Otter Loves Easter!

The star of several picture books and early readers, Garton’s willful Otter learns an important Easter truth in this holiday outing: “Sharing is very hard. Because eating chocolate is very easy.” After scarfing down all of her Easter treats, eater’s remorse sets in, and Otter assumes the guise of the Easter Otter to make amends to the playroom friends she stiffed, candy-wise. Garton’s dry humor and carefully detailed scenes offer delights throughout, from the bunny-shaped pancake breakfast—prepared by the ever-patient Otter Keeper—that the chocolate-smeared Otter can’t stomach, to the egg hunt Otter organizes for her friends, a lush backyard garden scene that’s basically a gift to readers. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brooks Sherman, Bent Agency. (Jan.)