Poppy's Best Paper

By Susan Eaddy, Rosalinde Bonnet (Illustrator)

Part of the Poppy's Best series

A rabbit's dream of fame clashes with jealousy and effort. Can she overcome herself to succeed?

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·3.9/5 Goodreads · 137 ratings

40 pages· 1,083 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Poppy, a spirited rabbit, dreams of becoming a famous writer. She's convinced her story will be chosen by Mrs. Rose to be read aloud. But when her best friend's paper is picked instead, jealousy clouds her ambition. Poppy must learn to overcome her own obstacles to achieve her dreams. Will she find the determination to succeed, or will her envy hold her back? Discover how Poppy navigates her journey to self-discovery and creativity in this charming tale.

From the publisher

Fans of Olivia and Lilly will delight in Poppy, a little rabbit with big dreams—and an even bigger personality.

More than anything, Poppy wants to be a verrrry famous writer. She’s sure Mrs. Rose will pick her paper to read to the whole class! Trouble is, she has tall ambitions but is short on effort, and her jealousy takes over when her best friend’s paper is chosen instead. In the end, Poppy discovers that she has to get out of her own way if her big dreams are going to come true.

Rosalinde’s adorable, expressive illustrations make memorable, quirky Poppy a real star!

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 1,083
Reading age: 5–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD510L

Themes & topics

Books about writing Books about bunnies and rabbits Books about friendship Books about jealousy Books about fixing mistakes

Good to know

Stories behind the story

Where did you originally get the idea for Poppy's Best Paper?

When I was in 5th grade my wonderful teacher assigned a composition for us to write each week. One week she assigned a "How To" topic and my instructions for "How to Get in Trouble" was read in front of the whole class. It was my proudest moment! Fast forward MANY years later and my 5th grade paper became the inspiration for Poppy's Best Paper.

Were there any pivotal changes that your story/illustrations underwent throughout the writing/editing process?

ummmm yeah. HUGE changes. So, since I am an illustrator I assumed that, of course, I would illustrate my own story. Right? Well... this manuscript kept being rejected over & over & over again until FINALLY my agent said...I don't want to offend you, but... Would you consider letting someone else take a crack at the illustrations? I'm not sure that the clay is the best fit for your story. ( you can see one of my clay illustrations for Poppy in the gallery) She showed me Rosalinde Bonnet's website & I instantly knew that she would be a fabulous for Poppy. Charlesbridge Publishing agreed and Poppy came to life! I LOVE the way that Rosalinde has expanded Poppy's world. She ABSOLUTELY gets her and I am thrilled.

What do you hope children enjoy about your character Poppy?

Poppy has big dreams but doesn't get it that she has to actually work to make them come true. I think it helps to know that one is not instantly good at something and that it takes work & perseverance to accomplish your dreams. This is also a story about friendship, and it is ultimately Poppy's friendship with Lavender that finally makes her see herself and makes her sorry for her bad behavior.