Reviews

Marlon Bundo's Day in the Nation's Capital by Karen Pence, Charlotte Pence

xsleepyshadows's review against another edition

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1.0

Here is what I liked about the book. 1) I did not know there was a BOTUS! (Bunny of the United States, love it!) Marlon Bundo is such a cute rabbit. 2) The illustrations obviously have effort put into it, even though they aren't thrilling 3) This book is a good recommendation for junior levels looking to learn more about government, Washington D.C., or famous pets.


No, I felt this was a really boring book, despite the fun idea of the BOTUS attending the Vice-President at his job. The writing in this book feels a little forced and there is not natural flow to what should be an exciting and busy day. At first, I was going to consider cutting some slack seeing Charlotte Pence was the daughter and my mind went straight to her being in middle school - Surprise! - She was a graduate of DePaul University 2016. Not really what I would expect. I'm glad she put some more notes at the end off the book to add some more context to her work because I didn't get it through the story.

The illustrations are charming and have been nicely crafted, although they don't capitalized on the exciting parts. A body of students getting to see the BOTUS! You can see the smiles of kids getting to met him (I would!) or seeing what the BOTUS gets to see through a telescope? Not well portrayed at all. Good quality of illustrations didn't have the layout to highlight some of the story content.

This seems like their first children's book, a craft that's difficult to master. Anyway, check this book out for yourself! ~Ashley

pussinbooks's review against another edition

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1.0

The meter is off in almost every stanza of this rhyming picture book. A pretty embarrassing attempt that would not have been published had the Pence name not been attached.

k8s's review against another edition

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1.0

Just boring.

vkdarling's review against another edition

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3.0

I’ll admit I had higher hopes for this book. Buy it to support the cause - don’t expect something very funny ! Good cast of readers in audiobook version !

meganac's review against another edition

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5.0

An adorable little book about the BOTUS (Bunny of the United States) for little ones!

First, the art is gorgeous - it reminds me of Beatrix Potter. The rhyming text makes this a quick and fun read. I loved how everything is seen from Bundo's perspective; it isn't informational as some reviewers expected it to be, because this is a rabbit watching the goings-on and seeing what a rabbit sees. However, there is a lot to be gleaned. We see many places and understand a bit more of what the Vice President does. With the resources section in the end, adults can guide children's understanding of the locations and responsibilities easily.

I also adored that this isn't a political book. It's a book about a bunny in the White House, and none of the characters are portrayed with either positive or negative labels on their characters. The end, with Pence reading his Bible, was the perfect conclusion. If everyone would try to understand why others do as they do and believe as they believe, the world would be a brighter place.

Here's to children's books that promote patriotism and kindness.

meganac's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to Regnery Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

I am so impressed with the Marlon Bundo books. Marlon is a fantastic guide for little ones! In this book, we follow him as he hops around Washington, D.C. and explains what each monument means in relation to our Pledge of Allegiance. He's straightforward and simple with his introductions so it's easy for children to understand what he's saying, but you also sense the gravity behind it.

Most of the complaints I saw when I was reading reviews for the first book was (aside from political pettiness from those who dislike our leadership right now) that it didn't teach anything. It did, but this one does even more. I learned things that I didn't know, and I'm a history nerd. If you're looking to teach about our capitol, this is a great jumping-off point. And once again, the artwork is adorable.

America is not the greatest country ever. We stand for freedom and human rights, but we don't always get it right. I think this book embodies a spirit that says we all have the ability to do better and make changes in our country that will lead us in a better direction, and that's terribly important.

I recommend this book to everyone.

manda_reads's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

charlieavocado's review against another edition

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3.0

Not a book I'd buy for kids.
First, if they use it to learn what a rhyme is, they're going to learn that incorrectly. Because half the time the rhyme doesn't work, and it's annoying.
The art is decent enough, though not nearly as cute as the competing Marlon Bundo art. But it is cute, and reminds me of Good Dog Carl books, though still not as cute.
As a big fan of DC, I enjoyed seeing all the different places illustrated and talked about, but it does really lack in what a VP actually does, though to be perfectly honest, aside from casting votes for evil, I'm not really sure what Pence does as VP, so I suppose it's on par.
I enjoyed the Resources section, which I suppose is to increase learning for older children, though I think it could have been more detailed. Perhaps that would have been beyond the audience however.
If I did buy this for a kid, I would glue page 36 and 37 together, as it has nothing to do with the functions of a VP, and even if you want to introduce your child to Christianity, it seems hypocritical to lead them to believe that a bunny is a "believer" and can pray. \
Also, Mike Pence is a horrible human being, and this administration is committing human rights atrocities non-stop, which Pence facilitates and supports.

sherming's review against another edition

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2.0

An earnest effort, though not terribly captivating or well-executed. The artwork is okay, but the story, which is supposed to be in verse but often isn't, is fairly dull. If it's possible to experience this book without political prejudice, it passes as tepid, but pundits and critics will certainly find things to praise or deride. As for my rating of two stars, remember that Good Reads lists that as "It was Okay."

mrlnx's review against another edition

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1.0

Terrible book, not suitable for children at all. Super boring, no story, the bunny is not even the protagonist / more , the illustrations are bland and boring, it's not even a good non-fiction book as it doesn't really explain the work of the vice president. Very sad book. 0 stars if I could!