BUNNY'S FIRST SPRING

A charming baby bunny experiences seasonal changes in his environment throughout his first year of life in this emotion-filled story from the author of The Jesus Storybook Bible (2007).

In lyrical, soothing prose, the text follows the brown bunny through the four seasons, noting his observations of the changes in nature. The bunny is concerned by the changes he sees in the fall and by the seemingly dead appearance of trees, grass and flowers in winter. His parents and other animals reassure the bunny about the cycle of rebirth, and the bunny celebrates his springtime birthday with joy. Although the story can be interpreted as a Christian parable, there is no overt religious content until the final page, which includes a paraphrased quotation from Martin Luther about God’s promise of new life being revealed in springtime as well as in books, presumably the Bible. (The actual quotation is not included.) Due to the mostly secular appearance of the story, this odd placement means the book is likely to be overlooked by readers looking for religious approaches to springtime stories. Delicate watercolor illustrations in McPhail’s distinctive style are filled with delightful details and varied seasonal perspectives, as well as appealing rabbits and other creatures.

The concluding quotation and the subtext of rebirth make this an oh-so-subtle Easter title that readers may well miss.