LITTLE BUNNY'S BALLOON

A balloon leads a bunny to a happy surprise.

Little Bunny pouts. It’s his birthday, and apparently everyone forgot. Seeing a red balloon drifting by, he decides to catch it and return it to its owner; it continually eludes him. A caterpillar offers help with the welcoming invitation, “Hop, hop on and hold on tight.” Little Bunny does, and an arduous trek ensues that fails to reach the quarry. Subsequently, Lady Bird (a female bird, not a ladybug), Giraffe, and Turtle show up at opportune moments, extending assistance and repeating Caterpillar’s phrase. Each ride brings Little Bunny closer to the balloon—but not close enough. After disembarking from Turtle, he arrives at his house and sees hundreds of balloons. Guess who’s having a surprise birthday-party celebration? Children will enjoy this sweet, lightweight story whose whimsical, fuzzy-edged illustrations stand out. Little Bunny is winsome with his blue outfit, spoon-handle–shaped ears, and anthropomorphic features. Caterpillar resembles a floppy-eared, many-segmented dog; wide-eyed and stereotypically eyelashed Lady Bird wears high-heeled red shoes; Giraffe has an accordionlike neck and toothy grin; and, bearing an upholstered shell, Turtle sports a boat-shaped sailor hat and sunglasses. All are expressive; backgrounds are vivid and palpably lush. Type is frequently and playfully incorporated into the main text in various colors and fonts.

Unoriginal but fun; readers will happily follow along.