THE EASTER EGG

Brett is in rare visual form in this tale of a bunny who hopes to win a prized opportunity to help the Easter Rabbit. Little Hoppi goes through his community seeking ideas for the winning decorated egg. The other bunnies, each of a different breed and elaborately costumed, are hard at work, but they give Hoppi some items that might help him. As he ponders the task, an egg tumbles out of Mother Robin’s nest—so, Horton-like, he decides to protect it until it hatches, with completely predictable results. But if the story is a little lackluster, the sumptuous illustrations more than make up for it. Bordered in pussy-willow twigs (which sport their own surprise), each spread offers the illustrator’s patented triptych construction, with panels detailing other bunnies’ activities flanking an elaborate tableau. Luscious. (Picture book. 3-6)