The beguiling bunny introduced in Little Rabbit Lost
here heads to the schoolhouse, leaping out of bed on the first day of class with abundant enthusiasm: " 'Now we are big,' said Little Rabbit proudly. 'We are going to school.' " He insists on bringing his special toy, Charlie Horse, whom he has gussied up with a red ribbon, and bounds off to the schoolhouse through a charmingly imagined forest of giant trees, thistles and mushrooms. But Charlie Horse soon shows a penchant for mischief, interrupting storytime by galloping across the teacher's shoes and diving into a bowl of cake batter. At recess, Little Rabbit won't share him with the other kids ("Charlie Horse does not want to play with you"). The author lets young readers decide whether Charlie Horse is the naughty one or if Little Rabbit is pulling the strings, acting out in response to a scary new situation (though he offers a sly hint with "Miss Morag let Charlie Horse rest on her desk while Little Rabbit painted a picture"). Whoever the culprit, youngsters just starting school will find Little Rabbit's ups and downs highly familiar as he navigates a rocky first day, perpetually in motion, adorable in his trademark ear-shaped cap and red raincoat. In the end, Little Rabbit triumphs over the day's dramas and decides Charlie Horse should stay at home—a decision that children will relate to as they, too, begin to discover the delights of independence. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)
