The Seed Bunny

While it's clever enough to have a ""seed bunny"" be the rabbit world's version of the tooth fairy, it's Selby's (Beach Bunny) wonderfully eccentric illustrative style that really sets this book apart. The palette is strong and Matisse-like in its sunny purity, but the draftsmanship is casually childlike. A sense of intimacy and warmth pervades every page; in loose, easy lines, she conveys all the endearing earnestness and vulnerability of her hero, Sam. The bunny is eager to loosen his front baby tooth so that the Seed Bunny will come in the night, and, as his mother explains, ""leave carrot seeds for you to grow while your tooth grows in."" The tooth finally pops out at bedtime, but Sam's so tired from all his tooth-wiggling exertions that he never fulfills his wish to get a peek at the Seed Bunny, who arrives in a starry dream scene. Selby's tightly written text, with its unadorned voice, is a perfect counterpoint to the vibrancy and visual impact of the illustrations. In one especially lovely moment, she describes Sam as sitting in his tree house, wiggling his tooth and ""humming a tooth-loosening song to himself."" Ages 4-6. (Mar.)