Clover is a children’s picture story about all things’ bunny rabbits. Clover teaches children about the life of a bunny rabbit from how they live, shelter, what they eat, and even predators. Children learn what rabbits like to eat and other animals they will or will not play with. Children need to know how wild animals interact with each other in a natural setting such as a park or a backyard. Rabbits and squirrels are everywhere in any location so children quickly identify with them. Clover loves to share in a rhyming manner what he likes to eat and how he and other bunny rabbits play. It is important for children to learn about nature and animals they may or may not see on a regular basis. Children gain a greater understanding about rabbits and wildlife, and they learn the types of food they can place outside for rabbits to munch on. The concept and principles of caring for rabbits and nature can be taught at an early age in any type of setting. Knowing how rabbits and squirrels interact starts the early process of learning about different animals right in your own backyard or park. 

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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

Clover by Mary L. Schmidt is a gentle and educational children’s picture story centered around the everyday life of bunny rabbits. Through the character of Clover, the book introduces young readers to where rabbits live, what they eat, their predators, and how they interact with other animals in natural settings like parks and backyards. The author uses rhyming text to make learning lively and memorable, helping children absorb information about rabbits’ habits in a fun way. Clover shares insights about rabbits’ favorite foods and behaviors and draws connections with familiar creatures such as squirrels. The book emphasizes the importance of respecting wildlife, understanding their needs, and even learning simple ways to help, like offering safe food for rabbits to enjoy.

The educational aspect is seamlessly woven into the narrative, encouraging an early appreciation for animals and nature. The emphasis on real-world interactions and natural behaviors gives the book meaningful grounding, while including basic care principles encourages a sense of responsibility and kindness toward animals from a young age. The story’s presentation in a rhyming, friendly voice makes it ideal for reading aloud, while the familiar backyard setting invites children to explore and notice the wildlife around them. Mary L. Schmidt succeeds in combining charming storytelling with practical lessons, creating a sweet bridge between imaginative play and environmental awareness. Clover is a thoughtful and heartwarming book that offers young readers a window into the small, busy lives of rabbits, encouraging a love for animals and an early connection to the natural world around them. As a rabbit lover, I found this book most educational and entertaining.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers’ Favorite

Clover is a picture book for children written by Mary L. Schmidt. Clover is an adorable bunny rabbit who lives with his mother and other rabbits in the burrow. The rabbits have their own homes in the underground burrow called warrens. Tunnels are dug for sleeping and escaping predators like foxes, snakes, or other dangers. Clover is happy that Lauren, a cute girl bunny, lives in the same burrow, but he wasn’t too pleased when a baby squirrel who wanted to play jumped on his back. Many cottontail rabbits are born every year, and usually live for about two years. A few of the foods that Clover and other bunnies like to eat are clover blossoms, dandelions, daisies, and Timothy grass. Vegetables like carrots and lettuce are favorites too.

Mary L. Schmidt’s Clover is a wonderful picture book that teaches young children about rabbits. Children will learn how rabbits survive in their natural environment with other animals, and about some of the dangers they encounter.. I adored the fun rhyming flow of the story in a poem, as well as the amazing illustrations that make the bunnies look so cuddly. Clover is an educational story book that teaches children about animals in a way that will attract their attention. Have you considered having a bunny as a pet? This could be a home pet or fun class project, too. Adorable bunnies like Clover make great pets because they are friendly and easy to care for. I highly recommend this book for children.

NABE Summer 2025 Pinnacle Book Achievement AWARD WINNERS – Best Book in the Category of CHILDREN’S INTEREST – Clover – Mary L. Schmidt

Literary Titan 2025 – Gold