Welcome, Spring!

Curiosity and good cheer buoy this bursting-with-blooms outing in which a young rabbit, rejoicing at the change of season, inquires how other animals greet spring’s arrival. At each stop, Bunny and pals partake in an activity while acclaiming “Hooray for spring!” Piggy offers Bunny a festive handmade flower crown, an eastern-bluebird-like avian called Robin chases butterflies, and Otter and the Ducklings, attired in waterproof garb, invite Bunny to join in mud jumping and splashing. Stott’s exuberant vocabulary and pattern of short question-and-answer exchanges provide an engaging hook, and watercolor paint and digital ink illustrations create an anthropomorphic cast of nattily attired critters interacting with blossoming landscapes into which small creatures are tucked across every spread. The bright feel is sure to leave winter-weary readers eager to explore backyards, parks, and gardens as soon as the season turns. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)