Mama, If You Had a Wish

Although this bunny tale never ventures far beyond its warren in terms of creativity, it does realize its own worthy purpose: promoting acceptance and, indeed, love of oneself, rabbit warts and all. Little Bunny asks his mother if she had one wish, would she wish that Little Bunny never got mad? Or sad? Or that he looked different? At last Mama tells him, ``I wish for you to be yourself . . . because I love you just the way you are.'' This quiet, rather unsurprising exchange is depicted in the striking, almost surreal world of Spowart's intensely colored paintings. Perhaps better used in this team's magical The Night Call, the chimerical illustration style seems a bit incongruous here, given the homey text. Nevertheless, the book's message is directly on target for little bunnies who need a dose of unconditional love. Ages 3-6. (May)