Toddlers and young children love picture books about soft, cuddly bunnies and their antics.
Themes that include fuzzy yellow chicks, colorful dyed eggs, puppies and dewy green grass make for winning spring combinations that are irresistible to children.
Read these short tales out loud, slowly, with the little ones on your lap for a fun journey to a gentle fantasyland.
Savor the poetry, point out the words and demonstrate to your kids your appreciation for reading together.
Use these simple plots and animal characterizations as starting points for conversations where even the smallest child can express an opinion about an illustration, a color or the silly concept of a rabbit hopping around with eggs.
“The Easter Bunny That Overslept” by Priscilla and Otto Friedrich; illustrated by Donald Saaf: A classic published in 1957, this reissued and revised favorite tells the tale of a sleepy-headed, holiday-challenged bunny. Take advantage of the plot-induced confusion to discuss special days during the calendar year and their meanings.
“The Story of the Easter Bunny” by Katherine Tegen; illustrated by Sally Anne Lambert: Beautiful pastels and lovely line drawings depict a gentle story about a rabbit that learns how to paint eggs, make chocolate and braid baskets. Guess what made-up, fanciful, spring-associated character he magically changes into?
“The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes: As Told to Jenifer” by DuBose Heyward; pictures by Marjorie Flack: Another classic from 1939, this little cottontail rabbit has 21 little bunnies in her hutch. Does she really have time to become an Easter Bunny helper too?
“The Runaway Bunny” by Margaret Wise Brown; Pictures by Clement Hurd: Ever-popular and never out-of-print, this story is as fresh and relevant today as the first printing was in 1942. Parents can reinforce the parallel messages of love and protection from the book as mirrored in real life.
“I Am a Bunny” by Ole Risom; illustrated by Richard Scarry: Revisit Scarry’s popular, colorful illustrations from the 1960s in a fictional picture book describing the four seasons with Nicholas the Bunny as the main narrator.
“Max and Ruby (DVD)” based on the books by Rosemary Wells: Watch these cute, Easter-themed episodes featuring bunny siblings Max and Ruby in six animated television programs. Hear the voices of performers Julie Lemieux, Samantha Morton and Billy Rosenberg. Use this televised adaptation as an introduction to author Rosemary Wells.
“Pat the Bunny; Sing With Me (CD)” based on the book by Dorothy Kunhardt; music and lyrics composed by Lori Fischer: Juvenile musical sound recordings in CD format are a wonderful way to organize a sing-along with kids. The lyrics are contained in a booklet, and all songs are easy for kids.
CHECK IT OUT is written by staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.
