Bella and the Bunny. Andrew Larsen. Illustrated by Kate Endle. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2007.       32 pp., cloth, $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55337-970-6. Subject Headings: Rabbits-Juvenile fiction. Schools-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-kindergarten / Ages 3-5. Review by Christina Neigel. *** /4

excerpt:

One day Bella forgets to bring her favorite sweater home.

“Where is your sweater?” asks Nonna.

Bella thinks for a moment.

“Oh, no, Nonna!” she says. “I think I left it in my cubby at playschool.”

The next day Bella goes right to her cubby to look for her sweater.

But it isn’t there.

Using very simple language, the story of Bella and her sweater unfolds. Bella must seek out her favorite soft, furry and white sweater that she left at playschool. The resident pet bunny surprises Bella and her friends by having adopted Bella’s sweater as a blanket. All is well, however, when Nonna makes another, smaller sweater for the bunny.

      Using bright and simple paper collage, Kate Endle creates a visually intriguing work for young children. Although the language in the book is almost halting in nature, it possesses an indisputable attraction for younger children. There are many details hidden in the illustrations that tell another, more subtle story of the children’s fascination with rabbits. For example, in an effort to imitate the bunny’s paws, the children wear socks on their hands. Parents will readily identify with such imagery for countless young children enjoy wearing socks on their hands!

     This warm, inoffensive tale is one in which children can easily find comfort and enjoyment. A solid choice for any collection geared to younger children.

Recommended.

Christina Neigel is the Program Head for the Library and Information Technology Diploma Program at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC, and is currently teaching a course on Information Services for Children.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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