(2) PS Rabbit wakes to a bluebird singing at his window and his mother calling, "Time to get dressed." Rabbit's first word? "NO!" In an all-too-familiar call and response between a parent and young child, Rabbit shows initial resistance to his daily routine. His (mostly offscreen) mother offers reminders for every next step, and each one is met with a bellowed "NO!" Time for breakfast? "NO!"--until Rabbit decides that those breakfast carrots look pretty tasty. Time to play outside? "NO!"--until he remembers that his favorite rain boots are perfect for stomping in the mud. The pattern continues throughout the little bunny's day until, at last, he has a reason to give a different answer to one of his mother's questions. A simple palette of primary and secondary colors imbues the sketchlike illustrations with a child's sensibility. The varied text size--large for each and every "NO!"--and the story's comical repetition encourage engagement and maybe even silly participation during shared readings. Young listeners will take delight in the playful and fiercely independent Rabbit, and the sweet surprise ending will remind parents and other adults that sometimes the answer will be a wholehearted "Yes!"

Reviewer: Grace McKinney | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021