Bunny’s First Spring by Sally Lloyd Jones and David McPhail

Bunny’s First Spring by Sally Lloyd Jones, illustrated by David McPhail. Zonderkidz, 2014. 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4

A little bunny explores his world through changing seasons, sharing his exuberant observations with his affectionate parents. As winter arrives, he mourns the world that seems to be dying.

Fearful of changes and very tired, the bunny hides in his burrow with his parents to sleep and to wait. When he awakes to find spring has come, he discovers resurrection in nature–from death of winter has come new life in spring!

Themes of new life are woven throughout this story which closes with a quote from Martin Luther: “God has written the promise of new life not just in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” This simple story shows how yet another aspect of creation points to Christ, His death and resurrection, without making the celebration of Easter about chocolate rabbits.

McPhail’s soft-toned illustrations complement the story as the seasons change and the colors ebb and flow.

A sweet story for springtime, Easter reading, or just to affirm your love to your own bouncy bunny.

Read our mini-interview with author Sally Lloyd Jones!

This title is included in our Spring Story Tea booklist [printable and recipes]

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)  

• Worldview Rating: 4.5
• Artistic Rating: 4

Categories: 4 stars and up, Picture Books, Seasons, Holidays, Character Values, Christian

Cover image from goodreads. A copy of this book was received from the publisher for a fair review.