Are you the Easter Bunny? by Janeen Brian. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford

In plenty of time for Easter, this charming new picture book by award-winning South Australian children’s author Janeen Brian, is a perfect read-aloud for young children. Full of clever and creative rhyme sharing interesting facts about bilbies, this engaging tale will be enjoyed by both young and old.

I have a whiskery sniffer-snout.
It pokes out from my face.
I search in scrub for seeds and grubs,
or insects about the place.

There is also a simple but important environmental message coming through the narrative for young readers which may encourage further discussion.

The holes I dig for burrows
in land where hot winds blow,
let in the air and help prepare,
so seeds that fall can grow.

The vibrant, full-page illustrations by Lucinda Gifford enrich the narrative and vividly evoke the colourful Australian ecosystem that bilbies call home. Some inquisitive birds pop up throughout the story adding warmth and gentle humour to each scene.

Are you the Easter Bunny? will be a wonderful addition to a home, school or public library. If you purchase one Easter picture book this year, I highly recommend this one. It is just delightful.

Themes: Bilbies, Easter, Rhyme, Facts, Australian Environment.

Kathryn Beilby