Ogilvy

Ogilvy, a knitwear-clad rabbit who’s new in town, arrives at the local park to find bunnies “drawing and knitting and climbing” and even playing ball. But Ogilvy’s affable approach is met with stares and a demanding “what is that you’re wearing?” The town’s social norms, it seems, mean that only “bunnies in dresses play ball and knit socks,” whereas “bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks.” In the mood for ball, Ogilvy calls the knit tunic a dress—for the day. Relabeling the recurring outfit at will, Ogilvy enjoys the freedom choice affords until a group of bunnies demand that Ogilvy choose a garment type “once and for all.” Rather than balk, the rabbit takes a stand, confronting the group about its unnecessary strictures. Bouncy, rhyming text by Underwood (The Panda Problem) lightens direct commentary on the limitations of binaries and outdated standards, while simple lines and knit textures by McBeth (Robot in Love) create a sense of aesthetic cohesion. Seussian in theme and verse, the enjoyable readaloud bears slight semblance to The Sneetches and offers an excellent entry point to conversations about celebrating individuality and personal choice. Ages 4–8. [em]Author’s agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (May) [/em]