The Little Blue Rabbit - Angela McAllister
This story borrows elements from The Velveteen Rabbit and perhaps even the film Toy Story in that it involves a heartbroken little stuffed rabbit anxiously awaiting the return of his missing 'Boy'. The poor little rabbit resolutely believes the boy will return despite the persistent nay-saying of his fellow stuffed friends. It's an almost shockingly evocative portrayal of sadness and despair. You won't find many picture books that are as angst filled as this one - Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is the only one that comes to mind. The intense pathos of the story is supported by gauzy, dreamy, but extremely expressive illustrations. You just *feel* for the rabbit and wonder how on earth that darn boy could have been so heartless!