Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach

A day at the beach is no day at the beach for the long-eared protagonist of this social-emotional seaside tale. Rothman (Kittybunkport) comically channels the voice of someone who can’t see a specific situation’s sunny side, while digital cartooning by Hunter (What If, Pig?) depicts a landscape full of cheerful beachgoers. Decked out in red glasses and a striped bathing suit, the bunny sniffs at an elaborate sand castle: “Anyone can make that.” About a butterfly kite with streamers, “By far the worst kite I have ever seen in my whole, entire life.” But as other rabbits savor their ice cream twists, the protagonist seems to feel conspicuously left out. After another bunny inadvertently hits the character with a beach ball, it offers an apology and an invitation. And a subsequent accident leads not to exile, but to unexpected offerings of sympathy and ice cream. Gradually, then all at once, the figure embraces both the group and the beach vibe, boogie board and all. Offering a running critique is one way to handle disappointment or overwhelm, suggest the creators, but no bunny is an island. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Lindsay Auld, Writers House. (Mar.)