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"If Winter comes," the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote, "can Spring be far behind?"

And while wintry weather is no respecter of seasons here in Utah, there are signs that spring is, indeed, coming — from the cut daffodils in flower bins at Trader Joe's to the appearance of hot cross buns at Mrs. Backer's bakery to the (slightly) longer days to the list of new children's picture books that warmly welcome the sweet months ahead. Here are a few recent titles to sample.

"That's Not Bunny!," written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Colin Jack

With the trademark sense of humor he displayed in "Shark vs. Train," Chris Barton tells the story of a hawk who tries to catch a crafty rabbit — but ends up with a carrot instead. Also a cucumber. Also a head of lettuce. What's a hungry hawk with a beakful of vegetables to do? Jack's energetic pictures nicely complement Barton's happily manic text. (Hyperion, $16.99)

"A Friend for Bo," written and illustrated by Elisabeth Zuniga

It's a perfect spring day except for one thing. Bo the rabbit doesn't have anyone to play with — that is, until he discovers an egg. Bo does his best to befriend the egg. He reads to it, takes it sailing and treats it to picnics. What does Bo learn as a result? That it's hard work being friends with an egg. He also discovers that helping someone come of their "shell" may be worth the effort after all. A sweetly rendered story about friendship by Zuniga, a Salt Lake City resident. (Random House, $16.99)

"When Spring Comes," written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek

"Before Spring comes, the trees look like black sticks against the sky. But if you wait, Spring will bring leaves and blossoms." Employing a before-and-after story structure, Henkes invites his readers to celebrate the arrival of spring in this brightly lit, lovely new picture book. Although Henkes (who was awarded a Caldecott Medal in 2005) isn't the illustrator, Dronzek's visual style has clearly been influenced by his work. (Greenwillow, $17.99)

"Hop," by Joey Hurley

The extremely spare text and strong, clean graphic design of this new picture book make it a quiet wonder. Following the movements of a family of cottontail rabbits during the day, the book gives a remarkably clear-eyed look at the natural world. Detailed information about the habits of cottontail rabbits is included in the back of the book. My favorite new title of the season! (Simon & Schuster, $17.99)

"The Night Gardener," written and illustrated by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

Some picture books, like "Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney, are appropriate for all ages. "The Night Gardener," the story about a community whose trees mysteriously take on the shape of animals, is a celebration of magic and beauty — as well as a love letter to the art of gardening. The illustrations in this book are stunning. (Simon & Schuster, $17.99)

"Mr. Hare's Big Secret," written and illustrated by Hannah Dale

Mr. Hare knows something that none of the other forest animals knows. Will he share his secret with them? Not unless they promise to dance with him beneath a cherry tree. With pictures reminiscent of Garth Williams' iconic animal illustrations (think "Charlotte's Web"), "Mr. Hare's Big Secret" has a decidedly retro feel. (Doubleday, $16.99)

"A Nest Is Noisy," written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long

Working in the style of their previous books — "An Egg Is Quiet," "A Butterfly Is Patient," "A Rock Is Lively" and "A Seed Is Sleepy" — Hutts and Long once again invite children and their parents to marvel at the natural world with them. Nests of all kinds—from delicate hummingbird homes to the muddy mats where alligators lay their eggs — are examined. Like the other books, "A Nest Is Noisy" is filled with great information and gorgeous watercolors. (Chronicle Books, $16.99)

"The Tale of You: Hopping Into Life," based on the illustrations of Beatrix Potter

"Now that you are fully grown, it is time for you to set off on your own." Reminiscent of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, this picture book gives advice for anyone who's embarking on a new life adventure. While the book's sentiments aren't particularly original, its illustrations (taken from Potter's classic "The Tale of Peter Rabbit") retain their timeless charm. (Warne, $9.99)

More Than Enough: A Passover Story, written by April Halprin Wayland and illustrated by Katie Kath

"Dayenu" is a Hebrew word that roughly translates as "more than enough." It's also a song sung during the Passover holiday, giving thanks for blessings received. In this winning new picture book (release date is March 15), readers follow a young Jewish family as they prepare for and celebrate Passover. With its straightforward narrative and glossary of terms, "More Than Enough" can also serve as an introduction to holiday customs for a non-Jewish audience. (Dial, $16.99)