Emma Dilemma and the Hoppy Easter

Katie Potts is feeling the sting of competition when her rival, Tiffany Bianca, brings a real rabbit to class. Desperate to outshine Tiffany and feeling a bit insecure within her own blended family, Katie lies to her grandfather to get a rabbit of her own. The story follows the mounting pressure of maintaining the lie and the eventual fallout when the truth comes to light just before Easter. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles the blended family dynamic in a secular, realistic manner. It touches on the feelings of displacement or competition that can arise when parents remarry. The lie is treated as a serious moral lapse, but the resolution is hopeful and grounded in family support. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a high-energy sense of jealousy and impulsivity. It moves into a heavy, tense middle section as Katie carries the weight of her guilt (shame and anxiety), before culminating in a cathartic confession and a warm, restorative ending. IDEAL READER: An 8-year-old who feels like they are constantly losing a competition with a 'perfect' classmate or a child who has recently entered a step-family and is testing boundaries or seeking extra attention. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after catching their child in a 'prestige lie' (a lie told to look better in front of others) or noticing their child acting out due to school-based peer pressure. PARENT PREP: This book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss why Katie felt she couldn't just ask for what she wanted. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'trouble' Katie gets into and the cute animal aspect. Older readers (9+) will better grasp the nuance of the blended family dynamics and the psychological burden of her dishonesty. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many holiday books that focus on magic or tradition, this focuses on the 'ugly' feelings of jealousy and the very real work of repairing trust with a grandparent.