The Easter Bunny Hunt
By Stacy Gregg
Illustrated by Sarah Jennings
ISBN 9780008517298
Harper Collins
No, Cat, no. That’s not the bunny.
This line is repeated throughout the book as Cat goes in search of the Easter Bunny and his basket of eggs. Dog’s descriptions of the Easter Bunny are just a little ambiguous and Cat is left a bit confused. Cat does however, meet new friends along the way and eventually, they all enjoy meeting the Easter Bunny and sharing in eating some chocolate Easter Eggs. The brevity of text and the full page, bright and colourful illustrations, make this a fun read for preschoolers.
Hatch and Match
Written and illustrated by Ruth Paul
ISBN 9781760656980
Walker Books
Cluck, cluck, cluck. Scritch and Scratch.
Chickens look for eggs that match.
There is so much to like about Ruth Paul’s gorgeous new picture book.
There’s the fun rhyme, bright colourful illustrations, and of course the story itself where heaps of different coloured chickens go in search of their matching eggs. Stripy chickens, stripy eggs, spotty chickens and spotty eggs and so many more. Children will have lots of fun searching and matching in this interactive picture book.
Fast, slow. Let’s go!
By Sally Sutton
Illustrated by Brian Lovelock
ISBN 9781760653392
Walker Books
Sally Sutton is back with another amusing, rhyming story. The rhythm creates a perfect sing-song to read aloud. In between each semi-repeated verse, are pages with wonderful onomatopoeia words.
Quick, dash!
Don’t crash!
or
Splish, splosh.
Sploosh, wash.
It is a lovely sunny day and children decide to visit the park all the way across town. Some bike, some scooter, some take a bus and some even sail but no matter how they choose to travel, they all get together in the park for a very special birthday.
The illustrator uses pigmented inks, creating softer images. Another top book from author Sally Sutton and illustrator, Brian Lovelock.
Pipi Dance
By Angie Belcher
Illustrated by Lily Uivel
ISBN 9781775438083
Scholastic NZ
Gathering kai from the beach becomes a lively song and dance for Mumma and Bubs as the search for pipi. This has a very New Zealand feel.
Lots of rhyme, rhythmn, and repetition add to the enjoyment of reading this new story. Many families know the experience of hunting for pipi on local beaches so this book is very relatable. I certainly remember as a child, strolling along the sand, bucket in hand, searching for pipi and mussels that would later become our dinner. The illustrations and colour tones are great and add to the atmosphere of a fun family day.
Ruby Loud Mouse and the Ruru
By Alice Pearce
Illustrated by Dine the Fox
ISBN 9781776890972
Bateman Books
Ruby is a mouse and a very loud one at that. She has trouble being quiet especially in places where she really should whisper, or even not talk at all.
Everyone is always telling her to “shhhh”. In the library, at the movies, in school, but Ruby struggles. She loves singing, tapping and humming best of all. Then comes the day when her village is in danger of being attacked by a ruru.
Who will save everyone? Will Ruby find a way to help? Ruby is a fun character with a good story and sweet, bright illustrations. A fun read-aloud.
booktrailers4kidsandYA 