The Children’s Book Review | March 31, 2012
By Rachel Vail; Illustrated by Jeremy Tankard
Ever had aspirations to be someone or something other than who or what you are? The piggy in this book, Liam, wants to be a bunny—the Easter bunny, to be exact. He’s willing to put in the hard work, even if it means eating salad. Nobody in his family, except for his grandma, believes he can become the Easter bunny, but Liam remains focused and with his can-do-attitude and support from grandma he makes his dream come true. Jeremy Tankard’s ink and digital media artwork are the icing on the cake (or the foil wrapper on the Easter egg, if I may) adding emotion to the story through little piggy faces and bodies. Liam is adorable and so is this story. (Ages 4-6. Publisher: Feiwel and Friends)
By Jan Thomas
Jan Thomas is one funny author. In her latest book the Easter bunny is doing his best to teach readers how to dye Easter eggs, however, his assistant Skunk keeps getting over-excited and … well, let’s just say he has trouble containing himself. The combination of the bright illustrations and well-timed text create a laugh-out-loud picture book perfect for an Easter story time session. (Ages 2-5. Publisher: HarperCollins)
By Leslie Ann Clark
From the moment Peepsqueak, a chicken, hatches from his egg he is raring and ready to fly. Even though everyone tells him he is not ready, Peepsqueak remains determined and filled with self-belief—the perfect recipe for reaching goals. Leslie Ann Clark uses rhythmic and repetitive text that begs to be read aloud; and her sweet cartoon illustrations give Peepsqueak a delightful amount of bounce. Great for spring and Easter, but definitely an all-year read that is sure to be a request over and over again. (Ages 2-5. Publisher: HarperCollins)
By Anita Lobel
Anita Lobel, a Caldecott Honor Book illustrator, has created a charming little number with 10 Hungry Rabbits. 10 very hungry rabbits set out to find 10 vegetables from the garden for Mama Rabbit’s soup pot. Using gouache and watercolors, Lobel’s illustrations prime readers well with an exploration of color as each rabbit collects their chosen vegetable: One big purple cabbage, two white onions, three yellow peppers, etc.. The family of rabbits share a delightful feast that satisfies their hungry tummies. This is a book that certainly has classic appeal. (Ages 1-5. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf)
By Jon N. Hulme; Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
The rhyming text is a sweet-sounding expression of spring, and celebrates the new life that comes with this harmonious season. Dan Andreasen’s tender illustrations, created using digital art and traditional oil paint, are sensational—in fact, they’re the cat’s meow. Readers will enjoy counting their way through this board book. (Ages 1-5. Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books)
By Tad Hills
Tad Hills is a TCBR favorite, as are his characters Duck and Goose. Over twenty-two board book pages the two endearing friends search for the perfect hiding place to spot the Easter bunny from. This is a colorful and lovable Easter basket goodie—the glittery front cover adds a certain je ne sais quoi. (Ages 1-3. Publisher: Schwartz & Wade)
By Lily Karr; Illustrated by Jay Johnson
One hundred percent shiny novelty, My Easter Bunny is a darling, rhyming book in which the Easter bunny hides Easter eggs for a hunt. With its foil over board cover and its special bunny shape, this little book is the perfect addition to baby’s first Easter basket. (Ages 0-3. Publisher: Scholastic)