Little Bunnys Easter Surprise

Softly smudged colored-pencil illustrations in an array of Easter egg hues warm this affectionate holiday tale. On Easter morning, after receiving a basket from her parents, Little Bunny is eager to surprise her family with the three baskets she has made herself and hidden outdoors. A hunt pursues, clues are given and the baskets are finally spied up in a tree. Then at bedtime, it's Little Bunny's turn for a surprise when Baby Brother leaves an Easter treat under her pillow. Modesitt and Spowart (Mama, If You Had a Wish) keep the action simple--the prose hews to a solid structure, and the artwork depends on a minimal use of line. The tenderness of the text shows up in the art, in Spowart's radiant blending of colors; her shading technique gives the bunnies a soft and inviting look. An endnote offers instructions for decorating eggs with paint and glitter. Just right for tucking into an Easter basket. Ages 2-6. (Feb.)