The popular bedtime story -- in which Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare try to measure how much they love each other -- has been compressed to fit the board-book format, interfering with its original pacing and rhythm. Much better as a picture book. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Fresh as a fiddlehead fern in spring, this beguiling bedtime tale features a pip of a young rabbit and his indulgent parent. Searching for words to tell his dad how much he loves him (and to put off bedtime just an eentsy bit longer), Little Nutbrown Hare comes up with one example after another ("I love you as high as I can hop!"), only to have Big Nutbrown Hare continually up the ante. Finally, on the edge of sleep, he comes up with a showstopper: "I love you right up to the moon." (Dad does top this declaration too, but only after his little bunny falls asleep.) Effused with tenderness, McBratney's wise, endearing and droll story is enriched by the near-monochromatic backdrop of Jeram's pen-and-wash artwork, rendered earthy tones of moss, soft brown and gray for a visually quieting effect just right for that last soothing tale before sleep. Ages 3-up. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

PreS-It's been more than 20 years since readers were first introduced to Little Nutbrown Hare. Since then, countless children have been soothed by Jeram's calming ink and watercolor illustrations and McBratney's simple and tender story about a young rabbit and his parent in an "awww"-inducing competition to explain how much they love one another. The original edition has spawned numerous offshoots, including a board book version, various concept books, book and toy sets, calendars, and pop-up editions. This special anniversary edition includes notes from the author and illustrator looking back over the last two decades and revealing a bit about their creation process. This reissue also features an elegant new dust jacket with gold foil accents, small touches that lend the package a bit of sparkle. This would make a lovely new baby gift, or as a fresh replacement for copies that have been well loved and well used. (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.