Celebrate Easter, 2003
The following reviews were presented in our 2003 Easter feature.
Reviews
Arthur's Easter Activity Book
Marc Brown
For fans of Arthur or kids who love projects, this would be an excellent book for a Sunday morning Easter basket as it is sure to keep independent kids busy for a while. It is chock full of activities such as a word find, a crossword, mazes, coloring pages and more. You can even learn how to draw Arthur. The center section is two pages full of reusable vinyl stickers, which can be peeled off and used at the back. The back page opens up to feature a full 2-page spread of an empty park ready to have an Easter party recreated with stickers. There is also one page that is a classroom, if you would rather have Arthur and his friends celebrate Easter at school. A great activity book, which is a lot less messy than decorating eggs. All you need to add are crayons.
2003, Little Brown and Company, Ages 5 to 8, $7.95. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-316-11850-8
Baby Bunny
Poppy Wells
Illustrated by Summer Durantz
In this aptly named series, "Touch the Fuzzy Ears," children enjoy the tactile experience of petting Baby Bunny's fuzzy ears. The cover of this hand-sized, sturdy board book is a picture of the face of Baby Bunny whose ears are actually mounted into the cover. (The ears are sturdy as well). The sweet, simple text describes Baby Bunny looking for a friend who will hop with him. Finally he finds Frog and the two hop around all day long. The illustrations are soft and appealing and the ears in the drawings look just like the "real" ones on the cover. A delightful combination book and partly stuffed toy treat for a little one. In time for Easter, this series also has a book called, Baby Lamb. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, Ages 1 to 5, $4.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-689-85644-X
Baby Chick
Giovanni Caviezel
Illustrated by Roberta Pagnoni
This shaped board book would be a nice item for an Easter Basket. A brown hen sees a very special white egg resting among the colored ones. She taps it with her umbrella and suddenly the egg begins to crack open. A little yellow chick emerges and is greeted by the other chicks and baby ducklings. It is Baby Chick's first Easter and a chance to sample a chocolate egg. The pages of this board book are layered to create the scenes and one of the nice features is that it is as attractive from the back as it is from the front. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 mo. to 2, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-85247-9
Baby Lamb
Poppy Wells
Illustrated by Summer Durantz
In this aptly named series, "Touch the Fuzzy Ears," children enjoy the tactile experience of petting Baby Lamb's fuzzy ears. The cover of this hand-sized, sturdy board book is a picture of the face of Baby Lamb whose ears are actually mounted into the cover. (The ears are sturdy as well). Baby Lamb is playing hide and seek on the farm. He finds Chick in the flowers and Pig in the mud. After he has found all the animals he hides himself, can you find him? His cute little green plaid and fuzzy ears look just like the "real" ones on the cover. The illustrations are soft and appealing. A delightful combination book and partly stuffed toy treat for a little one. In time for Easter, this series also has a book called, Baby Bunny. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, Ages 1 to 5, $4.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-689-85645-8
Barnaby's Bunny
Wendy Rouillard
Rouillard has written a book with a message and it is not terribly subtle. On the opening page, there is a discussion written for adults about the importance of character education. In case there is any doubt as to the purpose of the story, it is clearly spelled out in this summary and the list of activities. The kids in Barnaby's class are all excited because he has brought in his pet basset hound for show-and-tell. The pet captivates the class and they ask their teacher, Mrs. Sealey, if they can have a class pet. After thinking about it, Mrs. Sealey presents the class with some hardboiled eggs the following day and tells them to make them pets. Then she says that she wants to see how well they manage with their pretend pets before she will consider getting a real one. Everyone except Barnaby is very careful and a little nervous. He is very much self-assured because he already has a pet. Then on the way to school, he has a mishap and his pet is injured. The class fears that their chances for success have been jeopardized. Will Barnaby tell the truth, will the kids get a class pet? The suspense isn't that great, but honesty is rewarded. Using the materials enclosed, kids can make their own special pet eggs, which is the extra bonus part of the book. 2003, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 7, $12.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-439-33307-5
A Basketful of Treats
Dawn Bentley
Illustrated by Michelle Berg
What fun young children will have as they help Sam fill his Easter basket. Each page contains a sparkling, shimmering new object for Sam to collect. Colored foil is used to create these objects, and they include flowers, jelly beans, Easter eggs, chicks, chocolate bunnies and more. Bright red foil is used for the jelly beans, yellow for the chicks, pink for the flowers, and so on. By the end of the book, Sam's Easter basket is full and he is one happy boy. Preschoolers will enjoy watching light reflect off the foil objects, making bright and changing designs. Curious children will also want to feel the texture of these cut out foil objects. This title is one in the publisher's "Foil Book" series. 2003, Price Stern Sloan/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-8431-4585-4
The Best Easter Eggs Ever
Jerry Smath
The Easter Bunny has a problem. He is tired of the design he is using to paint his Easter eggs. So, he turns to his three young assistants and asks for their help. He asks the bunnies to paint an egg by themselves and he will chose which design is the best. Soon the three youngsters are off and looking for a design to paint on their egg. The reader watches each of the bunnies find the design that appeals to them most and we are not surprised to learn that the Easter Bunny cannot choose because each design is pretty in his eyes. So it is decided that they will use all three designs for the Easter Bunny's gift baskets. Though the storyline is somewhat predictable, and the sweetness of the book can be a little cloying, there is one theme in the book which is very attractive. The reader is able to see how one can find beauty in the simplest things in the world around us. 2003, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 6, $3.50. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber
ISBN: 0-439-44321-0
Bob's Egg Hunt: A Lift-the-Flap Story
Annie Auerbach
Illustrated by Barry Goldberg
CAN HE HIDE THEM? YES, HE CAN! Can they find them? You'll have to read this colorful lift the flap book to find out. It's spring and Bob the Builder has planned a special chocolate egg hunt on Farmer Pickle's farm for his friends. Join Scoop, Dizzy, Lofty and Muck as they look for eggs hidden around the farm. Each page offers the reader a flap to lift and discover unexpected surprises along with Bob's team. The team finds friendly porcupines, turtles, owls and bunnies but no eggs. In the end, the team finds another friend and the answer to where all the eggs went. A super addition to the Easter basket of any Bob the Builder fan. Part of the "Bob the Builder" series. 2002, Simon Spotlight, $5.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli
ISBN: 0-689-84590-1
Bunny's Egg Hunt
Giovanni Caviezel
Illustrations by Roberta Pagnoni
Bunny is hiding chocolate eggs for an Easter egg hunt with his brothers and sisters. He hides them in the attic, the kitchen, the basement, and under the bed. Although Bunny then forgets where he has hidden them, his brothers and sisters have no trouble locating them. While the basement is mentioned, it is the only one of the four rooms not pictured. There are five eggs hidden in the kitchen, but it is difficult for the reader to discern them. This is not successful as a counting book. The bunny-shaped board book (front of the bunny on the front cover and back of the bunny on the back), has the bunny carrying a basket of eggs. It will be confusing for children, however, because the number of eggs in the basket has nothing to do with the numbers hidden in each room. Originally published by Happy Books in Milan, Italy. 2003 (orig. 2001), Little Simon/ Simon& Schuster, Ages 2 to 4, $4.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-85246-0
A Child's Book of Easter
Paul Kortepeter
Illustrated by Susan Wheeler
Padded and with gilded edges, this little collection of poems looks like a little Bible, prayer book or diary. It focuses more on the beautiful world around us, the one that God has created and focuses on both the true meaning of Easter and some of the trappings (colored eggs, chocolate bunnies) that today's kids associate with this religious holiday. The pictures that accompany the poems are all executed in pastels and are small insets in pages that are bordered with pastel decorated Easter eggs. It is a quiet book, more thought provoking than its size might lead one to believe. Little ones will enjoy the pictures; older readers may think about the messages in the poems. As such, it is hard to identify the exact audience, since some of the poems have adult appeal. Part of the "Holly Pond Hill" series. 2002, Dutton, $9.99. Ages 3 to 12. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-525-46827-7
Dora's Easter Basket
Adapted by Sarah Wilson
Illustrated by Susan Hall
Dora and her monkey friend, Boots, are looking for 12 special eggs on an Easter egg hunt. She asks young readers to help them locate the eggs, which have prizes inside of them. "Map" instructs the explorers to hunt for the eggs by the duck pond, the farm and at Grandma's house. On each page spread there are questions directed to children. These include simple counting exercises, matching games, and other developmentally appropriate activities. There are also a few Spanish words sprinkled in the text, most notably the numbers 1 through 12. Dora is cute as a button and many children will recognize her from her Nick Jr. television series. The text does not flow as smoothly as it should, but the colorful illustrations and character identification will please young Dora fans. This title is one in the publisher's "Dora the Explorer" series. 2003, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $5.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-89-85240-1
Easter
Maria C. Schuh
The essential elements of Easter, both religious and secular, are described in the simplest of terms for the youngest of readers. Bright full color photos of children painting eggs, a grinning Easter bunny, a family celebrating with a special meal, the risen Christ, and new life with adorable lambs and chicks visually clarify the abbreviated text that relies on the repetition of words and phrases in its endeavor to help children learn. Christians may take exception to the description of Jesus (in the body of the text) as a "man who went up to heaven" with no mention made of His divinity. The Words to Know and Read More section may be of help to parents and teachers using this book with young children. It was difficult to find specific Easter themed material searching the three Internet sites that are appended. Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series, this will fill a gap where material is needed for units related to culture.
BIBLIO: 2003, Pebble Books, Ages 4 to 6, $14.00. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-7368-1445-0
Easter: With Words from the King James Bible
Edited by Fiona French
Elegant, stained-glass, iconoclastic-style illustrations based on designs from the English cathedrals of Ely, Lincoln, York and Canterbury are an apt accompaniment to the formal wording of the King James Bible. The text begins with Jesus' triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, continues through the last supper, Gethsemane, Jesus before Pilate, the crucifixion and death, Jesus meeting with the apostles after his resurrection, and finally his ascension into heaven. The sumptuous jewel tones and variations within a color further enhance the stained-glass appearance. French has included many Christian symbols, such as the lamb and those of the four gospel writers in her art. She includes fine details and expressive faces in the pictures. There is understated simplicity and deep reverence on the pages, showing Christ on the cross with the single line, "And they crucified him." A lovely book. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-06-623929-X
Best Books:
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 18, 2002 ; Cahners; United States
Easter Activities
Fiona Watt and Ray Gibson
Illustrated by Amanda Barlow, et al.
If you have young children or students and need ideas for Easter and spring related activities, this is a handy book to have. The projects are simple, yet fun and the results are amazingly good. Each step is explained and a diagram illustrates how the item is supposed to look at each step in the process. Even for those who are artistically challenged, the projects will produce a reasonable result. If you have a bit more talent, so much the better. Lots of the activities incorporate finger painting, crayons and felt markers. Most of the necessary items are readily available--paints, crayons, tape, paper plates, potatoes, large sheets of paper, yellow and white crepe paper, straws, flower pots, hardboiled and fresh eggs. The ones that may be the most difficult for little hands is the painting of eggshells from fresh eggs and creating Cress egg-heads again using fresh eggshells--these projects would be better choices for older kids. 2003 (orig. 2001), Usborn, Ages 3 to 8, $6.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7945-0344-6
Easter Basket
Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by Dawn Apperley
The bunnies in this board book are shown creating a very pretty Easter basket filled with candy. With all of the hopping, flopping, bouncing and leaping inside the basket, it would seem like the contents would be a mess. Not so in this board book, where a little bunny seems to be quite comfortable napping in the basketful of goodies. Parents and caregivers may have their work cut out for them explaining that bunnies do not really create Easter baskets. Also in the "Easter Weave Board Book" series is Easter Egg. 2002, Simon and Schuster, $4.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-84725-4
Easter Bunnies Everywhere
William Boniface
Illustrated by Ronnie Rooney
Easter Bunnies from around the world show how they decorate their Easter eggs. We see bunnies in Mexico, Russia, the South Pacific, and Continental Europe. The final page is America where the bunnies decorate eggs in many ways, but their piece d' resistance is the red, white and blue, patriotic egg. Though it is true that different cultures paint their eggs in different ways, this book is not really describing the various traditions of Easter. Rather, the fun of this book is that it is part puzzle. Four resealable compartments down the right side hold small puzzle pieces that fit into the various eggs described in the text. Children can put jewels on the Russian egg and seashells on the Tahitian one. There is a pizza slice for Europe and a sombrero and taco for Mexico. All in all there are about 30 small pieces--which makes this book strictly for those three and older. The drawbacks to this book are that the rhyming text is a bit halting and the pieces are pretty small. It is hard to imagine them not getting lost in sofa cushions at some point. Still, could be a fun Easter day activity. A "Top This" book. 2003, Price Stern Sloan, Ages 3 to 6, $9.99.
Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-8431-0257-8
The Easter Bunny That Overslept
Priscilla and Otto Friedrich
Illustrated by Donald Saaf
When the Easter Bunny oversleeps due to the dreary, rainy weather, he tries to bring his eggs to boys and girls at other holidays throughout the year. Alas, no one wants them for Mother's Day, Fourth of July or Halloween. A strong wind carries him to the North Pole where he paints toys for Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he helps deliver the presents and is rewarded with a gold alarm clock. Nevermore will he oversleep on Easter! Combining collage and gouache, Saaf has created wonderful details in the illustrations, such as the quilt on the Bunny's bed and the grass and the leaves in the autumn scenes. The chalk-like white bunny wearing the blue-striped suit reminds this reviewer of the little bunny in Goodnight Moon. Occasionally, the faces of the humans can be off-putting, and the balloon in the Fourth of July parade is rather peculiar. Despite these petty problems, I welcome this classic holiday book back into print. It was originally published in 1957 with illustrations by Adrienne Adams, and revised and reillustrated by Adams in 1983. According to a note at the beginning of the book, "the text has once again been revised for a new generation." 2002 (orig. 1957), HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-06-029645-3
ISBN: 0-06-029646-1
Easter Day Alphabet
Beverly Barras Vidrine
Illustrated by Alison Davis Lyne
There is a golden egg hidden on each page in or near the alphabetical letter. Each letter represents a symbol or tradition of Easter. For example, "E" is for egg and "J" is for Jesus. Some are loosely connected, such as "I" is for insect, which carries the pollen that makes the flowers bloom. "Z" is for zigzag, which is the way children run as they search for Easter eggs. Children will learn about an old game called "knock eggs" and why people stand during the "Hallelujah Chorus." The statements are straightforward. Pastel colors illustrate the letters and the accompanying illustrations. Animals, plants, and decorated eggs are all more successful than the drawings of the blond-haired people. 2003, Pelican, Ages 5 to 8, $7.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 1-58980-076-1
Easter Egg
Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by Dawn Apperley
The bunnies in this board book are shown busily coloring eggs for Easter. The text offers an opportunity to identify basic colors (pink, yellow and blue) but parents and caregivers may have their work cut out for them explaining that bunnies do not really create decorated Easter eggs. The textured egg on the covers gives a little something extra. Also in the "Easter Weave Board Book" series is Easter Basket. 2002, Simon and Schuster, $4.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-84726-2
Easter Egg Hunt
Nadine Bernard Westcott
This short, sweet and simple pop-up book will be a hit with young readers. The book features ten pages of simple rhyming text about the events at an Easter Egg Hunt. From the hiding of the eggs by the Easter Bunny, to songs, games and egg races, this book highlights the joy of this happy holiday event. Each two-page spread features a cut- paper pop up of cheerful children and adorable animals searching for eggs at the Easter egg hunt. The lovely spring scenes are feature bright foliage, flowers and birds. The illustrations are colorful and detailed enough to hold the attention of pre-readers and early readers alike. 2002, Little Simon, $5.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli
ISBN: 0-689-84566-9
Easter Fun with Peter Rabbit
Adapted from the original and authorized stories by Beatrix Potter
Children celebrating Easter will find numerous craft ideas to keep them busy in the weeks preceding the holiday with this educational activity book. Easter cards, a crossword puzzle, a rebus letter, matching games, recipes, stickers, and many egg decorating techniques are just some of the excellent activities provided. Children will find crafts and games to suit different abilities and interests. For example, some activities emphasize creativity, others help develop motor skills, and some are interactive and educational. Black and white illustrations accompany the instructions for each craft. The illustrations are certainly adequate, but would have been more appealing with a splash of color here and there. Stickers in the middle of the book add a bit of needed color. Some of the stickers are used with activities in the book, and others are for decorating Easter eggs and cards. Both stickers and illustrations are true to the style of the original Beatrix Potter books. Although a number of the activities require a kitchen or craft supplies, others require only a pen or crayon and are suitable for car, train, and airplane trips. Children will need assistance with the baking and egg decorating activities. 2003 (orig. 1999), Penguin Books/Penguin Putnam, Ages 5 to 8, $4.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-7232-4896-6
Easter Mice!
Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by Doug Cushman
Mother Mouse bedecked in her Easter bonnet takes her three children dressed in jackets and ties outside for an egg hunt. The two older ones begin to search right away but the youngest gets sidetracked. He thoroughly enjoys picking flowers ("Sniff! Whiff!/ Spring! Fling!"), rolling in the mud, swinging on a branch, and boating on a leaf. When Mother Mouse gathers her three boys, the youngest is upset because he is the only one with no eggs. He runs away but happens upon an egg that cracks and reveals "An Easter friend." Cushman's illustrations in springtime colors extend a spare but energetic text that is full of action words. The expressive faces of the little mice will engage the reader. There are a number of imaginative touches in the interior of the house, such as the pencil that serves as a curtain rod and the postage stamp that is a picture on the wall. A nice little holiday story with a reassuring premise for young listeners. 2003, Clarion, Ages 3 to 6, $13.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-618-16455-3
Easter Parade
Irving Berlin
Illustrations by Lisa McCue
Written in 1933, Irving Berlin's Easter Parade has a lilting melody and clever, if somewhat dated, lyrics. Indeed, one of the best rhymes (you're and photogravure) is incomprehensible to young readers of today without an explanation. So, probably, is the very idea of an Easter parade and Easter bonnets. Although the publisher suggests this book for all ages, the sweetly cheerful colors and festively-dressed, furry animals parading on its pages suggest otherwise. In their thirties-style outfits, a bunny father and his daughter take the holiday stroll up a woodsy Fifth Avenue accompanied by Berlin's lyrics. They are greeted by various creatures (bears, squirrels, turtles, ducks, frogs), and snapped by a raccoon photographer, until a stiff breeze sweeps the bunny daughter's elaborate chapeau up the Avenue. To the cheers of onlookers, Daddy captures the bonnet, with its bows, flowers, eggs, and even a toy duck intact. The youngest browsers will enjoy seeing a bear in a beehive hat, a frog as ice cream seller, and a small mouse with his sailor suit and lollipop. Endpapers depict a Fifth Avenue with tree-trunk buildings and such punny signs as Tiffury & Co, Rockefuzzy Center, and Bird Orf Goodman (more meaningful to adults than to children unless they happen to live in New York). Music and some lyrics are included, so with help kids can sing along. Grownups nostalgic for the song, however, might prefer seeking out the more stylish interpretation by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in the MGM film of 1948. 2003, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
ISBN: 0-06-029125-7
ISBN: 0-06-029126-5
Five Little Bunny Rabbits
William Boniface
Illustrated by Lynn Adams
In a countdown to Easter, five little bunny rabbits set out with a job to do. On each page, one of the bunnies hops off to find an item or do a chore, encouraging the reader to count backwards from five. With five holes cut out of the cover we can see and touch the five plastic-molded bunnies that are mounted to double thick paper pages. As one disappears we turn the page and are left with just four, three . . . These Easter bunnies are busy preparing Easter baskets and the colorful illustrations are all pink, yellow, purple and blue culminating in a surprise pop-up on the last page. The text is written in such a way as to encourage the child to participate by saying out loud the next number down--the rhyming text helps trigger the correct number. A good learning tool and the 3-D bunnies are kind of fun. (Due to the plastic-molded bunnies, the cover has a choking hazard warning that states the book is not for children under 3). 2003, Price Stern Sloan, Ages 3 to 7, $5.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-8431-0232-2
Five Little Chicks
Lark Carrier
What reads like a fingerplay has been made into a board book for Easter. Each chick, bedecked in a distinct Easter bonnet or hat, is introduced in a die-cut page that is slightly shorter than the one before. "The first one peeps at a jelly-bean sweet./ The second one peeps at a painted-egg treat" and so on, until the Easter bunny with his basket of painted eggs, chocolates and jelly-beans is revealed on the second-to-last page. It is cleverly done so the reader can see all five chicks peeking through the grass on the last page. Also in the grass are an assortment of little critters such as ants, snails, a spider and a ladybug. Little ones will enjoy pointing these out. The illustrator does well in keeping the pictures simple enough for the very young but adds enough interest for subsequent readings. 2003, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 4, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-06-008200-3
Five Little Easter Eggs
William Boniface
Illustrated by Lynn Adams
This fun Easter countdown book shows a bunch of Easter bunnies hiding Easter eggs. The five decorated eggs are three-dimensional plastic-molded eggs, which are mounted on double thick paper pages. As one is hidden, we turn the page and are left with just four, three . . . culminating in a surprise pop-up on the last page. The illustrations are appropriate Easter colors of pink, yellow, purple and blue. The text is written in such a way as to encourage the child to participate by saying out loud the next number down-the rhyming text helps trigger the correct number. A good learning tool and the 3-D eggs are fun and aid the counting. (Due to the plastic-molded bunnies, the cover has a choking hazard warning that states the book is not for children under 3). 2003, Price Stern Sloan, Ages 3 to 7, $5.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-8431-0233-0
Happy Easter
Michelle Knudsen
Illustrated by Salina Yoon
Eyes and fingers will be drawn to the textured cut outs in this cheerful board book. Simple rhyming text is paired with bright illustrations containing cut outs of various Easter objects. For example, on a page showing Easter bonnets, there is one hat cut out with shiny blue foil underneath. There are also cut outs for bunny ears, an Easter basket, tulips, and more. A nice feature is that all the cut outs have different textures. Curious children will enjoy feeling each one. The four rhyming lines of text on each page spread deals with one aspect of Easter. The cover illustration of this book is particularly enticing; it has two cut out Easter eggs with the "plastic grass" used to pad the bottom of Easter baskets underneath. This title is one in the publisher's "Sparkle "n" Shimmer" series. 2003, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 1 to 4, $5.95. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-689-85311-4
Happy Easter, Everyone!
Hopi Morton
Illustrated by Robert Powers
On Easter morning, Little Bill can't wait for the Easter egg hunt to begin. He is determined to find "the special egg," which is all chocolate and covered in shiny paper. When Little Bill's cousin, Fuschia, hears about the special egg, she is determined to find it first. Their grandmother puts an end to the competition by suggesting that they look for it together. The kids have so much more fun searching as a team. When Little Bill and Fuschia find the egg, they are so proud that they did it together. Young children will enjoy hunting for eggs along with Little Bill in this lift-the-flap book. Brightly colored illustrations enhance the concise text. This story is based on the television series "Little Bill," which was created by Bill Cosby and can be seen on Nick Jr.
2003, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 5, $5.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-689-85243-6
Hop to It! A Scholastic Easter Treasury
Easter with its sweet and Spring-like delights comes together in this indifferent collection of Easter stories. The collection begins with Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit". A story about disobedience and the repercussions thereof "Peter Rabbit" does not seem to fit in a collection of Easter stories. In addition the illustrations used with Potter's text do not do the story justice. "Clifford's Happy Easter" is a simple and likeable little story about a little girl, Elizabeth, decorating Easter eggs with the help of her enormous red dog, Clifford. In the next story Peter Cottontail is coming to town. Every Easter he brings every little rabbit child a basket of eggs and candies. Then one year wily wolf steals and hides the eggs in an effort to ruin Easter. A clumsy spin off of "The Grinch" this story is disappointing in its weak and predictable story. "The Best Easter Hunt Ever" leads its characters and the reader on a delightful Easter egg hunt through brightly and busily illustrated pages. Just in case you can't find the eggs, there are maps at the end of the book to help you find them. In "Bunny Trouble" Ralph, a member of a rabbit colony which prepares Easter baskets, isn't doing his job. Instead of painting eggs and preparing baskets he plays soccer. His passion for soccer gets him into all sorts of trouble and eventually, predictably, he finds himself in a very serious predicament. Locked in a little cage by a farmer Ralph promises to change his ways. Ralph's clever little sister soon finds a way to get her brother out and the reformed Ralph decides to do his share of the work, in his own unique way. Ralph gets into more trouble in "More Bunny Trouble" when he neglects his babysitting duties and his little sister gets lost. Though this is a well told story about honoring ones responsibilities, it is hard to see how it fits into a collection of Easter stories. The last story in this book is about a frog who dreams of being an Easter Ribbit, a frog who looks a little like a rabbit and who delivers Easter baskets for the Easter Bunny. The adventures of "Froggie" are both predictable and hard to swallow. 2003, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 7, $10.99. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber
ISBN: 0-439-44267-2
The Jelly Bean Fun Book
Karen Capucilli
The admonition to not play with your food is certainly lost in this board book. Jelly beans have been used to create shapes, a maze, and letters of the alphabet. Readers can identify the colors, search for jelly beans, and guess how many are in a picture of a butterfly (no answer given). These twelve pages have been extracted and simplified from the original picture book. The sturdy format is perfect for toddlers who will best appreciate this simple book. Photographs are vividly eye-catching. It will make a nice little gift in an Easter basket surrounded by the real thing, of course. 2003 (orig. 2001), Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-85599-0
Make Your Own Easter Treats
Sonali Fry
Illustrated by Judith Moffatt
The simple text and big bold collage artwork are designed for kids to use the 40-plus reusable holographic stickers that come attached to the back page of this board book. In the first scene they can decorate Easter eggs, then the chocolate bunnies need goodies to make them more enticing as do the sugar cookies and cupcakes. The Easter bonnets need spiffing up and on the final spread, kids can fill up the Easter basket while Mister Bunny wishes them a Happy Easter. The secret of success here will be to keep the reusable stickers from getting lost. 2002, Cartwheel/Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-439-34202-3
One Hungry Bunny!
Mara Conlon
Illustrated by Hala Wittwer
What are your favorite treats to find in an Easter basket? Jellybeans? Marshmallow chicks? Or perhaps a solid chocolate bunny? In this sturdy board book, die-cut in the shape of an Easter basket, we count from one to five in rhyming text as Hungry Bunny shares with the reader all the "treats" loaded into his/her basket. But they aren't what you'd expect. There is one berry-beet lollipop and two turnips dipped in honey, three celery taffies, and four cabbage jellybeans. Last but not least, Bunny's favorite-five carrots dipped in chocolate! Kids who love candy will no doubt appreciate the twist when their favorite sweets are mixed up with some of their most feared vegetables. The book would make a nice addition to an Easter basket. 2003, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Putnam, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Sarah Seage
ISBN: 0-448-43121-1
Owen's Marshmallow Chick
Kevin Henkes
Oh what joy it is Easter morning and Owen's basket is full. He can't wait to start enjoying all of the goodies. Among his favorites are the jellybeans, which he promptly devours, then the gumdrops, next the butter cream eggs and another favorite, the chocolate bunny. There is only one item left, a yellow marshmallow chick that looks just like his fuzzy yellow blanket. Owen plays with his chick all day and when evening comes, he puts it on his shelf with a sweet kiss goodnight. After all, it really is his favorite Easter treat. A tasty little board book that little ones will savor. 2001, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $6.95. Ages 6 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-06-001012-6
Best Books:
Capitol Choices, 2002 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002 ; Children's Literature; United States
Owen's Marshmallow Chick
Kevin Henkes
It is Easter and Owen gets a basket full of goodies from the Easter Bunny. In it are some of his very favorite treats. There are gumdrops, a chocolate bunny, and jelly beans. He eats them one by one and as each one is eaten he says, "My favorite." The last treat is a yellow marshmallow chick and Owen doesn't eat it because it is the same color as his trusty blanket. He keeps the chick and plays with it all morning and all afternoon. When it is time for bed, Owen places his chick up on a shelf and goes to bed dreaming about his marshmallow chick. Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick was the first of this 6-book, board book series, and what Henkes achieved in that one, he has achieved here. In the fewest words possible, he has captured Owen's glee and absorption in his little chick. While we might wish that these board books were in picture book format with 32 pages to enjoy, I am more and more pleased to know that they will be whetting the appetites of preschoolers for Henkes' other work. 2002, HarperFestival, $6.95. Ages 2 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig
ISBN: 0-06-001012-6
Best Books:
Capitol Choices, 2002 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002 ; Children's Literature; United States
Painted Eggs and Chocolate Bunnies
Toni Trent Parker
Photographs by Earl Anderson
Easter is a time of flowers, fancy clothes, bunny ears, chocolate bunnies, and Easter baskets. Unfortunately the author does not tie these various delights together in any way and the book is clumsy. Each double page spread has four lines of rhyming text with a bright color photograph to illustrate the words. In a few instances the rhymes are awkward and they refer to events or things that really would not appeal to many children. How many little boys like to get dressed up in a suit or like to be told that they "sure look cute"? 2002, Cartwheel Books, Ages 3 to 6, $6.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber
ISBN: 0-439-33869-7
Where's The Golden Egg?
Dawn Bentley
Illustrated by Michelle Berg
On a hunt for "the Golden Egg," young children touch and feel a slimy snail, a shiny mailbox, a shimmering fish, fluttering butterflies, a splashing blue jay and more in this board book with foil cut outs. Although the pieces of foil all have the same texture, the shapes and colors of each object will entertain and engage preschoolers. This board book features a question and answer format. The questions are simple and age appropriate. By using interesting and descriptive adjectives and verbs in the answers, children are exposed to the beauty of language. For example, a bunny is "soft" and "white" and lilies are "lovely." The size of this book is perfect for little hands. This title is one in the publisher's "Foil Book" series. 2003, Price Stern Sloan/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, Ages 1 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati
ISBN: 0-8431-4586-2
Word Bird's Easter Words
Jane Belk Moncure
Illustrated by Chris McEwan
The books in the "Word Bird's Holiday Words" series have been updated to reflect current social, cultural and educational changes but they are still the same flat stories with cartoonish, blandly colored, and Fifties-styled artwork. This entry features selected words that one might use at the Easter holiday and the words are presented in a double-page spread at the end. At the very least, new readers will have some satisfaction with success in decoding the simplified text but the rewards in terms of meaning are slim. Better to invest in the leveled easy readers that make children glad they tried than to give shelf space to these marginal additions to the reading teacher's arsenal. 2002, The Child's World, $21.36. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 1-5676-6626-4
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Added 3/25/03
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