Never try to outsmart a wily rabbit.Fox learns this lesson when he tries sweet-talking Rabbit into emerging from his burrow. Sitting beside the hole that leads to the burrow, Fox is all dulcet tones as he asks Rabbit to come out so he can ask him a question. Rabbit, wise to Fox's trickery, says he can hear Fox just fine right where he is. A funny conversation ensues as Fox urges and Rabbit resists. When Fox gives Rabbit his word not to devour him, Rabbit promises to poke his ear closer to the hole but asks Fox to step back a few paces. Fox complies, not realizing that Rabbit has thus sneakily positioned him to stand over the entrance to a den belonging to someone else. Rabbit then tells Fox to vigorously jump up and down atop the hole to scare bugs away. Again, Fox agrees-to his eventual detriment. Children will appreciate that Fox gets his deserved comeuppance and will giggle over this spirited tale filled with comical banter that proves a smart, brave, levelheaded individual can outwit a bully. The dynamic, witty illustrations depict wonderfully expressive characters and droll underground details; kids will have fun poring over all the amusing activities happening in the bunnies' habitat. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Readers will have a "hole" lot of fun with this entertaining book. (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-Gr 2 —Sly Fox is up to his old business scoping out the bunny hole. However, he doesn't realize that smart Rabbit has been doing his own planning: a plan to take care of dear old Fox. Rabbit connives until Fox bounces on a hole and meets his demise in the bunnies' underground tunnel system that happens to be connected to a friend's hibernation den. Slater's words put a new spin on Aesop, while Ming's illustrations provide clues to Rabbit's fate. VERDICT A great addition to a study of fables or for any animal story hour; especially recommended for early childhood libraries.—Brittany McMahon