HAND IN HAND

An ode to parenting, from child to mother, starring Wells’ beloved bunnies.

On the title page, a glowing mother bunny watches her new baby in a bassinet. Page by page, mom helps the infant grow in size and skill. The loving bond between parent and child also grows with the gently rhyming text. “Be my teacher from day one. // Be my sky, my moon, / my sun.” The toddler could possibly be a gray cousin of baby Max from the treasured Max and Ruby series. Instead of bossy older sister Ruby, the mother rabbit wordlessly takes center stage, teaching the bunny how to talk and walk. She is his “first feeder” and “first reader,” and she keeps him steady and strong. The spare text is from the toddler’s point of view, with each sentiment the verbal equivalent of little arms reaching out for a hug. The large format brings the colorful and intimate pictures closer, enhanced by ribbonlike square borders. Vivid hues are combined to shade large areas, spreading positive energy throughout the book, even on the end pages and covers. The last image symbolically shows the youngster on a boat, sailing off into the wide, wide world.

Thanks to Wells’ experienced hand, this book is a fine gift for new parents.