Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Set in a cheerful woodland full of rosy-cheeked animal characters, this story will warm young readers until the last page. A bunny sets off on a quest to find the perfect Christmas tree, listening carefully to the recommendations of her friends. Squirrel suggests choosing a tree as bushy as his tail. Mole says it should be as pointy as her nose, while Skunk knows it is the scent that matters most. Bunny searches all day and into the cold winter night, down the mountain, along the stream, across the field, and over a wall to no avail. When she comes across a tree too perfect to cut down, Bunny makes an important decision that truly demonstrates the Christmas spirit. Bunny's quest to find the perfect Christmas tree is relatable, as are her good intentions to listen to the advice of each of her friends. Readers will eagerly search each spread looking for the tree that is an exact match. Full of dialogue, the text is delightfully uncomplicated, yet the word choice is rich and inviting. The illustrations are crisp, clean, and adorable in deep jewel-tone colors set against a bright snowy backdrop. The resolution is full of community, collaboration, and good cheer. VERDICT A lovely picture book, just perfect for sharing with readers during the Christmas season.--Amy Shepherd
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Review by Horn Book Review
It's the day before Christmas, and Bunny is searching for the perfect tree, one that is just her size. Along the way she meets various friends who each add a different request, sending Bunny farther and farther from home. Suspense builds as listeners wonder if Bunny will ever find the sought-after tree, while repetition in the text (each friend asks, "What are you looking for?") will support new readers. The narrative is poetic and rhythmic, with occasional ear-pleasing alliteration. Illustrations in a muted, wintry palette nicely complement the story. Lisa Roberts November/December 2022 p.14(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Bunny searches for the perfect Christmas tree. For her, perfect means one that's "just her size." Her friends' ideas of perfection match their physical characteristics. Squirrel suggests a tree that, like his tail, is bushy; Mole believes that a Christmas tree's top should be pointed, like her nose; vibrantly red Cardinal mentions color--the "greenest green"--as the singular attribute; and Skunk thinks that aroma is key: It "should smell like Christmas." Each pal also guides Bunny to the best place to locate her tree. Bunny finds trees that are almost perfect but not quite. Deer posits that "maybe there isn't a perfect tree," or, perhaps, Bunny reflects, she hasn't found it yet, and she starts to return home. Suddenly, she spies a tree she had previously overlooked but that meets physical specifications. Bunny realizes she hasn't the heart to cut it down. Her friends appear on the scene and help her decorate the tree with the garlands she'd previously gathered; they sing carols, and Bunny understands why she's found the perfect tree after all. This sweet, delightful story brims with messages of holiday warmth, cooperation, and friendship. Charming, vividly colored illustrations set a lovely holiday tone, with bright green trees highlighting wintry scenes of glistening white. Toward the end, blue-black skies are highlighted by puffs of falling snow, and the endearing animal characters are gaily dressed for winter. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A cuddly, reassuring holiday tale. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
