A story starring a funny and argumentative bunny that makes for a read-aloud gigglefest.
Despite clues to the contrary, this little white rabbit insists that he is not the Easter Bunny.
White fur and cottontail, cute bow tie and vest, and a basket of painted eggs: Must be the Easter Bunny! But this determined rabbit refuses to admit that he’s the famous holiday hopper. In a style reminiscent of Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie books, McBeth’s rabbit directly addresses an unseen narrator; the bunny’s dialogue is presented in speech bubbles. When the narrator asks about the bow tie, the bunny explains that it “was a gift from my grandmother, thank you very much!” And when the narrator observes the rabbit “hopping! Just like the Easter Bunny!” the bunny responds, “Well, I don’t have a car! And my bus pass is in my other vest!” Kids follow along as the bunny gets dressed, goes to the store, and purchases eggs and sweets. Little readers will enjoy being in on the joke (this is clearly the Easter Bunny) and the playful back and forth. The book lends itself well to a lap-sit read-aloud; adult readers will enjoy adopting different voices for the narrator and the bunny. The final reveal shows the bunny dragging an enormous “Happy Easter!” basket piled high with decorated eggs. The cartoonish illustrations and cheeky dialogue give this tale plenty of personality and zest.
A story starring a funny and argumentative bunny that makes for a read-aloud gigglefest. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9780593528457
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 18, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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