cover image Daddy Cuddle

Daddy Cuddle

Kate Mayes, illus. by Sara Acton. Amicus Ink (Chronicle, dist.), $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-68152-193-0

“Early in the morning, when it’s quiet and dark, Bunny’s eyes go ping!” But Bunny’s father is sound asleep. With spare text and subtle ink-and-watercolor art, Mayes and Acton follow the young bunny’s efforts to awaken his father, riding a bike into the bedroom (“Daddy bike?”), dragging in a kite (“Daddy kite?”), and offering him a toothbrush (“Daddy brush?”). After getting fed up, the small rabbit deploys a loud “Wake up Daddy!” followed by cuddles and snuggles. Originally published in Australia, this is a graceful dance of words and pictures, tenderly conveying the familiar mismatch between exhausted parents and their eager-eyed children. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)