Easter Parade    by Irving Berlin & Lisa McCue Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2003 (2003) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Just flipping through this lovely picture book gave me spring fever. The text is Irving Berlin's Easter Parade song and exceptional illustrations convey the essence of Easter and spring. On the front cover, an oh-so-proud Papa rabbit strolls hand in hand with a small bonneted bunny, enticing you in to join the Easter Parade. The score of the famous song is at the back of the book, so those with musical instruments can play along. The images are heartwarming, all the way from parade preparations ('Never saw you look / Quite so pretty before / Never saw you dressed / Quite so lovely, what's more') through mingling with animal friends and neighbors, to the chase and capture of a windblown bonnet ('Oh, I could write a sonnet / About your Easter bonnet / And of the girl I'm taking to / The Easter Parade'). There are many charming details, my favorites being the bear whose beehive bonnet buzzes with honey bees, Bob the Toad, a New York street vendor who sells hot dogs and pretzels, and a bonneted snake. Treat yourself to a delightful dose of spring and sing along to Easter Parade. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews