The Picture Book Buzz -Interview w/Marilyn Sadler and Review of The Best Bunny Brother Ever
- Maria Marshall
- 2 minutes ago
- 9 min read
With a degree in art, Marilyn always assumed she would be an illustrator. But when, early in her career, she was presented with an opportunity to write, she seized it and quickly discovered that she had found her true love. No sad, sappy stories for her, however. She likes to make herself laugh and with that her characters usually end up looking pretty silly for one reason or another.
Her first children's book featured a fastidious little English boy named Alistair Grittle and was originally created for the English publisher, Hamish Hamilton, as well as for Simon & Schuster in the United States. Having created a boy with such perfect behavior, she then turned her attention to a not so perfectly behaved little boy. His name was P.J. Funnybunny, and he has existed for many years in a series of books for Random House, including highly prestigious spots in the Dr. Seuss Cat In the Hat series.
Marilyn's television credits include two PBS Reading Rainbow programs featuring Alistair, an Alistair program for the BBC, three ABC Weekend Specials featuring P.J. Funnybunny, and a show based on her children's book, Elizabeth and Larry, for Showtime's Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories. The Disney Channel’s three Original Movies based on Marilyn's book, Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century. On September 16, 2006, Handy Manny, premiered as the highest rated Playhouse Disney series premiere of all time. In 2009, Marilyn was nominated for an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of Handy Manny in the category of "Outstanding Special Class Animated Program."
"Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century" is currently in production at Disney for a live-action series due for release in 2026! Ceedes-Lupeedus! How stellar is that???!!!
She is the author of over 47 books, including It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex: A Dinosaur Story, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis (2025), It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis (2025), It's Not Easy Being A Ghost, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis (2024), Bunny with a Big Heart, illustrated by Tim Bowers (2023), Charlie Piechart and the Case of The Missing Dog, illustrated by Eric Comstock (2023), It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis (2023), It's Better Being a Bunny, illustrated by Tim Bowers (2022), Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Pizza Slice: A Fun Math Mystery About Fractions and Counting for Kids, illustrated by Eric Comstock (2015), Ten Eggs in a Nest, illustrated by Michael Fleming (2014), and Bobo Crazy: Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century, illustrated by Roger Bollen (2001).
Marilyn’s newest picture book, Best Bunny Brother Ever, was released on January 6th.
Welcome Marilyn and congrats on the upcoming Zenon live-action series!
What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?
The most fun I’ve had writing a book was the year I sold my house and put everything I owned in storage to travel the world for a year with one suitcase! It was towards the end of that year; I finally sat down to write—and it made perfect sense to write about my year abroad. I was in Croatia at the time, staying in a charming stone-walled cottage. It was the perfect time and setting to bring closure to that incredible year by recounting the details and memories I had made. Unfortunately, I have yet to finish it, and I returned home with more than one suitcase!
Sounds like a wonderful experience. And I too have found that suitcases somehow mysteriously multiply. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Best Bunny Brother Ever?
I have a big brother, or rather, I should say, an older brother, as he’s not exactly BIG. He has always looked out for me…like a big brother should! Even today, I count on him for help with computer problems, Scrabble game strategies and how to turn on my gas fireplace! Also, I attended my brother’s baseball games when he was a child. If t-ball had existed when I was Honey Bunny’s age, he would have taught me how to play t-ball! In fact, when I wrote Best Bunny Ever, I sought my brother’s help with aspects of the storyline!
Such a great tribute to a great, older brother! Do you have a particular process for starting a manuscript and writing? Did it change at all for Best Bunny Brother Ever?
I do have a process, and it is the same one I always use! I lie down on a couch (or bed, depending on the room I’m in), close my eyes and wait for something, on the subject at hand, to pop into my head. I’m usually looking for something funny…or better yet…silly. My dad, who was the epitome of “silly”, left his mark on me. He left it on my BIG brother too, as he is also pretty silly… as is his wife, and… their daughter. I suspect it is a genetic trait that has been passed down throughout our family. At least we think we’re funny.
Okay, I love this pre-writing process! Having written at least five wildly different picture book series, what is the hardest part of coming up with more stories in a series? What is the most fun part? How about with Best Bunny Brother Ever in particular?
When you add to a series, it really isn’t that difficult because you’ve already worked through the hard part, which is creating the character’s “personality." PJ was already a well thought out bunny. I knew his strengths and his weaknesses.
The hardest part of writing The Best Bunny Brother Ever was the baseball part, as there weren’t t-ball teams when I was a child. In fact, sports weren’t widely available for girls back then. I remember playing on a girls’ basketball team that no one ever came to watch. Not even my family! The most fun part of writing this book was reliving the memories of attending my brother’s games…like Honey Bunny watched P.J.’s games!
Interesting conundrum to be in, but as you mentioned above, thank goodness for brothers who played baseball. How long did it take from the first “seed” of the idea to publication for Best Bunny Brother Ever?
In my experience, publishing houses usually plan a year out. For a book about baseball, that is due for release in the Spring, and to allow sufficient time for me to write and for Tim Bowers to illustrate, it took about a year.
Wow, I usually hear at least two or more years. Did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Tim Bowers’ illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
Tim never ceases to amaze me! The P.J. Funnybunny books were first illustrated by Roger Bollen, and, after he passed away, Random House had to find someone who could duplicate his style. Tim was a friend of mine and Roger’s, and I knew he could replicate Roger’s style as he’s incredibly talented. Copying another person’s art style is not easy, and Tim has done so beautifully. I could not have been happier.
Text © Marilyn Sadler, 2025. Image © Tim Bowers, 2025.
My favorite spread in the book is when Honey Bunny slides into home plate winning the game for her team!
I am glad that Tim was able to replicate the illustration style. I love the expressions on Honey Bunny's face and the way her ears flop about in this spread. Is there anything special you want your readers to know or hope they discover about Best Bunny Brother Ever?
I would love for my readers to recognize how special siblings are. Friends may come and go in our lives, but siblings are there for the long haul. They share a good part of our history, and, hopefully, stay connected with us throughout our lives. It is also through our interactions with our family members that we get to know who WE are. PJ was there for Honey Bunny’s first t-ball game, and I hope readers appreciate the joy and support that comes from Honey Bunny’s relationship with her brother.
You've definitely created a wonderful sibling relationship between PJ and Honey Bunny. What has been the hardest and the most rewarding aspect of being a children’s author?
For me, the hardest part of being an author is having a looming deadline. I therefore like to begin writing as soon as I get a green light so that I can create without feeling pressured. The most rewarding part is being able to do what I love, writing stories that make children happy!
Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
I’m working on a new series conceived by Random House’s Sales Department! Because of the success of It’s Not Easy Being A Bunny, they suggested that we create a series of books about how it’s not easy being other characters as well! Thus far we have created It’s Not Easy Being Santa Claus, It’s Not Easy Being A Ghost, It’s Not Easy Being A Leprechaun, It’s Not Easy Being A Dinosaur and It’s Not Easy Being An Elf! Currently, we're working on It’s Not Easy Being A Mermaid.
It is such a fun series. Best wishes with the book. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
dronepicr-Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Singapore
I love this question as it so beautifully ties in with the beginning of your interview questions! When I was traveling the world, I spent a month in Singapore and discovered my favorite National Park…The Gardens By The Bay National Park. It was absolutely beautiful and otherworldly at the same time!
Thank you, Marilyn, for sharing about yourself and your newest book with us.
For more information about Marilyn Sadler, or to contact her:
Website: https://marilynsadler.net/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/marilyn_sadler
Review of Best Bunny Brother Ever
I fondly remember reading the It's Not Easy Being a Bunny and Honey Bunny Funnybunny books to my kids when they were younger. And I was excited to see a new book featuring the two of them; especially one highlighting their special connection and relationship.
Best Bunny Brother Ever
Author: Marilyn Sadler
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Publisher: Workman Press
Ages: 3-7
Fiction
Themes:
Siblings, family, rabbits, T-ball, and learning new things.
Synopsis:
P.J. Funnybunny from the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny coaches his little sister, Honey Bunny, at T-ball in a story that celebrates family ties and is perfect for Eastertime and gift-giving all year long!
Honey Bunny Funnybunny LOVES baseball, but is too little to play. So big brother P.J. teaches her T-ball! From warming up to throwing and catching to hitting the ball and running the bases, P.J. and Honey Bunny work side-by-side until she is ready for her first game—where she hits a home run! But is winning what Honey Bunny is MOST thankful for? Or could it be . . . P.J.?
With colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, this story about family and sports is a perfect Easter treat for beginning readers and Funnybunny fans!
Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children.
Opening Lines:
Honey Bunny Funnybunny
loved her big brother P.J.
from the day they first met.
What I LOVED about this book:
Fans of Marilyn Sadler's books, especially her Funnybunny family, and Tim Bowers' illustrations, will totally adore this new beginner book! This one focuses on the close relationship between P.J. and Honey Bunny. Masterfully, and concisely, showing how it developed from infancy . . .
Text © Marilyn Sadler, 2025. Image © Tim Bowers, 2025.
through her being a young rabbit waiting excitedly for P.J to return home and cheering him on in his baseball games. Where seeing her brother hit a home run sealed her love of baseball. It's so fun that Honey Bunny wears a polka-dotted hairbow the mimics P.J.'s signature bowtie. Forming a fun visual connection between the two.
Text © Marilyn Sadler, 2025. Image © Tim Bowers, 2025.
Although Honey Bunny is too young to play baseball, P.J. offers to teach her T-ball. I love the next image of a sleepy P.J. peeking out his door early in the morning to an already dressed and excited sister carrying a bat, ball, and mitt! A good sport, he runs her through the paces. Starting with stretches, lunges, and jumping jacks (that kids will have fun mimicking) and then all the skills, tricks, and rules of the game. "Every day, P.J. taught Honey Bunny something new. And every day, Honey Bunny got better and better." It's a great way to organically introduce kids to T-ball (and baseball) as they have fun reading about P.J. helping Honey Bunny.
He even introduced her to the coach.
Marilyn Saddler and Tim Bowers created a great mirror of the crowd from P.J.'s earlier baseball game, with P.J. cheering the loudest for Honey Bunny's first T-ball game. It's a bit of fun symmetry having them each excitedly jumping and cheering for their sibling. In the final inning of the T-ball game, Honey Bunny also hit a home run! The final "just like her big brother" moment in the book.
Text © Marilyn Sadler, 2025. Image © Tim Bowers, 2025.
The ending is joyous, rewarding, and touching. It's a wonderful beginning reader book, with sparse text, easy to read sentences and vocabulary decipherable from the fun illustrations, and a fun, easily understandable plot. Perfect for early readers and engaging enough to capture high-low readers. With the big bonus of highlighting and exploring a wonderful brother-sister relationship.
Resources:
how has an older sibling (or friend who is like an older sibling) helped you to learn a new skill or game? Write a short description or draw a picture of how they helped you.
what sport or activity do you love to do? Write a list of the skills or rules for this sport or activity. If you need to, how do you warm up for this sport of activity?
pair this with Just Like My Brother by Gianna Marino and Froggy Plays T-ball by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz.
