Bunny's First Spring by Sally Lloyd-Jones - REVIEWED

About the Book:
When a bunny is born in spring, he sees the world as green and new and full of hope. But as the seasons change, the bunny worries that the earth may be dying. In bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones latest picture book celebrating the Easter season and rebirth, nature speaks to the bunny, assuring him of something more. Award-winning artist David McPhail s whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of the world around us as Lloyd-Jones inspirational text prompts readers to celebrate the changing seasons and the miracle of nature s rebirth."

My Thoughts:

“And Yet – And Yet!” (p. 14 – Woodpecker)

Bunny’s First Spring is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of a Bunny’s first year in the world.  The bunny’s parents are ever-present to respond to their offspring’s exclamations as he experiences the changing rhythms of each Season.  From one Spring to the next, the young bunny remarks on the newness of Spring, the growing strength of Summer, the dying of Fall and the rest of Winter.   

The Fall and Winter changes frighten the young Bunny, and the earth around him tries to assure him that Spring will come again.  He takes refuge in the burrow with his parents until he learns that Spring does, indeed, return.  The earth is re-born each year.

Although this is published by Zonderkidz, there is barely any spiritual content.  There is a paraphrased quote from Martin Luther on the final page, but this book has nothing to do with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  So, this has nothing to do with Easter.  It’s a good book to use to teach toddler’s about Season’s of the year, but you will have to add a lot of imaginative content to this book in order to share the good news of the gospel found in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

It’s a beautiful teaching tool for toddlers, but look elsewhere if you intend to teach them the message of Easter.  You won’t find it here.

About the Author:
Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children. She is the author of three bestselling children’s Bibles, including the Gold Book Award-winning Baby’s First Bible and, most recently, the Moonbeam Award Winner and ALA notable, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. She has written many picture books for children, including the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister. Sally was born and raised in Africa, was schooled in England, and now lives in New York City. She can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

About the Illustrator:
DAVID McPHAIL is the creator of dozens of wonderful books, including Big Brown Bear's Up and Down Day; Sisters; Mole Music, a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year; and several recent Green Light Readers for Harcourt. He lives in New Hampshire.