THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

Carrot Cake Park Tales (Series): Breezy Bunnies, Sunny Bunnies, Busy Bunnies, Snowy Bunnies

Written by Margie Blumberg Illustrated by June Goulding (Breezy Bunnies and Sunny Bunnies) and Tammie Lyon (in June Goulding's style: Busy Bunnies and Snowy Bunnies)

What to Expect: Seasons, nature, friendship, fun, discovery, togetherness.

Every season brings something new to enjoy, and in this dreamy four-book series, strongly reminiscent of Brambley Hedge and Richard Scarry, readers will follow the adventures of Millie, Jimmy, and their bunny family and friends as they experience the different foods, experiences, and locations that each season brings.

When you have good friends and family to spend time with, every season brings something new to experience and enjoy. In spring, no matter what the weather brings, there are picnics and vegetable gardens, ducklings, and bike rides in the park to look forward to. Summer’s a time for fun with family and friends, visiting the beach, splashing in the sea, and toasting marshmallows over an open fire. In the fall, there’s school, baking, pumpkin picking, and trick-or-treating to keep you busy. And winter is just magical, with freshly fallen snow, ice-skating, and sleigh rides to fill the frosty days!

The endearing animal characters and enchanting watercolor artwork exude a traditional, vintage charm that will captivate readers of all ages. Each scene is a treasure trove of details for readers to explore, from the sandpipers pecking in the background on the beach to the deer on the hill behind the ice-skating rink. The short, simple rhyming phrases make the stories perfect for reading out loud, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the series. Carrot Cake Park Tales is a truly delightful series that will not only entertain but also awaken the excitement for the seasons ahead in any reader.

READERS’ FAVORITE, EMILY-JANE HILLS ORFORD

5 STARS

Millie and her little brother, Jimmy, are busy little bunnies. They have a lot of adventures in one day. In Margie Blumberg’s Busy Bunnies, Millie and Jimmy rise and shine to a new day, board a yellow school bus, and enjoy a day at school. “School is out, And that was fun . . . / Honk-honk!/ But we’re not quite done.” The family is off to the farm to pick a pumpkin for Halloween because that’s what’s up next, with trick-or-treating fun and so much more. But, don’t forget to brush your teeth and wash your face before climbing into bed. It’s much like a day in anyone’s life, full of activities, love and laughter, and good, quality family time. I love the way the siblings get along so well together.

Margie Blumberg’s picture book, Busy Bunnies, is the third book in the Carrot Cake Park Tale series. Told in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasure will calm the young listener as the story unfolds. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and start working on their own reading skills. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful—full of life and energy to help move the story along. This is a simple story, but one that will definitely appeal to young readers. Its focus on the autumn colors and activities will help teach youngsters about this time of year, giving seasonal delights a whole new perspective: “Fall’s a crisp and snappy season!” The soothing rhythm of the narrative makes it a good bedtime story to calm the over-active young mind.