As we head into the long weekend, here are some Easter-themed books featuring bunnies, the fluffy woodland creatures who continue to be an enduring symbol of this holiday.
Easter Morning, Easter Sun by Rosanna Battigelli, illustrated by Tara Anderson
Rosanna Battigelli’s and Tara Anderson’s picture book is a tribute to all things Easter and features a cuddly feline family at its centre. This family of cats enjoys hot cross buns in the morning, partakes in an egg hunt, and then has dinner with their loved ones. Battigelli’s simple rhymes are perfect for a read-aloud and Anderson’s pastel colours are the exact shade of Easter eggs, for which, incidentally, there is a decorating activity at the back of the book. The book focuses on the charm and coziness of Easter rather than on its religious aspects, making it a secular story suitable for young readers of diverse backgrounds. Grades Preschool-1
Bunbun & Bonbon: Hoppy Go Lucky by Jess Keating
We met the witty, fast-talking bunny named Bunbun in Jess Keating’s first book in this series Bunbun & Bonbon: Fancy Friends. In that book Bunbun meets Bonbon and they become best friends. Now the rabbit with a delightful nose, winning smile, and cute tail goes on yet another adventure with his fancy talking candy friend, Bonbon. Featuring cheerful and colourful artwork and humorous text, and two leads who remain ungendered throughout, Bunbun & Bonbon: Hoppy Go Lucky is a great introduction to the world of graphic novels for new readers. Grades 1-3
Napoleon vs. the Bunnies by J. F. Fox, illustrated by Anna Kwan
J. F. Fox’s and Anna Kwan’s book is based on a true story and tells us about the battle of “Bunnyloo,” an embarrassing incident in Napoleon Bonaparte’s career, which was followed by the worst and infinitely more embarrassing loss in the Battle of Waterloo. Legend goes that in 1807 Napoleon instructed his staff to round up some rabbits for a stress-busting bunny hunt. But, instead of finding feral rabbits, his staff gathered domesticated ones, which when released, advanced on Napoleon and his troops instead of fleeing in the opposite direction. Story goes that the mighty, seemingly invincible Napoleon is said to have had a rather hare-raising (pun intended) encounter with the bunnies. This is a funny read-aloud book, which in addition to its humorous text and illustrations, can also spark discussions about notions of power, strength and courage. Grades K-3