Mari-chan is a sweet, brave six-year-old who loves to play with her best friend, a magical stuffed bunny named Roboto Bunny. When her rock-climbing dad goes missing in an avalanche in faraway Antarctica, Mari-chan is heartbroken—until Roboto Bunny reveals a secret passage in her closet that leads to a tunnel to the Underworld and a magic tree with doors that can take her anywhere…even to Daddy. But there’s a catch: the tunnels are too small for a big girl, so Mari-chan is turned into a baby to fit!
On their journey, baby Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny must outwit hungry animals, alligator bridges, three-headed “beasts,” silly thieves, grumpy talking trees, a Bunny Kingdom gate test, and a wise owl tribunal. Along the way, Mari-chan discovers that even in a tiny body, her courage, creativity, and kindness are bigger than she ever imagined. But will her bravery and wits help rescue her dad, before it’s too late? It’s up to Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny to find out.
This heartwarming and imaginative allegory, reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno, shares that a difficult journey often has the best destination.
Reviews
“Woven throughout the narrative are important messages about self-belief, perseverance, and teamwork. The dream-like landscape of rainbow-colored roads, cows in castles, and sheep rowing boats keeps the story rolling at an engaging pace, and readers will love watching Mari-chan, who is already courageous and determined, grow in self-confidence as she overcomes each new challenge.
Roboto Bunny is the perfect guide for her quest—knowledgeable enough to make her feel safe, but not so powerful that he doesn’t get into some humorous scrapes of his own. The chapters themselves are written in the simple sentences and declarative style of a young child, making it both accessible and immersive, while simple digital illustrations add interest and break up the text without preventing the reader from imagining the vivid scenes for themselves.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny is a fun and uplifting story, perfect for any young reader who draws their confidence from a favorite toy.”
– The Children’s Book Review
“Somewhere between the talking bunny and the rapping baby, this story does something sneaky: it helps kids sit with fear without being swallowed by it.
Some children’s books help kids fall asleep. Others help them make sense of worries they don’t yet have the language for. Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka is a children’s fantasy that understands something crucial about its audience: kids are capable of engaging with big emotions when those emotions are handled with care, clarity, and imagination. This is a story that deals with fear, separation, helplessness, courage, and love, but it does so through talking bunnies, musical bellies, and an underworld that feels curious rather than cruel.”
– Independent Book Review
“Kaczka delivers a tender, imaginative children’s fantasy that blends emotional depth with playful surrealism . . . A warm, inventive fantasy that blends adventure with an affirmation of vulnerability. Lovers of imaginative, emotionally grounded fantasy will find plenty to savor.”
– The Prairies Book Review
“Chapter-opening illustrations elevate the reading experience. Each image offers a visual pause, inviting readers further into the Underworld. These snapshots support the narrative without overwhelming it. Younger readers gain clarity. The world feels tangible, cozy, and inviting.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny deliver a warm, uplifting adventure rooted in perseverance and love. It blends fantasy with emotional sincerity. The message resonates without feeling heavy. This book comes highly recommended for families and young readers drawn to imaginative journeys, gentle humor, and stories that celebrate courage in even the smallest heroes.”
– Literary Titan
“Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka was intriguing, and I was hooked from the start until the end. This book is excellent for a parent who wants to spend precious time with his or her child. There were so many interesting and unique adventures that could create an enjoyable conversation between parent and child. The illustrations, also by the author, captured my imagination, and I tried to imagine what would happen in that chapter. The characters were easy to relate to, and I loved Mari-chan saying that sometimes parents need their children just as much as children need their parents. Roboto Bunny helped Mari-chan bring out qualities in herself that she thought she was too small to have. The story was excellently written, and I could not put the book down before I had finished reading it.”
– Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite
“Jon Kaczka’s Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny is unique, moderately paced, and well-written. These visuals added to my enjoyment of the story and made it easier to imagine the magical world that Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny were exploring. I also enjoyed the different situations Mari-chan went through from her encounter with each creature or character in the underworld. Each experience taught her a valuable lesson, which makes it perfect for children to learn from as well. The best lesson she learned was that no matter how small or young she was, she could still make a big difference. I loved the bravery that she showed throughout her adventure. I also admired the comfort and support that Roboto Bunny gave her, which showed what true friendship is like. This story beautifully illustrates both familial love and friendship. Great work!”
– Cloie Belle Daffon for Readers’ Favorite
“Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka is one of the most imaginative kids’ stories I’ve ever read, and it’s a lot of fun. At its heart, it’s a fantastical story about a magical stuffed toy and a little girl, but it also teaches readers some important lessons about courage and being kind to others. It teaches that being brave doesn’t have to be hard and that working together can help you overcome what seem like the toughest of problems. This is the kind of book that encourages imagination in children, and it helps them bring out their more creative side. The plot is adventurous, as are the many challenges Mari-chan and Roboto face along the way, and it’s clear a great deal of thought has gone into writing this story. An enjoyable tale that kids will love reading and maybe even acting out with their own favorite toy.”
– Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite