BUNNIES IN A SLEIGH

A fluffle of raucous bunnies saves Christmas.

The elves have eaten too many candy canes and can’t help Santa deliver the presents. Luckily, some bunnies happen to be sledding by and eagerly jump into Santa’s sleigh to assist. “Bunnies in a sleigh! / Bunnies in a sleigh! / Laughing and a-joking / as they head for Christmas Day!” Covered in chimney soot from top to tail, the bunnies hop around giving gifts to various animals, even donning scuba gear to make sure the octopus family isn’t left out. Another intriguing stop is the prison, where they give presents to the incarcerated squirrels, who deserve them, too (though perhaps not the gift-wrapped key). In tumultuous, lilting rhyme that tumbles from one page to the next, Ardagh expertly captures the frenetic energy of these gift-giving cottontails. Each bunny also has distinctive attire, so eagle-eyed readers can spot the individuals and follow them through Mantle’s vibrant scenes, seeing personalities unfold through their actions. Reminding readers that this is a British import, Santa’s sleigh travels through some famous London landmarks, narrowly missing Big Ben and flying over Trafalgar Square. Fans of the protagonists’ earlier outings—Bunnies on the Bus (2020) and Bunnies in a Boat (2023)—will be pleased. Santa presents white, and the elves are a diverse bunch.

Frenzied fun for everyone.