My First How to Catch the Easter Bunny

February 11, 2022

Toddler-PreS-In this newest installment of the board book series based on the best-selling picture book "How to Catch..." series, a dark-skinned boy with curly hair hopes to catch the Easter Bunny. Determined to learn everything he can about his target, he asks in rhyming couplets where the Easter Bunny gets his eggs, how he colors them, how he travels and gets inside the house, and more: "I really want to learn like I'm in Easter Bunny school." These childish imaginings are the majority of the book's content. Only a couple of answers are offered; for instance, an underground tunnel hints at the Easter Bunny's secret entry point. Most perplexing, and contrary to the book's title, there are no traps set to catch the magical creature. In fact, enthralled with his musings, the child takes no action to catch the Easter Bunny. The cutout-style digital illustrations, however, may distract readers. A lush palette and big-eyed characters, including the Easter Bunny himself, as well as the child's cat and dog companions, have loads of kid appeal. Still, many of the images only add to the confusion, like with a gingerbread-esque house made out of chocolate bars, which would be better suited for a December holiday. The couplets rarely match up in syllable count, resulting in some awkward rhythms. Association with a successful series and adorning illustrations don't make up for a lack of substantial content. VERDICT What should have been an easy grab rings hollow like a chocolate Easter bunny.-Richelle Rose

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