Opuestos: Mexican Folk Art Opposites in English and Spanish by Cynthia Weill. Cinco Puntos, 2009. 34 pages.

Bilingual spanish/english concept book-- beautifully done. Whimsical Oaxacan folk art animal figurines --striking in both color and simplicity-- convey the concept of opposites-- big/tall, large/small, together/apart, etc. Weill has a great eye, not just for art, but for color, and her vibrant color wash backgrounds for the concept figures add punch without adding clutter. Beautifully detailed endpages and borders continue the Mexican folk art motif. Opuestos can also be used for colors, animals, and auditory awareness--an added plus I always look for in concept books. Another winner from Cinco Puntos-- I loved this book. 5 out of 5.

Little Bunny Kung Fu by Regan Johnson. Blooming Tree Press, 2005. 32 pages

Little Bunny Kung Fu has all the elements of a good fractured fairy tale---Where little bunny foo foo was picking up the field mice and bopping them on the head, Little Bunny Kung Fu uses all his martial arts moves and props to destroy the bamboo forest-- no matter how many animals come out to explain how the destruction of the environment hurts them. It isn't until the Dragon comes down to explain in great detail --and with a clear threat to Little Bunny Kung Fu himself-- that our martial arts rabbit learns-- reluctantly-- to respect mother nature. The clean and straightforward charcoal drawings enhance the text and support the asian setting. The deceptively simple verse mirrors the nursery rhyme of old but tells a powerful tale that has even young children roaring with laughter-- Every one loves to watch a bad bunny get his in the end.

**This one was a sleeper that i had overlooked in the picture book section--Thanks to Margaret for recommending it. I love it too!!!