Tulliver’s Tunnel is by Diana Reynolds Roome. Susan Winter does the picture book’s illustrations. The book is for toddlers and lower elementary students. Twenty-six pages are in Tulliver’s Tunnel.

Tulliver is a bunny. The bunny lives in a snug burrow with his mother. He has one complaint. Tulliver dislikes washing his face, whiskers and paws before meals and bedtime. One morning, Tulliver decides he has had enough of this washing business. He decides to leave the family burrow. The strong, bunny will tunnel his own burrow. Tulliver tells his mother of his decision. They kiss goodbye.

The bunny finds the perfect place for a burrow. Industrious, Tulliver digs and digs. At nightfall, Tulliver falls asleep with a muddy face and paws. The bright morning sun awakens the bunny. Tulliver goes to inspect his new home. He smells yummy parsnips. To his surprise, he discovers he has tunneled to his old home. His mother is preparing parsnips for breakfast. Today, the hungry bunny decides washing his body is easy. Happily, Tulliver does so.

Many human children do not like to wash before meals and bedtime. They believe leaving the home will end the washing. Children do not realize they will miss their home and its comforts. They, like Tulliver, realize washing is a simple chore. And, their home is the best place to be.

Susan Winter’s illustrations are delightful. She paints the pictures with watercolors. Her pictures show many details. Children see a centipede, caterpillar, fly, ladybug and other insects. She illustrates the things under the ground. Young readers view roots, earthworms and bugs. A treasure chest is there, too. Look for the little robin who travels with Tulliver. Children will love the pictures as well as the story.

Start a ritual of reading bedtime stories. It is a calming way to make the transition into sleeping. Children will associate books with comfort.



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