SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT

Falling snow and bare branches herald winter to everyone, including a rabbit who watches geese flying south, bears hibernating, turtles paddling to warm waters, sheep huddling, squirrels stacking acorns, deer foraging, frogs submerging and mice tunneling. And when snow melts and trees bloom, everyone, including the rabbit, knows spring has returned. Beginning and ending with the same elements, the spare text suggests the cycle of seasons. Likewise, the simple, whimsical illustrations, consisting of digitally generated layers and painterly textures, open with a white winter rabbit and close with a brown spring rabbit wearing spring flowers tucked behind his ears. Thin black outlines, fanciful patterns and Chagall-like colors imaginatively suggest animals, plants and backgrounds while each double-page spread showcases animals engaging in winter preparations from dramatic angles. Geese fly, a deer elegantly leaps and burrowing mice scurry across double-page spreads, transforming each page turn into an adventure while the ubiquitous rabbit pops up in every scene. Quiet winter wonders. (Picture book. 1-5)