An Easter-time nod to DuBose Heyward, the American author who wrote one of my all-time favorite children’s books, The Country Bunny & the Little Gold Shoes.

Originally published in 1939, this delightful story of a humble girl bunny who dreams of becoming one of the five Easter Bunnies celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Published just a year prior to his unexpected death, Heyward dedicated it to his only child, Jenifer, as it was one of her favorite stories to hear him tell.

The Country Bunny [spoiler alert!] is a big-dreamer-turned-superwoman figure. The big boy bunnies all laugh at her believing she can become one of the five Easter Bunnies. She grows up and has 21 babies, whom she raises impeccably. Then, when an Easter bunny spot opens up, Little Mother Cottontail [as she is now known] competes for it with the big boy bunnies, who all laugh at her again – so much the louder because she has had 21 children. But the Grandfather Bunny is impressed with her speed, wisdom, kindness and cleverness – all of which she proves through the example of her exceptional children – and names her the fifth Easter Bunny. And the story continues with the adventure of her first Easter Eve, delivering baskets all over the world. It’s quite a tale [ba-dum bum]!

Incidentially, Heyward also wrote a 1925 novel, Porgy, which his wife Dorothy adapted into a a 1927 play, which was adapted by George Gershwin into the iconic 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. No slouch, this guy.

Happy Easter, everyone!