Easter is just around the corner, and although we may not be able to celebrate as we normally do, we still have the perfect duck and bunny—and penguin and chicken—books to help you get in the spring spirit. So find your favorite reading buddy (stuffed animals are definitely allowed), hop on over to your coziest reading nook, and get started on this adorable feather-filled list of Easter titles.
PEEP! A duckling breaks through its shell and immediately attaches itself to the first thing it sees—a warmhearted young boy. The newly hatched duck follows the boy home and soon the two are inseparable. But the duckling is growing up, and soon the boy realizes with a great pang of sorrow that his friend will have to return to live among its own kind. Kevin Luthardt’s deceptively simple story poignantly and humorously dramatizes this special tale of friendship and demonstrates the importance of learning to let go of something you love.
No! Said Rabbit
by Marjoke Henrichs
Rabbit is happy doing his own thing, and he doesn’t want to listen to anyone else. Or so he thinks. Then, Mom makes a suggestion he simply can’t resist! Debut author-illustrator Marjoke Henrichs delivers a laugh-out-loud tale with Rabbit embodying every strong-willed child. Adult readers will recognize and empathize with parenting moments throughout, and a warm and loving twist at the end celebrates the joy of coming together again after a very contrary day. Perfect for bedtime read alouds!
Download these activity sheets for more fun with Rabbit!
Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura
Meet Hattie the magician—she’s a natural performer, and you’re invited to her magic show. Abracadabra, katakurico! Oh, goodness! Out pops a cat from Hattie’s magic hat. Can you guess what creature will appear from the magic hat next? Follow along as Hattie conjures up a parade of animals, and don’t miss the grand finale! From renowned author and illustrator Satoshi Kitamura, this humorous story is a delightful choice for audience participation.
Download this activity sheet, and recreate some of Hattie’s magic at home!
Little Rabbit’s New Baby
by Harry Horse
Little Rabbit can’t wait to be a big brother! But having babies around might not be as much fun as Little Rabbit thought. They take up all of Mama’s and Papa’s time. But one night when a tired Mama and Papa are at their wit’s end, Little Rabbit comes to the rescue and begins to understand what an important job it is to be a big brother. Young readers will relate to Little Rabbit’s challenging situation as he learns to cope with change. Harry Horse’s colorful and buoyant illustrations vividly bring to life the indomitable hero in this gently uplifting and reassuring story. For more on this title, visit the Little Rabbit website here.
Best Friend in the Whole World
by Sandra Salsbury
Roland lives a quiet life by himself, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. He’s overjoyed when he finds the perfect companion in Milton (Good listener! Enjoys music! Also alone!), but clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet picture book about friendship and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury celebrates the transformative power of connection and the painful melancholy of loss.
Download this activity kit to learn how to make your own pine cone best friend!
Duck and Penguin Are NOT Friends
by Julia Woolf
Duck and Penguin are NOT friends, despite what Betty and Maud might have you think. They do not want to swing together, build sandcastles together, and they certainly do not want to play baby dolls together! Friendship is a choice, and Duck and Penguin will let you know when they’re ready to be friends, thank-you-very-much. This laugh out loud tale about the secret world of toys and making friends on your own terms from author-illustrator Julia Woolf makes the perfect read-aloud with a relatable topic and hilarious illustrations that will have children begging for multiple reads.
Grab your favorite stuffed animal, download this free activity kit, and have a plush toy playdate party!
And don’t miss Duck and Penguin’s other adventure, Duck and Penguin Do NOT Like Sleepovers!
P. Zonka Lays an Egg
by Julie Paschkis
Extraordinary hen P. Zonka spends her time taking in the beauty around her: the shiny green of the grass, the buttery yellow of the dandelions, the deep blue of the sky. The other hens can’t understand why she never lays eggs like they do―they think she’s just plain lazy. But when P. Zonka finally decides to give egg-laying a try, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise! Award-winning author and illustrator Julie Paschkis is sure to delight readers with this lovely story, inspired by the Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, about enriching the imagination and appreciating the beauty of the world.
Download this free event kit for an activity egg-stravaganza!
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