You're on your way!

PreS-Gr 2--In the follow-up to You're Finally Here, the bunny has returned with a new message for readers: "You are going places…now take me with you!" Although it is not clear where readers are going, this energetic rabbit couldn't be happier but quickly insists that no journey is complete without the rabbit along. Through a series of comical interruptions, the bunny argues that they would make the perfect team, promising endless fun and claiming that readers would be utterly lost without them. Though the bunny's enthusiastic outbursts might seem less than congratulatory, it's clear that what they truly mean is "I'll miss you!" Using a simple comicslike structure with straightforward speech bubbles and captions, readers will work through this story with ease. A palette dominated by pastel blues and greens creates a light and playful tone that perfectly matches the story's celebratory yet silly premise. The rabbit's literal interpretation of "You're on your way" creates some funny moments; it also might lead to some confusion for younger audiences, especially if they are unfamiliar with the phrase's figurative meaning, making it better suited for a shared reading experience. VERDICT Sweet and silly, this is a purchase for collections where the first book did well, especially if used for story time or shared reading.--Louie Lauer

"You're on your way!!! And you're taking me with you, right?" In Watt'sYou're Finally Here! (2011), a rabbit narrator expressed irritation that readers took so long to show up. This time, Bunny's here to cheer audiences on: "Congrats! You did it! Off you go!" Where are readers going? That's unclear, but either way, Bunny's expecting to be their plus-one. "Do you know how much FUN we'd have together?" More fun than playing at the park, watching movies, or attending a birthday party. Bunny and readers would make a team stronger than "a volcano blast…stronger than duct tape…stronger than a superhero…stronger than the smell of stinky cheese!" And surely readers will feel lost if they're parted from Bunny. "SO DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND!!!" demands an overwrought Bunny before calming down. Bunny alternates between presenting readers with well-thought-out arguments and getting worked up. Finally, Bunny admits, "I'LL MISS YOU." Bunny may have a few tricks in store to ensure readers get the message--and a few demands once kids decide to invite Bunny along ("I MUST travel by private jet you know"). Watt brings her big-eyed, bouncy protagonist back for a second salvo that's shot through with encouragement and silliness. Wildly expressive Bunny again communicates directly with readers through speech bubbles set against wood-grained backgrounds; youngsters will be happy to let this exuberant rabbit accompany them wherever they go. Fourth-wall-breaking fun.(Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.