TOO BIG, TOO SMALL, JUST RIGHT

A jaunty pair of bunnies embarks on an adventure exploring opposites. Like Goldilocks, the curious duo samples things that are at each extreme before discovering a happy medium. Minters's (Sleepless Beauty, 1996, etc.) spare text is composed of contrasting word pairs that cover familiar concepts for the very young: high/low, fast/slow, etc. The brief statements are woven together into simple rhymes, creating a singsong rhythm that is eminently suitable for read-aloud sessions. "Too dark / Too bright / Just right / Too heavy / Too light / Just right." Bynum's sparkling watercolors clearly convey the concepts expressed, featuring scenarios that toddler's can readily recognize; e.g., a trio of slides—one towering, one squat, and one bunny-height—illuminate the difference between high and low. The antonym pairs are accompanied by an individual illustration for each word and followed by a full-bleed, two-page spread depicting the duo engaged in activity that is "just right." The comical drawings of the nattily attired rabbit couple—he in a snazzy bow tie and she in pearls—and the addition of a small, purple mouse companion add to the whimsical charm of the illustrations. Not too long and not too complicated, this cheerful little picture book is just right. (Picture book. 2-5)