Flop Ear

He's an endearing little rabbit with one ear that simply refuses to stand up straight--the way every other rabbit's ears always stand up. That's why everybody calls him Flop Ear. Kids who read this story and smile over the pictures will think he's cute. But Flop Ear doesn't think so. Flop Ear is sad because he isn't the same as all the other rabbits. "Lop-ear Flop Ear!" they laugh at him. This charming story describes Flop Ear's humorous attempts to make his ear stand up straight. He wants to be like everyone else. But at last he realizes that sometimes, it's just as good to be different. Full-color illustrations on every page of this charming book. (Ages 3-6)

With this sweet gift set, young kids can cuddle up with an adorable stuffed bunny and read all about accepting differences. Flop-Ear the bunny, like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, has a problem. All the other rabbits laugh and call him names because one of his ears flops down, in spite of all his earnest efforts: wedging a carrot in it, wrapping it up with bandages, or attaching it to a clothespin on the end of a fishing pole. It takes some mature contemplation (and a trip to a wise doctor) to convince him that it's okay to be different.

Guido Van Genechten's whimsical illustrations are tremendously appealing; the story, however, is a bit weak. The ending, especially, is perplexing: Flop-Ear returns to his tormenting peers, who admit they've been bored without having him around (to tease, presumably). When they see that their lop-eared pal has stopped playing the victim, they suddenly want to be just like him, thus defeating the message that there's nothing wrong with being different. Still, the cute pictures and plush toy will provide a great starting place for discussions about differences. Teeny-tiny print, though--get out your magnifying glass! (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter