Bunny Wishes

Fans of Morgan and Church's Dear Bunny will either welcome this holiday-themed twist on that tale or find it overly derivative, as the collaborators adhere to the recycled-letter formula they cleverly concocted in their earlier book. Referring to the season as ""a Very Special Time of Year"" when wishes comes true, Teeny suggests that they devise wish lists and pin them to a hollow log. Among their requests are luscious berries, heaps of flowers, ""one soft blanket to hug and snuggle on cold nights."" But after the wind sends the letters aloft, baby mice find them and use them to fashion playthings. Distressed at their error, they make tiny presents out of the lists' remnants and decorate a pine tree with friendly wishes (""heaps of love to keep you warm""). Morgan's peppy narrative features a creative mingling of verbs, as when she describes the mice's gift-making: ""ripping and wrapping and finding and folding, licking and sticking, planning and wishing."" Sprinkled with snowflakes, Church's illustrations form a cheerful wintry setting and her endearing animal characters brim with personality. This appealing offering puts a welcome spin on the notion of wish lists. Ages 3-5.