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Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits
This nonfiction photographic picture book is the story of two adorable foster bunnies who find the perfect home— by a Newbery Honor author.
From beloved novelist Cynthia Lord comes the heartwarming tale of the author's own journey in fostering two very special bunnies that is perfect for—but not limited to—Easter.
Peggotty and Benjamin, two Netherland Dwarf rabbits, were rescued by Cynthia's local animal sanctuary. But before they were ready to be adopted, Cynthia had to help them learn to trust people again and feel safe in a new home.
The bunnies' progress—captured by her husband's photography—engaged hundreds of viewers in real time on Cynthia's Facebook page. Now she has adapted the story into a picture book that explores love, responsibility, empathy, and letting go—with a few surprises along the way.
Illustrated with gorgeous photographs and cute spot art throughout. Includes back matter.
From beloved novelist Cynthia Lord comes the heartwarming tale of the author's own journey in fostering two very special bunnies that is perfect for—but not limited to—Easter.
Peggotty and Benjamin, two Netherland Dwarf rabbits, were rescued by Cynthia's local animal sanctuary. But before they were ready to be adopted, Cynthia had to help them learn to trust people again and feel safe in a new home.
The bunnies' progress—captured by her husband's photography—engaged hundreds of viewers in real time on Cynthia's Facebook page. Now she has adapted the story into a picture book that explores love, responsibility, empathy, and letting go—with a few surprises along the way.
Illustrated with gorgeous photographs and cute spot art throughout. Includes back matter.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2019
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
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August 14, 2025The baby bunnies were soooo wee!!!
February 25, 2021
Cynthia Lord shares her experience fostering two rabbits (and the surprise baby rabbits one of them gave birth to) until they were ready to go to their forever homes.
This was a great realistic look at what fostering entails and what it is like to care for a pet rabbit. I would say this is a must read for any family considering getting a pet rabbit. And anyone considering getting into fostering animals who has kids may want to read this to the kids first. (It includes the fact that not all fostered animals make it, which is a hard but very real part of animal fostering.) I really like that this is out there now. There certainly aren't many, if any, books on fostering rabbits for kids. (There aren't many picture books about fostering animals of any kind for that matter. I sense a shift in that, though. Animal fostering seems to be gaining in popularity and notoriety lately. I know of a handful of books that have come out or are coming out this year on the topic, and I don't remember much of any in previous years...unless you count books on training service dogs which I feel is a bit different.) The photographs are excellent and illustration additions to pages are cute. A great read for rabbit lovers, those considering a pet rabbit, and animal lovers.
Notes on content: Two of the baby rabbits do not make it. This is handled tactfully, and is a realistic part of fostering, but super sensitive animal lovers may want to avoid the book if they can't handle this.
This was a great realistic look at what fostering entails and what it is like to care for a pet rabbit. I would say this is a must read for any family considering getting a pet rabbit. And anyone considering getting into fostering animals who has kids may want to read this to the kids first. (It includes the fact that not all fostered animals make it, which is a hard but very real part of animal fostering.) I really like that this is out there now. There certainly aren't many, if any, books on fostering rabbits for kids. (There aren't many picture books about fostering animals of any kind for that matter. I sense a shift in that, though. Animal fostering seems to be gaining in popularity and notoriety lately. I know of a handful of books that have come out or are coming out this year on the topic, and I don't remember much of any in previous years...unless you count books on training service dogs which I feel is a bit different.) The photographs are excellent and illustration additions to pages are cute. A great read for rabbit lovers, those considering a pet rabbit, and animal lovers.
Notes on content: Two of the baby rabbits do not make it. This is handled tactfully, and is a realistic part of fostering, but super sensitive animal lovers may want to avoid the book if they can't handle this.
March 26, 2019
I have a rabbit. And I love my rabbit. But this book taught me a little more about my little furry friend. My daughter and I enjoyed the pictures and the many facts we learned.
April 16, 2019
Fostering baby bunnies with a few surprises thrown in. What's not to love? And it's all true along with adorable photos.
December 12, 2019
The story of how a family fosters bunnies and ends up keeping one. :)
All photographs are by the author's husband - and are absolutely adorable.
The illustrations are equally adorable.
All photographs are by the author's husband - and are absolutely adorable.
The illustrations are equally adorable.
March 25, 2019
This book has delighted everyone I've shared it with...
Cynthia Lord and her family foster bunnies for a rescue and get to help their bun friends learn what it's like to live with humans, which includes lots of handling and playtime (when they're ready for it), exploration and exercise, and learning how to use a litterbox. Some of them arrive from very different situations, so once their basic needs are taken care of (food, water, shelter) they're given some time to settle in. "Borrowing Bunnies" details their family's experience taking in a couple of Netherland Dwarf rabbits named Benjamin and Peggotty, who became very special to them. Peggotty was pregnant when she arrived - unbeknownst to the humans - and gave birth to 4 kits not long after she entered their care. And Benjamin, with his larger than life bunnality, ended up being a "foster fail" - i.e. his human fosters adopted him (a wonderful outcome). Adorable photographs and illustrations of the buns fill every page, and along the way readers will learn something about what pet rabbits need in terms of care, exercise, and companionship from their human and bunpanions. An afterword provides even more information about the logistics and reality of keeping pet rabbits. An excellent and informative (and cute) picture book that people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy.
Cynthia Lord and her family foster bunnies for a rescue and get to help their bun friends learn what it's like to live with humans, which includes lots of handling and playtime (when they're ready for it), exploration and exercise, and learning how to use a litterbox. Some of them arrive from very different situations, so once their basic needs are taken care of (food, water, shelter) they're given some time to settle in. "Borrowing Bunnies" details their family's experience taking in a couple of Netherland Dwarf rabbits named Benjamin and Peggotty, who became very special to them. Peggotty was pregnant when she arrived - unbeknownst to the humans - and gave birth to 4 kits not long after she entered their care. And Benjamin, with his larger than life bunnality, ended up being a "foster fail" - i.e. his human fosters adopted him (a wonderful outcome). Adorable photographs and illustrations of the buns fill every page, and along the way readers will learn something about what pet rabbits need in terms of care, exercise, and companionship from their human and bunpanions. An afterword provides even more information about the logistics and reality of keeping pet rabbits. An excellent and informative (and cute) picture book that people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy.
March 7, 2019
I am an absolute sucker for rabbit books, and this one is such a sweet fostering story! The photos are lovely and the little illustrations add a little pep.
June 30, 2021
Fostering is a cool concept.
April 1, 2019
My first grader was very invested in the outcome of the story of these real life bunnies. I love how Cynthia Lord was able to explain the process of fostering bunnies through the lens of a story arc. So appropriate and so wonderful for readers of all ages to experience! A great addition to an Easter basket!
February 20, 2019
I loved following this story in real time on Cynthia’s Facebook page. Truly a story worth telling. And now I want a pet rabbit.😍🐰
March 23, 2019
Around Easter time, youngsters often decide impulsively that they want baby chicks or adorable little bunnies as their pets. I strongly advice that parents not give in to their begging, at least until they read this book and are aware of how much work goes in to taking care of rabbits. After all, those cute little guys don't stay small and adorable for long. In this book, author Cynthia Lord, best known for her book, Rules, describes her experience in fostering two bunnies, Peggotty and Benjamin, who had not had the best start in life. Like Lord, readers will fall in love with the rabbits, shown in large photographs as they are brought home and get used to their new surroundings. Lord works hard to get them accustomed to human interaction and touch. Peggotty has a surprise for her too. The author is comfortable sharing her feelings for the rabbits and her mixed emotions when it is time for them to find new homes. Back matter explains some of the responsibilities involved in bringing a rabbit into your own home. Every page of this book made me smile. I would have been fine without the addition of the little pops of artwork, but those add to he book's visual appeal for some young readers. Although it made me sad to think that these poor little bunnies had to be rescued before coming to stay with Lord, I was glad to be along for their journey to a happy ending. Youngsters will be too.
October 29, 2019
I have an annoying cat that I fostered and then adopted, it was in a weak point in my life. Why I keep the cat? Well, I am terrified of mice and well, the cat is tolerable and sometimes fun to have around!
Now this book has had me half considering bunny adoption. I know, stop me now!!!
I cannot foster bunnies no! no! no! but this book opens the idea and the possibility! Maybe! (NO stop it)
It is clear the hazards and joy, the stresses and cuteness. It makes no mystery of what to expect. The heartbreak of them dying etc. It also has helpful idea at the end. If a bunny could act like a cat in the house... maybe... just maybe! NO stop now!
The photography is adorable. I mean talk in a stupid voice kind of adorable.
The illustrations are fun and informative!
Clear and honest writing!
A proud 4.25 stars
Now this book has had me half considering bunny adoption. I know, stop me now!!!
I cannot foster bunnies no! no! no! but this book opens the idea and the possibility! Maybe! (NO stop it)
It is clear the hazards and joy, the stresses and cuteness. It makes no mystery of what to expect. The heartbreak of them dying etc. It also has helpful idea at the end. If a bunny could act like a cat in the house... maybe... just maybe! NO stop now!
The photography is adorable. I mean talk in a stupid voice kind of adorable.
The illustrations are fun and informative!
Clear and honest writing!
A proud 4.25 stars
March 5, 2019
Just in time for Easter, this awesome picture book will definitely leave young readers with a strong desire to have a pet rabbit, and the photographs are so amazingly cute! Fostering pets has become a terrific way for pet rescue centers to take care of so many needy animals and for prospective pet owners to get a chance to see if owning a pet is right for them. Cynthia Lord is an award-winning author of awesome middle grade novels and she has spent a great deal of time fostering rabbits in addition to owning her own. The narrative style draws readers in and the book presents a lot of practical information for those that are considering getting a rabbit.
April 22, 2019
I love all of Cynthia Lord's work, yet so far most of her stories are fascinating realistic fiction. In this non-fiction story she shares that she fosters bunnies, until they eventually end up in homes with owners who care for them. One particular pair of adorable Netherland Dwarf bunnies comes to her with a special surprise. Many young children are enamored with bunnies, her author note in that back makes it clear that bunnies are a serious responsibility, many factors must be considered before deciding to care for one of these precious pets. The photos are so precious, it's hard not to want one immediately. This tantalizing book will fly off the shelf.
March 16, 2019
Okay, no arguments that photos of bunnies, adult and baby bunnies, deserve five stars.
No arguing, I said.
Apart from that, this is a nonfiction, how-to book that serves as mentor text for young writers (of any age, actually), and also models useful and accessible back matter.
A must-have book for anyone considering having a bunny as a pet, but also a must-have for nonfiction collections in libraries, classrooms, and homes.
No arguing, I said.
Apart from that, this is a nonfiction, how-to book that serves as mentor text for young writers (of any age, actually), and also models useful and accessible back matter.
A must-have book for anyone considering having a bunny as a pet, but also a must-have for nonfiction collections in libraries, classrooms, and homes.
June 13, 2019
Author Cynthia Lord (Rules, Hot Rod Hamster) fosters bunnies in her spare time and in this book shares the story of two of two Netherland Dwarf bunnies her family fostered. One of the bunnies is pregnant and they end up caring for and placing two baby bunnies as well! The details of proper bunny care are woven into the story and adorable bunny pictures abound. What a sweet way to learn about bunny pet care. Recommended for purchase
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December 7, 2019Could this book BE any more adorable? (Answer: impossible.) Newbery honor author Cynthia Lord here chronicles her adventures with fostering bunnies with super cute photographs and illustrations. When she took in Benjamin and Peggotty to foster them until they were ready for adoption, she got quite a surprise when Peggotty gave birth to four baby bunnies. This is a fun pet story that will really please animal lovers and educates readers about caring for bunnies and bunny behavior.
February 3, 2021
I thought this was a great book for all ages. Everyone will love the adorable pictures of all the bunnies. But students love to hear/read about pet responsibilities and many of the older students may connect with the author through her chapter books. I admire people who not only foster pets, but who have the diligence to care for them and train them and assimilate them to pet-hood. It takes more dedication than I have.
September 3, 2021
The author and her family foster bunnies for an animal rescue until they are ready to be adopted. Since every bunny is different and has its own personality there are always surprises. The author tells about two bunnies in particular that she had taken in and how they changed her life while she changed theirs. Plus there was a big surprise. The beautiful photography was done by her husband and together they have created a wonderful true story.
February 24, 2019
Aw! This sweet picture book chronicles Cynthia Lord's journey of fostering bunnies. I love that her husband is the photographer! The outcome of the story made me teary. You can't help but want your own pet bunny after reading this! I enjoyed reading about the whole story after following much of it on Facebook.
February 26, 2019
This is such a cute book for kids about caring for bunnies and is a good introduction to rabbit care and behavior. Kids get to learn about the world of fostering, including the infamous "foster fail" i.e. when you just can't give one up and he/she becomes part of your family. I recently took in two dumped bunnies, so someone showed me this book at the library. Adorable!
May 14, 2019
I'm not a person who is interested in rabbits as pets, but boy did I like this book, which combines photographs and illustrations to teach us both about the specific bunnies that Cynthia Lord was fostering and also about pet rabbit information in general.
There's a good afterward discussing things to think about before you adopt a bunny.
There's a good afterward discussing things to think about before you adopt a bunny.
December 11, 2021
This is a real story about a woman who owns bunnies and the story of a particular bunny family she was not expecting to have. She explains the process she goes through to get bunnies but doesn’t dwell on the fact most of these bunnies are with her because they aren’t treated well.
This story helps kids learn about bunnies and maybe would be a good book for introducing a class pet?
This story helps kids learn about bunnies and maybe would be a good book for introducing a class pet?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
Many thanks to MaryAlice Briggs-Dicker for this awesome recommendation! I love Cynthia Lord and this book will really speak to children about caring for and loving bunnies but also about letting them go to good homes. The pictures and photos were totally awesome. I think really anyone should read this book!
January 22, 2019
A rich, heart-warming story about fostering and raising bunnies. Amazing photographs enhance the story that is based on true events as the author takes us along on her journey of fostering and raising bunnies.
March 1, 2019
I do not consider myself an animal lover and I am not interested in having a pet, but this book is quite adorable. I never knew one could foster rabbits! There are lots of cute photographs and Cynthia Lord writes the true story suitably for the young reader audience.
March 16, 2019
This book is so sweet. Perfect for a pet enthusiast or for a Spring/Easter read. My daughter (12) keeps asking for a bunny. While I’m not ready to say yes, we enjoyed reading this sweet story of borrowing/fostering bunnies together.
March 20, 2019
A great picture book about bunnies, fostering, and raising babies. This book is on the longer side so it would be best for an upper elementary class. I really enjoyed the cute pictures, facts about bunnies, and the tips about taking care of bunnies.
April 18, 2019
Combining animal facts with an easy-to-read narrative and photographs with cartoony illustrations, the author relates the true (and truly adorable) story of how she helped two newborn bunnies find their forever home.
May 1, 2019
A wonderful story of fostering animals! The photographs really make the story, though the grace with which hard subjects are broached is very helpful when sharing this story with children. We read it several times. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews