From Publishers Weekly
When little Lucy Rabbit discovers her neighbor Miss Mamie gathering stones for potting a paperwhite bulb, she eagerly helps her to "make spring." It takes patience and care, but the days pass quickly in Miss Mamie's good company (she keeps her young guest occupied with baking cookies and stringing beads, among other activities). Their patience is rewarded at last when delicate white blossoms sprout from the bulb. Wallace (Rabbit's Bedtime) punctuates her elegantly austere and subtly repetitive prose ("Days passed. The winter days grew even longer and lighter") with periodic illustrations of the plant's progress and recurring scenes of Miss Mamie's kitchen (4:30 each time, by the clock), its window depicting a sky growing increasingly lighter. The story works on two levels, celebrating both the wonders of nature and the pleasures of a loving intergenerational friendship. Wallace's cut-paper illustrations, set against bold backgrounds of bright white or bold red, possess the fragile beauty of the snowflakes that fall outside Miss Mamie's window. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Using her signature cut-paper rabbits, Wallace has created a gentle tale in which two neighbors nurture a narcissus bulb. In late December, Lucy sees Miss Mamie gathering stones and runs outside to help. What follows is a lovely paean to the simple acts shared by friends as they monitor the plant's progress. The passage of time is conveyed via a small calendar, a clock, and the lengthening scarves on a pair of knitting needles. After attending to the paperwhite, the two keep themselves busy baking cookies, playing the piano, and stringing beads. Using uncluttered compositions on red or white backgrounds, Wallace nevertheless manages to infuse her scenes with interesting details: the view from the window at 4:30 p.m. changes from a starry night sky to a clear, pale blue as December turns to January; the scarves not only grow longer, but are found on the coat rack in their respective owner's jackets; a picture from Lucy to her friend appears in the final scene. This title could be easily viewed by a group and would tie in to many themes: a plant's growth, intergenerational friendships, cozy winter amusements-to name a few. With its subtle changes and unhurried warmth, it would also be a delightful read in a more intimate setting.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
