Sonny Says Mine! (Sonny Says)

Sonny, an anthropomorphic red fox in an aqua beanie and shirt, "finds a thing" in the playground's sandbox: a pink bunny plushie that he immediately adores and names Bun-Bun. When Meemo, a diminutive dog in sweatbands (and the only character who doesn't use human speech), "gives Bun-Bun a sniff, Sonny says, 'Mine!' "--beginning a solo montage of Sonny playing with Bun-Bun. But when Honey, another fluffy friend, informs the duo that bespectacled bunny Boo has lost Suki--her favorite pink stuffed bunny--Sonny must decide what to do. Hart's playful, repetitive text winningly recalls Mac Barnett's Jack books ("Will Sonny do the right thing? Will he?"). OHora's bright digital art, often presented against monochrome backgrounds and augmented by colorful speech bubbles, keeps the focus on the expressive characters. A solid conversation opener for discussions on sharing and empathy. Ages 3-6. (Aug.)

The simple and repetitive text easily involves young listeners in familiar and relatable scenarios: losing something precious and practicing empathy . . . . Inviting and light-handed in its morality, the story offers safe territory for exercising that empathy muscle alongside Sonny and his friends. -Horn Book Magazine