We're Going on an Egg Hunt

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

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.)

"Vibrant . . . Intriguing illustrations, classic story structure, and irresistible rabbits add up to a winning Easter-themed treat." - starred review, Kirkus Reviews

"Young listeners will be entertained by the recognizable pattern from the classic bear hunt and the holiday-adjacent material." - School Library Journal

"An entertaining . . . Easter adventure." - Publishers Weekly