Me and Other Bunnies

Via anthropomorphized rabbits who represent the words me, you, we, them, and us, Willems (Are You Big?) movingly explores themes of individuality and belonging. Throughout the visually straightforward work, what distinguishes the terms is a willingness to bridge a divide—here, the gutter of the book itself. “I am ME,” begins one bunny, standing solo against a solid-colored background. A page turn later, the initial rabbit reappears on the verso; on the recto stands another solo bunny: “You are YOU.” Another page turn later, readers see the duo now holding hands on the same page—“We are US”—and happy smiles on both faces show that this is definitely a positive transformation. The pattern keeps repeating with the appearance of more bunnies, portrayed with various abilities and wearing an array of costumes. They arrive on each spread’s right side looking disconnected from one another, then scoot to the spread’s left side to join a party that’s literally and figuratively hopping. What’s more, on the book’s final page, the original bunny retains space to proclaim “and I am still ME!”—proof that enjoying multiplying connections need not require compromising one’s sense of self. Ages 3–6. (Feb.)