Is This . . . Easter?

November 15, 2023
The discovery of an egg ignites a fierce debate. A hulking bear wearing a dainty pair of bunny ears leaves an egg in the grass. Some dogs and coyotes sniff it out and begin to argue. Should it be decorated for Easter, or should it be devoured? The dogs declare, "IT'S BEAUTIFUL!" while the coyotes shout, "BREAKFAST IS BEAUTIFUL!" The bear returns and takes the egg from the warring factions. Patiently, the bear shows them how to poke a hole in the egg and blow out the insides (which the bear cooks up for a tasty treat). The outer shell then becomes a gorgeous pastel masterpiece. Readers may assume that each group will be eager to possess (or consume) what they've been after for the entire book, but then what's more tantalizing than what someone else has? Yoon's charming and simple illustrations carry the simple text. These playful, expressive creatures are sure to elicit giggles from little readers. The stylized, pop-eyed, thick-lined illustrations brim with child appeal, but Yoon also folds in a subtle message about compromise; caregivers can help little ones see connections with real-world situations. The layers to this story, combined with delightful art, should earn this tale a prominent place on bookshelves. An instantly rereadable holiday must-have. (Picture book. 3-5)

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December 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 1-Why do we have Easter eggs? What is their purpose? Why do we paint them? None of those questions will be answered in the most hilarious way in Yoon's newest book. A huge bear wearing a tiny set of bunny ears and poofy cotton tail places an egg ever-so-gently on the ground. Two groups of dogs find the egg and commence fighting over what to do with it. Eat it? Or paint it? This seemingly basic story can cause quite the debate in families, human or canine, and Yoon tackles the subject in a humorous way that kids and their adults will enjoy. The illustrations are simple yet expressive in nice spring colors. Again, no definitive answers are given in the book, but both groups of pooches are content in the end. Sort of. VERDICT A fun Easter romp that tackles a strange tradition, which might prompt a bit of family togetherness searching for answers! A playful boost to holiday collections.-Cassie Veselovsky

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