You may wonder why I'm reviewing a book more than a half-century old. Well, let me tell you.

As I've mentioned in other reviews, the recent addition of 6-year-old twins to my life has refocused some of my reading habits. I've begun exploring more books to share with the kids -- some new ones, assuredly, but also some classics I've saved from my childhood. (Thank goodness I'm a bit of a packrat.)

Jane Werner's Bunny Book, illustrated by the Walt Disney Studio way back in the day, is a little treasure I'd forgotten. It's a simple story, but deeply meaningful in a way I never considered when I was a child.

It's about Great Grandpa Bunny Bunny, who teaches generations of bunnies in Bunnyville to paint Easter eggs (but it's not an Easter book), flowers, autumn leaves, butterfly wings and pretty much anything in the forest that needs a touch of color. With each generation, the community expands its artistic efforts to create new vibrancy in the woods. But finally, the elder bunny "goes away," but the young bunnies know he's still hard at work when they see a colorful sunset or a rainbow in the sky.

It's a subtle way to touch on the concept of death without being blunt or scary. It's suitable for young kids, and it's a beautiful story. My kids keep asking for it, and my wife even remarked on its impact.

I'm glad I found this tucked away in a box in my basement. It's a treasure.