Bunny & Tree by Balint Zsako

Abstract

Reviewed by: Bunny & Tree by Balint Zsako Kara Forde Zsako, Balint Bunny & Tree; written and illus. by Balint Zsako. Enchanted Lion, 2023 [184p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781592703937 $29.95 Reviewed from digital galleys R* Gr. 3-6 This exquisite wordless book in nine acts visually conveys the story of a friendship between the titular characters Bunny and Tree. A prologue establishes a peaceful and contemplative tone with depictions of Tree’s germination and growth throughout the seasons. Act 1 opens dramatically, as fearful-eyed Bunny flees from a terrifying sharp-toothed monster, thankfully finding refuge with Tree, who bends and morphs to mirror the intimidating form of the monster, scaring it away. In safety, Bunny and Tree regard one another (Tree through the binocular holes in its leaf canopy), and Bunny gently digs through the soil to uproot and deposit Tree into a small red wagon. The two embark (pun intended) on an epic journey across railroads, seas, and mountain peaks to search for the other bunnies that were scared off by the monster. Devotion exudes from Tree’s being, as Tree’s transformations into various shapes (a train, a sailboat, a plane, etc.) enable their shared expedition spurred by Bunny’s longing. Sweeping full-bleed illustrations rely on color to guide the tenor [End Page 345] of this tale, with consistent landscape scenes that have the fluid pigment layering of watercolor and the bold saturation of gouache. Zsako brilliantly utilizes speech bubbles containing visually symbolic messages to relay the conversations between Bunny and Tree. The denouement of an emotionally charged climax provides comfort and includes a surprising moment of humor relating to bunny droppings that still suits the story’s philosophical tone. Readers with a romantic worldview and keen attentiveness to visual information will find deep solace in this picture book. [End Page 346] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois