Cottontail Caper — Stephen Roos

Gr 2-4-- A group of pet-loving third graders try to raise money to build a local animal shelter. Erin is upset because her friends decide to have a contest to name a pet at the upcoming Easter Pet Parade rather than choosing her rabbit, Peter. She enlists the help of a second grader to hide the rabbit and spark interest in his welfare and in their cause. The plot does not work. It is obvious who snatches Peter and why, and it's annoying that readers are asked to believe that the characters, including an adult reporter, can't figure it out. It's a shame that the book doesn't hang together because the characters and their animals are appealing, but one trips over the sloppy story line too often to enjoy them. --Florence M. Brems, Benjamin Rush Elementary School, Bensalem, PA