Review by Booklist Review
Little Hare is sleeping in her snow-covered home in the forest when a loud "THUMP!" wakes her. On her roof, there's a gigantic box topped with a bow. She heaves the gift onto her little sled and calls on all her friends (Auntie Owl, the piglets, Mr. Fox and his family, and Mr. Snowman) to ask who has lost a beautifully wrapped package. No one! Little Hare is getting frustrated, especially when she finds many more wrapped presents. Then she bumps into Santa Claus, who is distressed. All the presents fell off his sleigh during a terrible snowstorm. Little Hare helps him find and deliver the gifts and, the next morning, discovers a special one for herself--from Santa. First published in Ukraine in 2023, the appealing narrative features an unassuming, independent, helpful hare along with her community of animal friends. The story reads aloud well; plan to read it again and again. The delicate illustrations create characters and settings that bring the fanciful tale to life. A quiet but satisfying Christmas story for young children.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A kindhearted hare finds joy in generosity in this lightly adventurous holiday read. Sleeping "snugly in her bed," Little Hare awakens when a gigantic box hits the snowy roof of her burrow. She attempts to find the bow-topped present's owner, but none of the other forest creatures can claim it. Initially stumped as to the gift's origins, the protagonist--shown with delicate features and epically long ears--stumbles upon the answer with the discovery of more abandoned presents and then Santa Claus himself, depicted with pale skin and sporting a droopy mustache and magnificently bulbous beard. The ensuing partnership brings the story full circle as Shatokhin's soothing mint and periwinkle snowscapes communicate the cozy chill of the season. Ages 3--7. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A mysterious gift leads to a grand adventure in this Ukrainian import. Little Hare wakes up to a loud sound and goes outside to find a big present on the roof of her small, snow-covered home. Whose present could it be? Little Hare loads the gift onto her sled and checks to see if it belongs to her forest animal neighbors: Mr. Fox, Auntie Owl, the piglets, and Mr. Snowman. Finally, Little Hare runs into none other than Santa Claus himself! Santa's in trouble--a snowstorm caused him to lose the presents he intended to deliver. Ever the earnest helper, Little Hare helps him find and gather up the missing packages. She's delighted when Santa tells her he'll grant her a wish; she asks to help him deliver gifts from his sleigh. Next morning, Little Hare awakens to the knowledge that her friends will be getting presents and is more than a little surprised to find one for herself--a bunny-size snowplow, "perfect for visiting friends and delivering gifts of any size." Charming, at times exaggerated illustrations make effective use of perspective and proportion; Little Hare seems especially diminutive, dwarfed by an immense, pink-skinned Santa. Gently building suspense before coming to a satisfying conclusion, this holiday tale stresses kindness and consideration--traits that are important at any time of year. Engaging illustrations, wonderful pacing, and themes of generosity combine for a warm Christmas surprise. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
