The Easter Bunny's Assistant

PreS-K--Large, simple cartoons in bright colors will draw in youngsters to meet the Easter Bunny's eager new assistant--a skunk. Unfortunately, the excitement of boiling eggs, creating dyes, and decorating them all cause Skunk to release his signature odor. The Easter Bunny forces him to watch from outside, then asks readers if the assistant should be allowed to help hide eggs. The final scene shows a grinning skunk with an egg-filled basket, although the wise rabbit's nose is now secured with a clothespin. Thomas provides a brief how-to on egg decorating, including skunk removal. This unique and humorous book will surely entertain kids--Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Using exuberant characters and polished comedic timing, Thomas (Is Everyone Ready for Fun?) gives the Easter bunny an unusual assistant--Skunk. Skunk is excited to help decorate Easter eggs, and when Skunk gets excited, he gets stinky. Thomas's familiar brand of chunky cartooning, outlined in thick black lines, stands out against solid backgrounds. The Easter bunny is forgiving at first, telling Skunk, "Please try to control yourself," but resorts to pushing him out of the room before they eventually reconcile (with help from a clothespin). Skunk's enthusiasm is contagious, and readers will be giggling at the stench-themed humor and the Easter bunny's outsize reactions. Ages 2-5. (Feb.)