Hocus Pocus

K-Gr 2—This wordless book features a Wile E. Coyote vs. Road Runner-like battle between a rabbit, Hocus Pocus, and a hapless canine. Mr. Magic arrives home one day with a bag of peanuts, greens, and carrots. When he and his pooch settle down for a nap, his rabbit decides to bolt from the magic hat he left on the bureau. The carrots are a tempting snack, but he must first get past the sleeping dog. Attempting to do so turns into a bunny vs. canine showdown, with Hocus Pocus trying various methods to sneak past the pup. Eventually that leads to a dog vs. bunny showdown, beginning at the kitchen counter and ending with a miffed Dog locked outside. The small, clever bunny pulls out all the magic stops and eventually outsmarts big, strong Dog. The digitally rendered illustrations are suggestive of '60s cartoon storyboards. The drawings are colorful, and the amusing facial expressions and antics of Dog and Hocus Pocus will appeal to children.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA