Willow and Bunny

Will appeal widely.

Emotionally cued text by Rowe Schulte (Dancing with Daddy) and light-filled hyperrealistic landscapes by Denise (Knight Owl) tell the story of Bunny, who responds to an inner message--"Go. Find a safe place to grow"--and finds Willow, "tall, strong, soft, and steady." Bunny takes refuge under the tree's branches, where there is clover to eat and a den to shelter in. They're together always, "just Bunny and Willow. Willow and Bunny." Then a "furious twist" arrives, "Dust flew. WHIRL. Trees cracked. SMASH. Lightning flashed. BLAST," terrifying Bunny and other animals in the woods. Willow shelters them all, but the morning after, when they see that the tree is "tattered, twisted, and forever changed," it's Bunny's turn to offer Willow solace. The animals cooperate to restore and even regenerate her, carrying "her cuttings into the wood to plant." Though Willow's appearance has changed, over time, "splintered trunks became hollows and hideaways," and the bond between Bunny and Willow sustains. This tale provides a vehicle for conversations both about weather catastrophes and, more generally, about strong bonds that endure through change. Ages up to 7. Author's agent: Stephanie Hansen, Metamorphosis Literary. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Jr./ Folio Literary. (Oct.)

The cozy, kindhearted story is beautifully told, mixing moments of sweet simplicity and light peril with a gentle hand. Gorgeous digital illustrations glow on the page, capturing nature's elemental extremes while also intimating the quiet rapport between the bunny and the tree. A gratifying glimpse of generous friendship. —Booklist