It’s war. And John Oliver is beating VP Mike Pence with his tolerant version of Bunny love.
Gay Bunny Book Mocks The Pence Family Version
Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence illustrated a children’s book, penned by she and Vice President Mike Pence’s 24 year-old daughter Charlotte, about the family’s black-and-white pet rabbit. The book, Marlon Bundo’s Day in the Life of the Vice President, introduces children to BOTUS (Bunny of the United States) who has become a national celebrity appearing at official White House events, riding on Air Force 2, and even his own popular Instagram account.
Pundit John Oliver, who makes no bones about his dislike for the conservative VP, responded with an alternate version of the book penned by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver staff writer Jill Twiss.
The Twiss twist? The BOTUS falls in love with another male bunny, Wesley, and is accompanied by an audio version read by openly gay star Jim Parsons with special guests Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jeff Garlin, Ellie Kemper, John Lithgow, Jack McBrayer, and RuPaul. Even better, all proceeds go to the L.G.B.T.Q. nonprofit organization the Trevor Project*.
The book follows a day in the life of the Bunny of the United States (BOTUS) as he falls in love with Wesley. After a splendid day of hopping about the White House grounds, the two decide to wed—only to be told by the Stink Bug in charge that same-sex marriage is not allowed.
But not all is lost. When Marlon, Wesley, and their supportive animal community realize that they can choose who is in charge of their society, they harness the power of democracy and vote out the Stink Bug. In true happily-ever-after fashion, the couple is married surrounded by their friends.
The parody version of the Pence book was strategically released one day before and A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo shot to number 1 on Amazon within 48 hours of its release, outselling the Pence family version, which is now ranked at #48 on Amazon.
“Because we wholeheartedly agree with the message of inclusiveness,” said Sarah Malarkey, Executive Editorial Director at Chronicle Books, “we leapt at the chance to partner with the hilarious and brave team at Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
The John Oliver version of the children’s picture book, dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different, is beautifully illustrated and explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy, spreading a message of tolerance and advocacy.
