Sweet Easter story without being commercial or overtly religious

Oh, I felt all soft and warm and fuzzy as I read this. This book is appropriate for the youngest child and, most importantly, children who come from families that normally celebrate Easter and those who do not. I read it because I’d read it was a vegan friendly Easter book (no animal milk chocolate bunnies, eggs for human consumption, etc.) and I was delighted to find that was true. Easter is “new life” and that is compatible with Christianity but also appropriate for non-Christians. I love the emphasis on nature and springtime.

The illustrations are adorable. I especially loved the basket and the robin, but all the animals and plants and backgrounds were lovely. I love watercolors anyway, and these were a perfect accompaniment to the story, and also contributed to directly telling the story. It’s a story about curiosity, friendship, generosity, and nature. I think that young children who love animals and are fascinated with babies will be enthralled. This is a very sweet book but not overly so. I can recommend this for all vegan children and all young children.

For me, this book is definitely is superior to vegan unfriendly books and religious books that are prevalent as Easter themed books.

4 ½ stars

I adore Margie Moore's cute-as-a-button illustrations. Her website says that she specializes in sweetness and, well, I couldn't agree more. To me, her style evokes 1970s/80s illustrations from then-Czechoslovakia. In my opinion, some of the best older children's literature and art for kids was created in Eastern Europe, so that's a big compliment :)

The story here is nice. Little Bunny goes out to find Easter, but doesn't know what exactly that is. He goes to to ask other animals for advice, and they help him assemble an Easter basket. Then a minor disaster strikes, but fortunately our lapine hero is willing to help out with a personal sacrifice. So far, so good: a sweet story with an emphasis on helping each other.

After a rainy interlude, Little Bunny (who thought he had missed Easter) re-emerges from his burrow to find that all the other critters have had babies in the meantime. Happiness ensues. This is super cute and all, but Wren's message that "Easter is new life; Easter is all around us today!" made me roll my eyes. Last I checked, animals don't care about religious holidays. So while I find the book pretty endearing overall, I bristle at this weird conclusion, and also I'm not into religion to begin with, so I will not be handing this book to any of the kiddos. Five stars for the illustrations, though!

A sweet story about a little rabbit looking for "Easter" and discovering the power of cooperation, friendship, and sacrifice along the way. In the end, he learns that "Easter" is new life and spring, which is fabulous in a public library Easter-themed story time, but could also be used by parents as a springboard to discuss the Christian origins and teachings of Easter as the time of the resurrection of Christ and His sacrifice and rebirth. Beautiful, bright and clear illustrations just make it that much better. I definitely recommend this one!

Adorable! It is a book more about spring than anything. A non-religious look at the Easter season and spring for little ones.