Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Hughes (River Rose and the Magical Lullaby) offers an entertaining though somewhat odd Easter adventure that lets readers join four scruffy brown rabbits on an egg hunt. Lifting flaps uncovers Easter eggs and assorted animals ("Hello, ducklings!"), and Hughes's repeating language creates a singsong atmosphere as the rabbits encounter lambs, ducks, and other animals. "Oh, no-chicks!/ Can't go over them./ Can't go under them./ Can't go around them./ Got to go through them," writes Hughes, though it's unclear why going over or around the tiny fuzzballs isn't an option. A run-in with a menacing wolf adds a dash of danger: the rabbits escape home just fine, though it would seem that the lambs, ducks, and chicks outside are still fair game for the predator. Ages 3-6. Agent: Arabella Stein, Bright Agency. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Hughes creates a lift-the-flap Easter version of "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" that will encourage little ones to count the eggs as they look for them. Four bunnies set off to find 10 hidden Easter eggs. "We're going on an egg hunt./We're going to find them all...." The familiar singsong rhythm of the refrain is perfect for reading aloud. Along the way, the bunnies come upon various obstacles, such as lambs, chicks, bees, ducks, and a semiscary animal at the end. Readers can look for evidence of the surprise villain's bushy tail or snout in the background, foreshadowing the inevitable meeting between the bunnies and their pursuer. Through watercolor and ink in largely pastel pinks, blues, and yellows, Hughes evokes a nostalgic, folksy tone. And readers will enjoy making the traditional animal noises with each new creature they encounter. Some flaps reveal Easter eggs to count, and some include unusual animals (Easter eggs of a different kind). Careful inspection will show that each uniquely decorated egg ends up in one of the bunnies' baskets for further counting opportunities. VERDICT Young listeners will be entertained by the recognizable pattern from the classic bear hunt and the holiday-adjacent material. A solid addition to larger holiday collections.-Eva Thaler-Sroussi, Glencoe Public Library, IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Four rabbits hunt for Easter eggs in this variation on the familiar children's call-and-response game about going on a bear or lion hunt.The attractive cover shows the quartet of rabbits, with three adults and one baby bunny, as they set out on their hunt through a farm and surrounding countryside. The design features double-page spreads with flaps that conceal tiny animals and Easter eggs, numbered in order. These spreads alternate with scenes showing different groups of animals that the rabbits must pass among as their egg hunt continues. With each group met, the simple text includes the familiar refrain: "Can't go over them. Can't go under them. Can't go around them. Got to go through them." This continues until the rabbits find a huge, blue egg, which folds down to reveal a wolf. "Ruuuuuuuuunnnn!" Back through the ducks, bees, chicks, and lambs, until the rabbits reach their own cozy house and slam a flap door to keep the wolf out. Lunch is chocolate Easter eggs, of course. Vibrant, pastel-hued illustrations draw readers in with amusing rabbits, pleasant country settings, animal sounds, and a just-scary-enough wolf. This cleverly constructed story can be read closely, counting the eggs up to 10 and back down again and enjoying tiny details in the busy illustrations, or at speed with equal satisfaction. Intriguing illustrations, classic story structure, and irresistible rabbits add up to a winning Easter-themed treat. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
