The Bold, Brave Bunny

Teetu feels like the odd bunny out in his big, often boisterous family; he can't find even a corner of the crowded burrow that he can call his own. "There were so many bunnies./ It. Wasn't. Even. Funny," writes Ferry (Caveboy Crush). Even Teetu's new alphabet book doesn't offer an escape: "B IS FOR BUNNY" it proclaims. Badly in need of a bunny break, Teetu sneaks out into the world beyond the burrow, where "everything looked different./ It was wonderful." Inspired by the wildlife he sees and the gracefully undulant trees that he imagines to be an armadillo, hippo, and giraffe, among other animals, Teetu is inspired to create a bunny-less book of his own. But with his new sense of independence comes a realization that a loving home, however tight the quarters, isn't so bad after all; when his family creates a "chain of bunnies" to lead him back, Teetu realizes that B can stand for "belonging," too. Graphic designer Lam makes an impressive debut, with a quirky, capsule-shaped cast and striking grayscale digital images, punctuated by splashes of red and letterpress textures. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

PreS-Gr 1--Avid reader Teetu the bunny feels overwhelmed by the crowding in his burrow and craves solitude to create his own book. Clad in bow tie and suspenders, he takes his backpack and flashlight into the forest. Resident animals observe him sketching and ambling around all day and into the night. When it's time to head home, the lost and hungry hero is homesick. Luckily, all the bunnies in his extended family have created a chain of rabbits to lead him back, where everyone raves about his animal alphabet book. Lam's digital illustrations make the most of Ferry's text. The trees in Teetu's forest inspire him as the flowing branches form animal shapes, from flamingos to giraffes. In addition, each bunny's depiction presents a distinct character. Pearl gray backgrounds feature a black, white, and soft red palette. VERDICT Introverts will relate to Teetu's dilemma, and the gentle plot demonstrates how nature may stir creativity.--Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA