"You can never tell what might happen on Easter," the narrative of this delightfully old-fashioned holiday picture-book begins. Describing the coming of Easter, the narrator declares that if a child has been good, they will have lovely dreams, the night before the holiday. Becoming "light as thistledown" and riding on a fawn, seeing rabbits with sleek coats and mice with shining whiskers - there are many things one might dream of on the night before Easter, if one "can find the stardust on daffodils with your eyes tight shut..."

A charming little book, with Tasha Tudor's signature illustrations, so full of vintage charm and appeal, A Tale for Easter also boasts an enchantingly magical narrative, in which a dream sequence suggests all sorts of delightful things. I don't think I've ever encountered another Easter story in which the night before the holiday features so strongly - this is something I associate much more with celebrations like Christmas. However that may be, I enjoyed both the text and artwork here. Recommended to Tasha Tudor fans, and to anyone looking for somewhat old-fashioned (secular) Easter picture-books. ( )

Easter is coming. You can guess it's near when you get a new dress, have hot cross buns for tea, and wake up to colored eggs, baby ducklings, and a bunny rabbit. ( )