THE YES BUNNY

Advice on cultivating a positive outlook, the rabbit way.

Sofi lives in a retro-looking burrow with her patient parents and “baby brotherbunny,” Luka. Daily life has its challenges, and Sofi admits that sometimes she struggles when she’s asked to do things she isn’t in the mood for. But she wants to have a good attitude, and she shows us how she went from being the “No Bunny” to the “Yes Bunny” in 10 brief chapters. The short version: Use your imagination and find the fun in even seemingly boring situations. The stories involve familiar challenges: donning winter clothes, trying new foods, making the bed, taking a bath, and apologizing. Each chapter ends with a handy chart summarizing the Yes Bunny’s steps to positivity. Some of the suggestions won’t work for everyone. It’s lucky that Luka likes lettuce, which inspires an initially reluctant Sofi to finally try it. And Sofi’s too big for her favorite hat, but it now fits her brother, which makes learning to share much easier. But generally, the guidance will apply to most readers. Simple language makes the points clear. Detailed, cozy illustrations are infused with a carroty glow and lettuce-green touches. The book evokes Richard Scarry’s art, while the premise is reminiscent of Scarry’s Pig Will and Pig Won’t characters. The flat dark-outlined shapes recall Dick Bruna’s beloved Miffy, but with huge eyes and paler colors.

A hare-raising guide to getting to yes.