Hop Little Bunnies

In this takeoff on the “Sleeping Bunnies” nursery rhyme, four little bunnies in varying accessories awaken and “hop, hop, hop” around, rousing groups of their animal friends who have been sleeping till noon. A rallying cry (“Shall we go and wake them with a merry tune? Don’t they know? It’s time to go!”) builds tension as the bunnies stir, joined in turn by the lambs, chicks, kittens, and ducklings. Though the story loses a bit of traction when it becomes apparent that the giant group has no destination in mind, colorful, ink-spattered illustrations by Hughes imbue the text with energy, making the animals’ frolic through grassy, flower-strewn landscapes enjoyable in its own right. Lift-the-flap action, onomatopoeic chants, and an array of charming animals have a sweet spring appeal. Ages 3–6. [em](Feb.) [/em]