Bunny Party (Max and Ruby)

There's something fishy going on at Grandma Bunny's birthday party. Ruby is positive she's only invited seven stuffed-toy guests, but every time she counts, there seems to be one more. "That's funny, Max," Ruby says to her younger brother. "All the guests are in their seats. But there are only 2 chairs left for Grandma, you, and me." And off she goes to find another chair. Meanwhile, Max has his own ideas about who should be invited to the party. Can his Jellyball Shooter Spider, Can't-Sit-Up-Slug, and Ear-Splitter Space Cadet mingle nicely with Ruby's Rapunzel, Tooth Fairy, Mrs. Quack, and the rest?

Rosemary Wells (Max's Bath, Max's Birthday, Yoko, etc.) brings back her beloved pudgy bunny characters for yet another tremendously appealing picture book. Youngsters will giggle as Max quietly sets about meeting his own needs while Ruby, the quintessential big sister, bustles around, certain she knows best. It may be a "bad counting day" for befuddled Ruby, but for delighted readers, it's a fine day--and a fine way to practice counting! (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter