Rabbit Magic

PreS-Gr 2—Houdini the rabbit is a natural performer. He closely assists Monsieur Lapin in his magic shows, rallies the rabbit entourage in rehearsals, and makes sure everyone goes to bed on time. However, during a show, the magician slips on a leftover banana peel and drops his wand, which lands in front of Houdini! Being the natural magician's assistant he is, he takes up the wand and "SHAZAAM!," he turns Monsieur Lapin into a rabbit. Houdini takes over, doing show after show, and spectators are thrilled by a rabbit magician. However, everyone is suffering from the new fame of Houdini. The other rabbits are disorderly, and Monsieur Lapin misses the spotlight. Can Houdini reverse the spell? This captivating telling isn't a typical pulling-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat tale. McLaren uses digital techniques to create cartoon panels and sequencing, along with cool hues, to unify and help move the plot forward. Young readers will not only enjoy the narrative but will also pick up the hidden cues woven into the illustrations.