Happy Birthday, Bunny!

While the title isn't especially distinctive, this is as memorable and heartfelt as a birthday book gets. Scanlon (All the World) presents the special day through a series of questions. "What are these and what are those?" the young birthday bunny asks, pointing to clothing held up by her mother and a polo-shirted older sibling. "Fancy shoes and party clothes!" they reply, as the girl holds her skirt out while they applaud. Graegin's (Don't Feed the Boy) pencil and ink wash spreads show the bunny's family and friends--foxes, owls, raccoons, and more--crowded together in one room, the children chasing after each other, the grownups looking on. "What do you mean that time just flies?" the birthday girl asks the adults curled up on the sofa with photo albums. "You're growing up before our eyes," they tell her, while Graegin's faux photos show her as a swaddled infant and a just-walking toddler. This isn't about irony; it's pure celebration, and readers will share wholeheartedly in the pleasure. Ages 2-5. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 1--Rhyming couplets take an unnamed birthday bunny from the start of her day until bedtime. Each couplet begins with a question that is answered in the second line. "What are these/and what are those?/Fancy shoes and party clothes!" "Why does every one say cheese?/Because we want to take your picture, please!" Graegin's pencil and watercolor pictures depict a sweet and cozy world filled with fun, love, guests, and presents. The art and text work beautifully together. When Scanlon writes "Make a wish.../get set.../and blow!," Graegin shows the birthday cake and wish in a thought balloon. When Scanlon writes "You're growing up/ before our eyes," Graegin shows a succession of pictures of the birthday bunny from infant to toddler. The pictures have lots of excellent detail, such as Mother and Nana both wearing dresses with carrot patterns-one subtle and one less so. Perfect for storytime or individual sharing.--Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH