Betty Bunny Wants a Goal

Betty Bunny continues to be a “handful,” but her siblings also get some time in the spotlight in her fourth picture book, especially surly teenage brother Bill, one of the series’s unsung heroes. Betty is ready to call it quits after she doesn’t score a single goal during her first soccer game, but after Bill offers (read: is forced) to help Betty practice, she finally makes some headway. With deadpan zingers (“Kick it in your own net!” Bill encourages Betty. “A goal’s a goal”) and slyly funny artwork, Kaplan and Jorisch score once again with this one. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Wanda Nowak Creative Illustrators Agency. (Mar.)