Book bunny visits park

Local school children were treated to a special rabbit related experience this week, as special guests at a children’s book launch at one of the council's parks.

The book's main character, bunny rabbit Skippity Hop, came to life at King George Recreation Ground in Bushey – where she was born – as author Andrea Black told the story of her first adventure.

As well as hearing the story, the children from Little Reddings Primary School, just around the corner from the park, saw the unveiling of a special oak tree to mark Skippity Hop’s birthplace and sampled some rabbit food – carrot soup and carrot cake!  Each child was also given a goody bag containing carrot seeds, a piece of fruit and a bookmark. 

Andrea specifically chose King George Recreation Ground as the rabbit's home. She explained: "After I came up with the concept of Skippity Hop, I painted lots of pictures of her adventures and when I Googled parks in the area, I couldn't believe how similar King George Recreation Ground was to my illustrations – it was almost identical!  Then when I visited the park I knew it was the perfect birthplace for her.  It looks like countryside and just has the right ambience.  The park even has a caterpillar carving which fits in brilliantly with one of Skippity Hop’s adventures when she meets a character called Cat Pillar."

Gemma Mitchell, Key Stage One Coordinator at Little Reddings Primary School, said: "A wonderful day that allowed the children to delve into the 'Rabbitdom World of Skippity Hop' and ignite their creativity.  The use of our local community inspired the children."

The Adventures of Skippity Hop – The Little Blue Book – is published by Cranfield Press and is available in all good book shops. 

If you want to visit Skippity Hop’s birthplace, the oak tree has a special plaque and is located by the bowls club in the park, off King George Avenue.