On March 25, HBO Max will premiere the new animated specialThe Runaway Bunny, based on the children’s book by Margaret Wise Brown. Producer and director Amy Schatz captures the gentle magic of this classic with the use of traditional hand-drawn animation, narration and performance of an original Margaret Wise Brown lullaby by Tracee Ellis Ross and songs by Grammy® winning artists Mariah Carey, Kelly Rowland, Rosanne Cash, Ziggy Marley and Kimya Dawson, as well as Grammy nominees Rufus Wainwright and Michael Kiwanuka.
Originally published in 1942 by HarperCollins Publishers, the book has sold over 12 million copies and continues to enchant generations of children.The Runaway Bunnybrings the illustrations of Clement Hurd and the poetry of Margaret Wise Brown to animated life for the first time. Featuring a restlesslittle bunnywho dreams of leaving home, the film is an exploration of love andchildhood. Woven throughout the story are songs that accompany the bunny on his imaginary,magical adventuresinto the world and back home to the comfort of his mother’s love.
“The Runaway Bunnyis a timeless classic about youthful independence and the strength of a mother’s love,” said Billy Wee, SVP, Original Animation,HBO Max. “Amy Schatz has lovingly brought this story to vivid life with an incredible group of collaborators.”
Tracee Ellis Ross performs “Song of the Runaway Bunny,” the never-before-released song written by Margaret Wise Brown based on a Provençal love ballad which inspired Brown to write this book.
The Runaway Bunnyis produced and directed by Amy Schatz, whose work includes “Goodnight Moon & Other Sleepytime Tales” and the “Classical Baby” series, currently available on HBO MAX. Schatz’s productions have earned multiple Emmy, Directors Guild of America, Peabody and Parents' Choice Awards, including a 2020 Emmy win for outstanding children’s program for “We Are the Dream.”
