Martha B. Rabbit: The Fairies' Cook
#1 of 4 in Martha B. Rabbit Series
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Martha B. Rabbit: The Fairies' Cook is a charming children's book written and illustrated by Shirley Barber. It tells the story of Martha B. Rabbit, who finds herself in the delightful position of being the cook for a group of friendly fairies. The fairies appreciate Martha's culinary skills and welcome her into their magical world. Throughout the story, Martha prepares various delicious meals and treats for the fairies, using ingredients she finds in the enchanted forest. The book is filled with whimsical illustrations that bring the story to life, showcasing the beauty of the fairy realm and the joy of cooking. Martha's adventures with the fairies are not only about food but also about friendship, kindness, and the magic of helping others. The book is a celebration of imagination and the simple pleasures of life. Martha B. Rabbit faces hardship when a trio of wicked rats steals her carefully stored supplies. Bravely, she sets out into the snow in search of a solution to her troubles. After a scary encounter with a fox, she arrives at the guesthouse of Mr. Gnome, and from there a new life for her begins.
Character compass
Martha B. Rabbit
Discussion points
What do you think Martha B. Rabbit felt when she met the fairies for the first time?
If you were helping the fairies cook, what dish would you make and why?
How do the fairies and Martha B. Rabbit work together? Can you think of a time when you collaborated with someone else?
What can we learn from Martha’s kindness and willingness to help others?
Imagine you're a fairy in this story. What kind of magic would you want to perform? How would it help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe different characters and their roles, prompting them to think deeper about the story dynamics.
Use vivid descriptions from the book to help your child visualize the magical world of Martha B. Rabbit and the fairies.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss their drawing, focusing on the elements that made that particular scene or character special to them.
Relate the themes of cooperation and kindness in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the book’s lessons more tangible and applicable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Martha B. Rabbit and the fairy friends work together to prepare meals. Their collaboration shows how tasks can be accomplished more efficiently and joyfully when everyone contributes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with siblings, friends, or in school projects, enhancing their ability to cooperate in team environments.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story is set in an enchanting fairy world, which encourages children to use their imagination. Martha’s creative cooking also inspires culinary exploration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in creative activities like drawing, cooking, or storytelling, sparking their imaginative capabilities.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Generosity
Explanation: Martha B. Rabbit goes out of her way to help the fairies, illustrating acts of kindness. Her generosity in sharing her culinary skills and assisting others highlights the joy and value of being kind.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share and be kind to others, whether it’s sharing toys, helping a friend in need, or supporting their family members.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Martha takes on the responsibility of cooking and ensures all her fairy friends are fed well, demonstrating accountability and reliability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their tasks, like homework or chores, fostering reliability and independence as they grow.
Example Lesson: Respecting Nature
Explanation: The natural setting of the story, filled with flora and fauna, promotes the importance of respecting the environment, as Martha and her friends care for their natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for nature, understanding the importance of environmental conservation in their daily life, such as recycling or caring for plants.