Where Did Bunny Go? A Bunny and Bird Story

Bunny and Bird are best friends. On the first day of a new snow, they decide to play games with their other friends, Squirrel and Chipmunk. But when Bunny hides--and keeps hiding--in a game of hide-and-seek, the others start to worry. Did he run away? Doesn't he want to play with them anymore? Great relief abounds when Bunny leaps out from his hiding place: "I would never run away," he tells Bird. "I am your friend."

This simple story, with sweet, almost old-fashioned pale-hued watercolors by Caldecott Honor artist and author Nancy Tafuri, is a sequel to Will You Be My Friend?. The easy, unfussy language, quiet storyline, and big pictures make this a terrific early reader book, although sensitive children may wonder why Bunny played an almost-mean trick on her best friend. Especially astute young readers might catch on to Bunny's whereabouts even before Bird does, and everyone will enjoy watching these four friends celebrate the enchantment of rural winter. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter