The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes (as told to Jenifer).

This is a classic story, published in 1939 by DuBose Heyward, illustrated by the great Marjorie Flack. 

From the back cover:  "The Country Bunny is a lady, and she attains the exalted position of Easter Bunny in spite of her responsibilities as the mother of twenty-one children.  That the story ends with success and a reward is, of course, as every child would wish."

This book is sometimes touted as a feminist book (on the back cover of my copy it is, at least), but I see it as a mother that has trained her children so well that they can take some responsibility for the home for a little while, allowing her a day to serve her neighbors.  It is well written with interesting vocabualry and I love, love, love the way the relationship between Mother and the children is portrayed. 

One drawback is the absence of Father Bunny, but there is a Grandfather Bunny as a positive male character. Father is mentioned in the beginning of the story in this way: "By and by she had a husband and then, one day, much to her surprise, there were twenty-one Cottontail babies to be taken care of."  Father is not mentioned again.   

The illustrations are lush and soft, yet at the same time, the colors are vivid, and  they are somewhat reminiscent of Beatrix Potter.  Anyone familiar with Marjorie Flack can imagine how delightful the characters are.  All of the animals are modestly dressed, and might inspire your Little Princesses to want a full skirt and apron and your Little Prince to desire a bow tie and jacket!  Make sure to check out the sleeping arrangements to bunnies enjoy at the back of the book!

This selection may be found at used bookstores (that's where I found my copy anyway!), Amazon.com for  $5.95 and E-Bay (just now) for  $1.75 for auction and as little as .01 at a store (but watch that shipping!!)

Enjoy!

Momma