Brigitte Weninger

When Aunt Fanny comes to live with the Bunny family it means adjustments for everyone. Mama Bunny must spend more time caring for the elderly relative who once cared for her, while the three little bunnies - Tony, Linda and Lisa - must all share a room. There is plenty of fun however, as Aunt Fanny shares her stories and her games, teaching the children both how to play and how to appreciate their family's history. When Aunt Fanny dies, the entire family is grief-stricken, but they take show more comfort in thinking of their loved one amongst the stars which she so admired...

Originally published in German as Tante Fannys Stern, this lovely picture-book from Austrian author Brigitte Weninger and Turkish illustrator Feridun Oral offers a moving and ultimately reassuring look at the loss and grief children (and adults) feel at the death of a loved one. I originally requested it from the library because I am an admirer of Oral's artwork, but I knew nothing of the author or what the story involved. I'm very glad indeed that I did request it, as it was a beautiful, gentle story, accompanied (needless to say) by beautiful artwork. I will definitely try to track down more of Weninger's books! As for Aunt Fanny's Star, I recommend it to anyone seeking children's stories that address death, grief and healing. show less

(ARC was provided to read and review.)

Just 10 days to go and it's bunny Davy's birthday. In the evening his father tells his children a story. Once there was a little rabbit and it had three wishes and all of them came true.
Davy loves the story and during the following days he starts to make his own wishes. When his dad doesn't have the time to tell more stories, he wishes for someone who would tell more. On a rainy day, when the kids run out of ideas what to play, he wishes for someone to show more be there and teach them more games. And when the whole family is busy getting ready for his birthday and he feels lonely, as no one has time for him, he wishes for someone who has plenty of time to spend with him.
He doesn't know it, but his parents listen carefully to his wishes and as a result, this year they have a very special birthday present for him. It's too big to be wrapped.
What will it be? Will all of Davy's three wishes come true?

Davy is a hugely likeable and cheerful character and children will love him. Happy Birthday Davy! is a wonderful story, which reminds us, that the best presents don't cost anything. The quality time, which you spend with your family and the ones you love, money can't buy.
Eve Tharlet's illustrations are utterly adoreable. Bright and vivid, they are a joy to look at and there are always little details for the children to discover. I read the book as a bedtime story to my son (he is 4) and it worked wonderfully, he immediately took to Davy.

I fully agree with Davy's father. He says, "A good story is worth repeating." This certainly is one of them. show less

Read right after Bow-Wow's Nightmare Neighbors, a very different book with a similar theme, and I gotta say this suffered in comparison. It's not bad, but it's a bit too earnest, a bit too sweet, and a bit cliched. Sorry. Also, I'd have given it three stars, but the mistake of who's for whose troubles me; we just can't have mistakes like that in children's books.

Previously this month I read A Friend in Winter by Feridun Oral. I liked his illustrations so much that I want to continue to read his works.

This is a beautiful story of love and loss. Aunt Fanny is growing old and she cannot take care of herself. Mama bunny loves Aunt Fanny who loved her as a mother when she was young. Now, it is time for Aunt Fanny to be loved and taken care of just as she loved others.

Moving Aunt Fanny into the abode of a family of five means a lot of changes need to show more occur. Tony needs to move into the room with his sisters. Soon the three children grow to love Aunt Fanny and appreciate how much she finds joy in everything. Her box of clothes, and fancy dishes fits in a small drawer. The children enjoy listening to Aunt Fanny describe the items in the box and learning about what makes her happy.

At night, the children go outside with Aunt Fanny and watch the stars as she tells them one day she will fly there. Aunt Fanny brings joy and happiness to all. Soon the family adjusts and loves having her with them.

Then, the children wonder why Aunt Fanny is losing weight and why she sleeps so much. Soon the day came when she could not get out of bed. In honor of all she taught them, the children went outside to watch the stars every night.

When Aunt Fanny dies, all family members cry, and the mama bunny tells all that they can cry as hard and as long as needed.

This is a wonderful story of love, acceptance, death and courage. Beautifully told, this is a testimony to helping someone who deserves love in return for the help that was previously given.

Similar to so many children's illustrated books, the story transcends age. This is not simply a children's story. It is indeed a reminder that love continues and memories live on.

Four Stars show less