Easter Bunny gets some help

By M Kennedy

"I'm home dear," called Easter Bunny coming in the back door. The cheerful kitchen, deep in the heart of Oak Wood, was warm and smelled of cinnamon. Mrs Bunny, wearing her favourite yellow apron, turned from the stove where she was stirring a big pot of creamy carrot soup. She'd spend the afternoon making it, and baking apple pie for dessert.

"Let's have our supper by the fire, dear; it's cozy and the evenings are still so chilly." She smiled, and added gently, "Is your paw feeling any better?"

That morning Easter Bunny had tripped over a small root growing under the leaves. He'd twisted his right paw. Dr Owl had said he mustn't use it, that it needed time to heal. But with Easter nearly here, who would paint the eggs?

Easter Bunny finished his soup, then, setting down his favourite red mug, he sat staring sadly into the fire. Beside him Mrs Bunny sat for a while too, before saying thoughtfully "Perhaps your sister could help, dear."

Suddenly, Easter Bunny laughed, feeling happier than he'd been all day. "Bless my whiskers, dear, you're some bunny!"

Esther was Easter's twin sister. She taught grade four at Hawthorn Hill. The next morning, Easter Bunny, wearing his second best red waistcoat, and looking carefully for any more hidden roots, hopped up the hill towards the school. He was always greeted warmly, when he dropped in to give art lessons to Esther's class. The young bunnies loved his visits and were becoming very good artists. After hearing about his injured paw everyone was eager to help.

It was decided that Esther's class would take a field trip to 'The Burrow.' This is Easter Bunny's workshop; it's carefully hidden somewhere deep in Beacon Hill. Of course all the bunnies, and even some of the children know where it is, but they also know it must remain a secret. And no one would ever tell.

Once inside 'the Burrow' the bunnies worked in pairs. Hop and Bramble were in charge of stripes and flowers, while Field and tiny Primrose drew fluffy baby lambs and ducks.

At lunch time Mrs Bunny joined them with a delicious picnic. Everyone went outside, sat on quilts in the warm sun, and enjoyed the daffodils.

By early afternoon all the Easter baskets had been filled, and all they needed were ribbons and bows. This was Mrs Bunny's job and would be done just before delivery.

Easter Bunny thanked the young bunnies many times over, and let them choose eggs to take home to their little brothers and sisters.

As their parents arrived to pick them up, Esther Bunny told them they should all be very proud of their young volunteers.

This Easter look carefully, you may find an egg painted by Esther's class.