
Judgy Bunny is the first book in what's hopefully a new series, following the title character on a trip to the beach. This book gives the opportunity to add funny voices and laugh while reading. The only thing missing is an overt lesson, but then it leaves space to discuss the feelings in your own way.
After the first read through, my kiddo asked to read it again immediately. Can't ask for more than that!
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was adorable! Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach was such a cute story, and the illustrations perfectly captured Judgy Bunny's mood at the beach.
Judgy Bunny spends a day at the beach, and finds fault with everything, especially beach balls! Her bad mood makes her judge everything, untill, some bunnies come along and rope her into playing with them. Judgy Bunny discovers that the beach might not be so bad after all, as long as you have friends to share it with.
Thank you to Edelweiss for an arc of this book! All opinions are my own.
The illustrations are very cute. Most of the pages have very short words and/or dialogue, which could be good for reading along with new readers. The back half of the story would’ve benefitted from a little more “punch” to Judgy Bunny learning to have a little fun. Maybe something with the Nice Bunny explaining that being nice made him feel better than being negative about everything (or Judgy Bunny could’ve connected those dots better in the last pages for the young readers).
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Too Hot. That is how this book starts and I can totally relate to Judgy Bunny! That is why I never go to the beach even though I live a mile from one! Why go when you can stay inside and read cute picture books like Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach in the nice air conditioning? I think we all have a friend like Judgy Bunny! Or at the least, know one! This book was simple and relatable. The illustrations were adorable and colorful. I will definitely consider adding this to my personal library!
Thank to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This adorable book features cute, engaging illustrations and a valuable lesson for all ages about mindset, with simple words suitable for many levels. “Judgy Bunny” is a must-have, perfect for sparking conversations and reminding us that mindset influences life.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids.
I would like to thank Sourcebooks Kids and Netgalley for a free eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Very cute and silly. This Toddler book is scant on words but big on vibes. The illustrations are very lively and full of joy. Although I feel like it could have a bigger purpose, the vibes are really immaculate, and I can absolutely see a young child being captivated by the lively illustrations.