The Runaway Bunny: questions to ask and activities to try
A little bunny imagines running away, and his mother has an answer for every escape: she will always find him. The Runaway Bunny is Margaret Wise Brown’s reassuring classic about a parent’s love, from the author of Goodnight Moon.
What age is it for? The Runaway Bunny is best for ages 1–4. Good for: Reassurance that a parent's love will always find you.
The Runaway Bunny (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Age
- 1-4
- Best for
- Reassurance that a parent's love will always find you
Read it slowly and warmly, especially at bedtime. Let your child guess what the mother will become each time, then talk about how it feels to know someone will always come for you.
What it helps with
- Feeling safe and loved
- Worries about being apart
- Imagination and pretend play
- Settling down at bedtime
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did the little bunny want to run away?”
- “What did he want to turn into?”
- “What did his mother turn into?”
- “How do you think the bunny felt at the end?”
- “Where would you hide if you were the bunny?”
- “How do you know someone loves you?”
5-minute activities to try together
If you were a...
Take turns: "If you were a fish, I would be..." Make up new pairs together, the sillier the better.
Love hunt
Hide behind a door or under a blanket and let your child find you, then swap. Say "I’ll always find you" when you do.
Free printables: The Runaway Bunny worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
The Kissing Hand (Audrey Penn)
- Best for
- Nerves about starting school or being apart
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.