LET'S PLAY, LITTLE RABBIT

Little Rabbit invites readers to play.

In this board book, a simple series of invitations and games shows Little Rabbit behaving like a typical toddler, playing peekaboo, swinging, and splashing in a tub of water. The concise text sets an appropriate pace for little readers, and the questions will resonate with children—“Can my little rabbit play too? One, two, three….” “Wheeee!” How darling that even Little Rabbit has a little rabbit! Using a soft yet vibrant palette, each spread features Little Rabbit against a solid background. Little Rabbit has sweet rosy cheeks, perky ears, and a toothy smile that evokes childish front teeth. Mühle’s text is written in the first person and directly addresses readers (“Splash! Got you!”), giving them a sense of conspiratorial camaraderie with Little Rabbit. Admittedly, on a crowded shelf of similar titles, there’s little to distinguish this one from similar read-and-play titles. Still, though largely a retread of many others in its genre, it’s an appealing, bouncy read that will entice little ones. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Though not a standout, a sweet story.