Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits

by Marie Mead, Nancy LaRoche, Michael W. Fox

This book is a must-have for anyone who already has or who is thinking of getting a rabbit. It's an equally good fit for those who care about animals or who believe in the power of kindness and love. The twenty-five true stories are primarily about rescued rabbits, most of whom endure traumatic beginnings but end up in loving homes.
Containing beautiful photographs and original art, this volume invites people to reconsider the standard view of rabbits as little more than cute and cuddly. Readers quickly learn that the small creatures are courageous, intelligent, and independent, and that they have a strong, positive influence on the people who care for them. The stories offer a respite in our otherwise hectic lives, provide hope and healing, and inspire us to become more gentle in our dealings with others.
Bestselling authors Susan Chernak McElroy and Dr. Bernie Siegel each penned a personal story, and the eloquent Foreword to the book was contributed by Dr. Michael W. Fox. Each story is followed by an About Rabbits piece that explains something about rabbits, ranging from diet to deafness. The back matter contains several excellent articles, including Dr. Angela Lennox on dental care and elementary teacher Cheryl Rosemary Abbott on helping children show love and respect for an animal companion.
The book is for mid-elementary students through adults and also appropriate for reading aloud to younger children.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Rabbits

184 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2007

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll confess to being rather ignorant of rabbits until reading this book. I thought of them as cute, timid, delicate—but not possessing too much personality. Apparently, I was quite wrong. The smitten rabbit caretakers in this book present their beloved charges as being just as full of spark and vigor as any dog or cat. Some of the stories in this anthology are a little too Chicken Soup for the Soul for my tastes, but I would imagine that anyone who perused this book would think twice about eating rabbit meat, wearing rabbit fur, or purchasing a live bunny as an Easter gift.

However, this book is not about the many ways in which rabbits are mistreated by society; instead, it’s about rescued bunnies blooming under the care of dedicated people. Gentle lessons are sprinkled throughout: I came away with the conviction that rabbits are especially unsuited to life as classroom pets—so many neglected bunnies in the stories begin life in this way. They also can NOT survive if released into the wild: a fact I was already well aware of. Each story ends with rabbit care facts for those inclined to adopt their own bunny.

I got this book for my library.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, and beautifully presented, collection of short stories about rescue and pet rabbits. It also includes short bits after each story providing facts about rabbits and rabbit care that are important for everyone. I have two pet rabbits whom I love dearly but anyone could enjoy and benefit from this sweet book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories!

[Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I knew loads about Rabbits, but I learned some more. Very insightful. I just wish the stories were longer and more detailed. I felt the stories were too short.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains touching stories of rabbits that were rescued from neglect and abusive situations. As someone involved in rabbit rescue, I could identify with a lot of the tales. Anyone wanting to know about the horrors that pet rabbits face when their owners don't care about them any more would do well to read this book.

[Justus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit sappy if you're not into that sort of thing but as someone who loves buns, this is a great book...really a great book for anyone who loves animals and is open to reading some inspiring stories about triumph over cruelty. A great read.

[Andreas_55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a wonderful book and a must have for all people who love rabbits. In many short stories it tells the life of quite a few remarkable rabbits. Some stories will make you laugh and others will make you cry. But I can assure you you will love and treasure this book.

[Mr. Pe Mr. Pe]

this book is great i recommend this to everyone

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book so far of touching stories about pet rabbits!