cover image Betty Bunny Loves Easter

Betty Bunny Loves Easter

Michael B. Kaplan, illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. Dial, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-8037-4061-7

The rambunctious and oft-stubborn Betty Bunny adores Easter, and she knows that she has the necessary skills to become the Easter Bunny, despite what her siblings think. “Only the Easter Bunny can be the Easter Bunny,” says Betty’s sister, Kate. “But you could grow up to be a weird bunny who runs around acting like the Easter Bunny,” offers older brother Bill, whose deadpan teenage asides are as constant (and welcome) a presence as Betty’s unrestrained enthusiasm. Jorisch’s lean-bodied rabbits continue to embody a tight-knit modern family, exchanging gentle chides and knowing, sidelong glances. Despite Betty’s siblings’ skepticism over her future career plans, they happily help Betty find Easter eggs during an egg hunt, which makes her fuming mad: “Stop it!” she shouts. “Easter is my favorite holiday. I’m going to be the Easter Bunny someday. I can find the eggs by myself.” Putting her desire for autonomy into practice turns egg-hunting frustrations to a source of pride in this sweetly snarky addition to the series. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Wanda Nowak. (Feb.)