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Because of the Rabbit
Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a sensitive and accessible book about the challenges of fitting in when you know you're a little different.
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little bunny. Emma convinces her father to bring him home for the night.The next day, Emma starts public school for the very first time after years of being homeschooled. More than anything, Emma wants to make a best friend in school.But things don't go as planned. On the first day of school, she's paired with a boy named Jack for a project. He can't stay on topic, he speaks out of turn, and he's obsessed with animals. Jack doesn't fit in, and Emma's worried he'll make her stand out.Emma and Jack bond over her rescue rabbit. But will their new friendship keep Emma from finding the new best friend she's meant to have?Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a beautiful and sensitive book about being different and staying true to yourself.
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little bunny. Emma convinces her father to bring him home for the night.The next day, Emma starts public school for the very first time after years of being homeschooled. More than anything, Emma wants to make a best friend in school.But things don't go as planned. On the first day of school, she's paired with a boy named Jack for a project. He can't stay on topic, he speaks out of turn, and he's obsessed with animals. Jack doesn't fit in, and Emma's worried he'll make her stand out.Emma and Jack bond over her rescue rabbit. But will their new friendship keep Emma from finding the new best friend she's meant to have?Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a beautiful and sensitive book about being different and staying true to yourself.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
August 29, 2025
If any of you might be concerned about me, please know that I haven't regressed to 4th grade level...three of my younger girls in my after-school group brought this book to our afternoon get-together and asked if the group could "please, please with many more pleases...read it". I was a bit surprised, but very proud of them, as even the teens, which comprises most of the group, thought that the bunny was cute and were happy to have the three girls read it to them...go figure! I should have known...they're all really kind and thoughtful kids...most of the time:) Anyway, they asked if I would, (more pleases), post their review for my "book friends" as they call all of you folks.
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little fluffy domestic bunny.
Emma has been home-schooled up until the start of the 5th grade. She’s not quite sure how she's going to fit in at school, but she quickly makes friends with Jack, an autistic boy in her class. She wasn't a great, or even a very good friend to him until the end because she wanted so desperately to fit in with the other kids that she kind of ignores him. She, and her game warden dad, find a lost pet rabbit that she talks her parents into letting her keep until they find if there is an owner somewhere missing their pet.
The girls that brought the book in and wanted everyone to hear the story and the older kids that gladly listened to it, are mostly all LGBTQ kids. We have others that are not but just want to offer friendship and support...they're all a very special part of my life. My son didn't have anything like this group when he was in school, although he did have some wonderful friends and teachers. The kids all said that they thought that this was a beautiful story, but what I, the mom and educator, liked about it the most, was that it encouraged a discussion to take place among them, about inclusion and feeling accepted; of learning to be proud of who you are and the things that you enjoy...you don't need to change anything for anyone. So needless to say, we had a good book, a great time and a wonderful group of young folks.
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little fluffy domestic bunny.
Emma has been home-schooled up until the start of the 5th grade. She’s not quite sure how she's going to fit in at school, but she quickly makes friends with Jack, an autistic boy in her class. She wasn't a great, or even a very good friend to him until the end because she wanted so desperately to fit in with the other kids that she kind of ignores him. She, and her game warden dad, find a lost pet rabbit that she talks her parents into letting her keep until they find if there is an owner somewhere missing their pet.
The girls that brought the book in and wanted everyone to hear the story and the older kids that gladly listened to it, are mostly all LGBTQ kids. We have others that are not but just want to offer friendship and support...they're all a very special part of my life. My son didn't have anything like this group when he was in school, although he did have some wonderful friends and teachers. The kids all said that they thought that this was a beautiful story, but what I, the mom and educator, liked about it the most, was that it encouraged a discussion to take place among them, about inclusion and feeling accepted; of learning to be proud of who you are and the things that you enjoy...you don't need to change anything for anyone. So needless to say, we had a good book, a great time and a wonderful group of young folks.
March 30, 2019
Get yourself a copy of this book and you'll see why I think Cynthia Lord is one of the most talented middle grade writers out there today. She takes seeds from her real life and creates stories that shine a light on the human experience, especially for those who aren't normally in the spotlight. Emma wants to go to "real school" (she's been homeschooled). She's lonely now that her older brother is going to highschool and doesn't have as much time for her anymore. On the eve of the first day she and her game warden father rescue a stray rabbit. She convinces her parents to let her keep "Lapi" until they can find the owner-if ever. Starting school at 5th grade in rural north west Maine, she finds friendships and cliques have already been established but she strikes up a friendship with Jack, who does not seem to fit in. As the story unfolds, Emma learns what real friendship is about "you have to BE the friend you want to have". As always, Cindy's stories have so many layers that can connect with a variety of readers: loving care for pets and strays, feeling excluding and wanting to fit in, nurturing empathy for people who seem different from ourselves, and always in the context of a super satisfying story! As a bonus in this one, you'll learn facts about lagomorphs and it is set in the amazing state of MAINE! Do your students a favor and get a copy of this in your classroom library ASAP! I don't think it will stay on the shelves.
April 16, 2019
Cynthia Lord writes every word so perfectly and leaves me thinking about her books long after I close the pages. This one is no exception.
June 5, 2019
This gentle story shows deep emotions about a girl who shifts from home-school to public school and how challenging it is to make friends, navigate the social structure and open your heart to people with differences. There's so, so much to love in this book, especially if you like rabbits and want to learn about them in a fun way. Another beautiful story from Cynthia Lord!
December 23, 2021
BECAUSE OF THE RABBIT
Cynthia Lord
This middle school book is about Emma who because of being homeschooled is unaware of the unspoken 'rules' and norms that create the social groups and friendships in the school structure. Because Emma has had no contact with school groups, she is adrift in the school system without a group, therefore she has no sense of how to fit in. Her first contact with school kids is when she is partnered with a child who has some spectrum issues and is not accepted by the majority of students. This child befriends her and forces Emma to be his friend or choose other friends who think that relationship is not accepted by the kids that she wants to befriend. So does she hurt the feelings of one to gain the approval of others? She has to decide what is right and then act on that.
Emma has a rescued bunny, Monsieur Lapin, who is the catalyst for new relationships. The night before Emma starts public school, she goes with her Game Warden father and saves the little rabbit from being stuck in a fence. The rabbit isn't wild and cannot survive in the wild, so they take the bunny back to their house in the hopes that they can find the family that lost their bunny. But when the girls at lunch say they saw flyers about a lost bunny and ask her if she is going to return the family's bunny, Emma has an even bigger dilemma. Would she keep someone's pet just because she likes it?
The story touches on being a good person and doing what is right, over personal wants or running with the gang or popularity. These are not new problems and everyone has faced something similar. But Emma's issue is that she has no foundation or idea of how to move through school groups and appease everyone, but her decision is based on telling the truth. Everyone gets the opportunity to decide what kind of person they are going to be, regardless of age.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
Cynthia Lord
This middle school book is about Emma who because of being homeschooled is unaware of the unspoken 'rules' and norms that create the social groups and friendships in the school structure. Because Emma has had no contact with school groups, she is adrift in the school system without a group, therefore she has no sense of how to fit in. Her first contact with school kids is when she is partnered with a child who has some spectrum issues and is not accepted by the majority of students. This child befriends her and forces Emma to be his friend or choose other friends who think that relationship is not accepted by the kids that she wants to befriend. So does she hurt the feelings of one to gain the approval of others? She has to decide what is right and then act on that.
Emma has a rescued bunny, Monsieur Lapin, who is the catalyst for new relationships. The night before Emma starts public school, she goes with her Game Warden father and saves the little rabbit from being stuck in a fence. The rabbit isn't wild and cannot survive in the wild, so they take the bunny back to their house in the hopes that they can find the family that lost their bunny. But when the girls at lunch say they saw flyers about a lost bunny and ask her if she is going to return the family's bunny, Emma has an even bigger dilemma. Would she keep someone's pet just because she likes it?
The story touches on being a good person and doing what is right, over personal wants or running with the gang or popularity. These are not new problems and everyone has faced something similar. But Emma's issue is that she has no foundation or idea of how to move through school groups and appease everyone, but her decision is based on telling the truth. Everyone gets the opportunity to decide what kind of person they are going to be, regardless of age.
4 Stars
Happy Reading!
June 10, 2020
3.5 stars, what would it be like to be starting public school for the first time after being homeschooled? That's Emma's story. She is starting fifth grade and public school at the same time. Find out how she makes the adjustment and goes about making friends in this school story.
February 17, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner: #BecauseoftheRabbit by @cynthialord_author and @scholasticinc. On-sale March 26, 2019.
Before I start this review, let me get a mini rant off my chest. I was homeschooled. PreK-12th grade, baby. And while it might sound dumb, I got frustrated growing up because I never found myself represented in kid’s literature. Even in that rare book with a homeschooled character, the plot revolved around the character starting “real school” for the first time. There was never a kid who was just homeschooled. A kid like me.
So even though I’m years separated from my homeschool education now, I still get a little disappointed when a book is about a character leaving homeschooling behind. Such is the case with Because of the Rabbit. So that’s how I approached this book. With a twinge of disappointment.
But you know what? I stopped caring. I quite frankly adored this book.
I think this is my new favorite #KidLitExchange book. And it even portrayed homeschooling quite realistically (I would know). When Emma says of entering public school, “Now when people asked me ‘Where do you go to school?’ the answer would be just a name, not a conversation”—I felt that deeply.
But now let’s shove homeschooling aside. I really, really love this book. THIS is how you perfectly balance a school story with a family story. It was an expert blend of both, and I loved the realistically changing dynamic between Emma and her brother, Owen. Jack is adorable and I would do anything for that boy. What a great friend. Emma was so cute, too. One of my favorite first-person narrators I’ve read recently. I felt for her and thoroughly enjoyed her excitement and discovery as she figured out her first days of school. (I, too this day, am intensely curious as to what goes on within the walls of a school.)
This is one I highly recommend grabbing once it hits shelves. March 26! Thank you @kidlitexchange for providing me with a review copy—all opinions are my own.
Before I start this review, let me get a mini rant off my chest. I was homeschooled. PreK-12th grade, baby. And while it might sound dumb, I got frustrated growing up because I never found myself represented in kid’s literature. Even in that rare book with a homeschooled character, the plot revolved around the character starting “real school” for the first time. There was never a kid who was just homeschooled. A kid like me.
So even though I’m years separated from my homeschool education now, I still get a little disappointed when a book is about a character leaving homeschooling behind. Such is the case with Because of the Rabbit. So that’s how I approached this book. With a twinge of disappointment.
But you know what? I stopped caring. I quite frankly adored this book.
I think this is my new favorite #KidLitExchange book. And it even portrayed homeschooling quite realistically (I would know). When Emma says of entering public school, “Now when people asked me ‘Where do you go to school?’ the answer would be just a name, not a conversation”—I felt that deeply.
But now let’s shove homeschooling aside. I really, really love this book. THIS is how you perfectly balance a school story with a family story. It was an expert blend of both, and I loved the realistically changing dynamic between Emma and her brother, Owen. Jack is adorable and I would do anything for that boy. What a great friend. Emma was so cute, too. One of my favorite first-person narrators I’ve read recently. I felt for her and thoroughly enjoyed her excitement and discovery as she figured out her first days of school. (I, too this day, am intensely curious as to what goes on within the walls of a school.)
This is one I highly recommend grabbing once it hits shelves. March 26! Thank you @kidlitexchange for providing me with a review copy—all opinions are my own.
December 30, 2019
Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord, 192 pages. Scholastic, 2019. $18. 9780545914246.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Emma is starting her first year at public school after being homeschooled through 4th grade. The night before school starts she helps her dad (a game warden) rescue a rabbit, and this friendly rabbit seems to hold the key to good things. Fifth grade proves to be a difficult task--especially making good friends and fitting in--but with the help of her supportive family and the magic of the rabbit, Emma comes to learn the importance of being herself and finding her own place to fit.
This is a pretty straightforward elementary-level novel about making friends and being yourself. I liked that Emma's friend, Jack, is on the Autism Spectrum as we can always use more diversity in that way. The characters were all great, though there's nothing revolutionary happening here. Its a nice book for younger readers. Pet lovers will probably appreciate it a little more.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Emma is starting her first year at public school after being homeschooled through 4th grade. The night before school starts she helps her dad (a game warden) rescue a rabbit, and this friendly rabbit seems to hold the key to good things. Fifth grade proves to be a difficult task--especially making good friends and fitting in--but with the help of her supportive family and the magic of the rabbit, Emma comes to learn the importance of being herself and finding her own place to fit.
This is a pretty straightforward elementary-level novel about making friends and being yourself. I liked that Emma's friend, Jack, is on the Autism Spectrum as we can always use more diversity in that way. The characters were all great, though there's nothing revolutionary happening here. Its a nice book for younger readers. Pet lovers will probably appreciate it a little more.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 27, 2020
Audiobook with my 12 year old. We loved Emma’s journey of learning the ins and outs of new friendship. It was especially interesting to us that this was a homeschool family transitioning to public school, and seeing the challenges associated with the switch. As a homeschool family ourselves, it was obvious to us that the author spoke from experience which lended real authenticity to the story.
April 17, 2022
Prepping for the next boy’s Battle of the Books next year. This one is definitely one I’m going to strongly recommend to him.
March 31, 2024
One district, one school book read with my daughter. Cute story! A great reminder to just “be you!”
Read
May 11, 2019Formerly homeschooled Emma is starting public school for the first time and Scared and Excited are in a race to see which will win out. Emma's number one goal in fifth grade is to make a best friend; she's been lonely in homeschool since her older brother decided to start public school. But it's not as easy as she thought it would be. There are a lot of weird rules in public school, it takes way too long to get through each day (at home she was usually done with her lessons by lunchtime), and most of the kids seem to already have established friend groups. Each day, Emma longs to get home to the newest addition to her family: a pet rabbit that she and her game warden dad rescued and that Emma has named Monsieur Lapin in honor of the forest stories her Pepere used to tell her.
It turns out that Lapi might just be the key to making a new friend, but not the first friend Emma would have chosen. Jack, a kid who sits in her desk cluster and who has special needs, LOVES animals. One of Emma's criterion for a best friend was that they like the things she likes. But she can't help thinking that maybe a girl would make the best best-friend and the other kids in their class don't hang out with or talk to Jack too much. If she chooses him for a friend, will she be ostracized like he is?
This is the sweet, realistic story that we've come to expect from Cynthia Lord. Emma is a likeable character who is easy to root for, even when she's sometimes making questionable choices. I loved the strong sense of setting, a small community in the mountains of Maine and Emma's house on the lake and all the nature all around them.
And even though this is a gentle story, it packs a bit of a punch, as well. I found myself getting emotional towards the end as Emma does something that is really hard for her to do, even though it's the right thing to do. The characters really felt real to me and that makes sense since a lot of this story was inspired by elements of the author's life - she has an adult son with autism, her children were homeschooled and her daughter went from that to public school, and they even keep rabbits.
Hand this to young animal lovers who with eat this with a spoon. Particularly hand it to kids who enjoyed A Boy Called BAT, which also features a neurodiverse character obsessed with animals.
It turns out that Lapi might just be the key to making a new friend, but not the first friend Emma would have chosen. Jack, a kid who sits in her desk cluster and who has special needs, LOVES animals. One of Emma's criterion for a best friend was that they like the things she likes. But she can't help thinking that maybe a girl would make the best best-friend and the other kids in their class don't hang out with or talk to Jack too much. If she chooses him for a friend, will she be ostracized like he is?
This is the sweet, realistic story that we've come to expect from Cynthia Lord. Emma is a likeable character who is easy to root for, even when she's sometimes making questionable choices. I loved the strong sense of setting, a small community in the mountains of Maine and Emma's house on the lake and all the nature all around them.
And even though this is a gentle story, it packs a bit of a punch, as well. I found myself getting emotional towards the end as Emma does something that is really hard for her to do, even though it's the right thing to do. The characters really felt real to me and that makes sense since a lot of this story was inspired by elements of the author's life - she has an adult son with autism, her children were homeschooled and her daughter went from that to public school, and they even keep rabbits.
Hand this to young animal lovers who with eat this with a spoon. Particularly hand it to kids who enjoyed A Boy Called BAT, which also features a neurodiverse character obsessed with animals.
November 10, 2018
Emma is getting ready to start her first day of public school after being homeschooled with her older brother all her life. When her brother Owen started at the high school the previous year, Emma missed their time together and longed to have the chance to make friends of her own. Now she is about to enter 5th grade and is both excited and scared. Emma’s family live in Maine, where her father is a Game Warden, and on the last day of summer vacation he is called to rescue a rabbit stuck in a fence. It turns out that the rabbit is not a wild one, but a pet that was either lost or discarded. The rabbit reminds Emma of the trickster stories of Monsieur Lapin told by her beloved grandfather, Pepere, who lives in Quebec. Emma convinces her Dad to let her take care of the rabbit she names Monsieur Lapin, or Lapi for short, until an owner shows up. Lapi gives Emma a boost of confidence as she sets out on her new journey at school where she hopes to find a best friend. But making friends and trying to fit in can be difficult. Emma finds herself sharing desk space with two girls, Iris and Leah, as well as a boy named Jack who appears to be on the autism spectrum. Jack quickly accepts Emma as a friend, but she is worried that by befriending him she will join “The Leftovers,” the kids who just don’t fit in. Lord does a wonderful job in creating wonderfully developed characters that will engage readers. The chapters all begin with factual information about rabbits against the image of a torn page of notebook paper. Readers will soon realize that the rabbit factoids are reflected in Emma’s experiences. The story thoughtfully explores the topics of friendship, family and finding one’s place in the world.
August 5, 2020
This one was bittersweet for me because this fall we were to host author Cindy Lord at our school...but the pandemic put a quick end to that. We'll hope to have her live and in person next year.
Emma has been homeschooled until 5th grade when she decides to give the public school a try. Bolstered by her older brother's choice to do the same thing last year, Emma is certain that she will instantly make a best friend and school will be just awesome. Fast forward to the end of the first day of school and Emma is seriously rethinking her decision. Thank goodness she can come home to Lapi, a small tan-colored bunny she and her father rescued. Lapi becomes a balm to the tough days at school, as does an unusual friendship with Jack, a classmate with autism. School is not turning out at all how Emma thought but she soon learns that being herself is the only way to make it work.
Pair with Lety Out Loud, Saving Winslow, Home of the Brave and Moo for readers who enjoy the companionship and love of a pet.
Grades 4 and up.
Emma has been homeschooled until 5th grade when she decides to give the public school a try. Bolstered by her older brother's choice to do the same thing last year, Emma is certain that she will instantly make a best friend and school will be just awesome. Fast forward to the end of the first day of school and Emma is seriously rethinking her decision. Thank goodness she can come home to Lapi, a small tan-colored bunny she and her father rescued. Lapi becomes a balm to the tough days at school, as does an unusual friendship with Jack, a classmate with autism. School is not turning out at all how Emma thought but she soon learns that being herself is the only way to make it work.
Pair with Lety Out Loud, Saving Winslow, Home of the Brave and Moo for readers who enjoy the companionship and love of a pet.
Grades 4 and up.
March 11, 2021
If you know me IRL, or have followed my reviews for any length of time, you know that when I give a shoulder shrug when someone asks me about a book, it is a solid MEH from me and not something I am likely to rave about.
This was a shoulder shrug.
I'm not sure what the hype is about this one? It lacks the emotional range and depth of something like Wonder or Out of my Mind and feels too simplistic and flat for the point it is supposed to be making. When Emma decides to try out public school in 5th grade, after being homeschooled, she really just wants to make a best friend. School, though, isn't exactly what she is expecting. The kids already seem to all have best friends and they don't really want another one. And Jack, the boy who is nice to her, is different. So Emma has to make a choice-be friends with Jack, even if that means she is labeled as different, or to leave him behind, even if that makes her mean and a bad friend.
And somehow, there is a rabbit in the mix of all this? I *kinda* saw the point to the rabbit, and the rabbit facts at the beginning of each chapter, but they weren't my favorite. The rabbit works to be an additional conflict for Emma, but it just wasn't my jam.
Recommended for readers in grades 3-5.
This was a shoulder shrug.
I'm not sure what the hype is about this one? It lacks the emotional range and depth of something like Wonder or Out of my Mind and feels too simplistic and flat for the point it is supposed to be making. When Emma decides to try out public school in 5th grade, after being homeschooled, she really just wants to make a best friend. School, though, isn't exactly what she is expecting. The kids already seem to all have best friends and they don't really want another one. And Jack, the boy who is nice to her, is different. So Emma has to make a choice-be friends with Jack, even if that means she is labeled as different, or to leave him behind, even if that makes her mean and a bad friend.
And somehow, there is a rabbit in the mix of all this? I *kinda* saw the point to the rabbit, and the rabbit facts at the beginning of each chapter, but they weren't my favorite. The rabbit works to be an additional conflict for Emma, but it just wasn't my jam.
Recommended for readers in grades 3-5.
August 10, 2019
The day before school started, Emma and her dad rescued an adorable little bunny that must have been someone's lost pet. Emma's first day of school wasn't what she'd hoped it would be. Having been homeschooled until she decided she wanted to go to public school in grade 5, she wished her mother hadn't agreed to making that change. Emma wanted a best friend, and she wanted so much to fit in, but to work on a class project she was paired with a boy with special needs. She liked him but she didn't know if she could handle public school after all. When she gave it an honest try she got unexpected results - because of the rabbit.
This is a great story with true depiction of the inner emotional struggle of children in new situations.
This is a great story with true depiction of the inner emotional struggle of children in new situations.
July 28, 2020
i really enjoyed this book. it was so wholesome and cute. the story centers around Emma who has been homeschooled, and now in 5th grade she will be going to public school. She helps her dad rescue a bunny, and is allowed to keep him as a pet, unless they find the original owners.
The book takes place over the course of the first week of school. Emma desperately wants to fit in and find a best friend, and her struggles really tugged at my heart.
This is a great read for elementary, as there is a lot to unpack and discuss. The message is wonderful, and the book is well written. I will say, i listened to the audiobook and i LOVED the narrator. her voice really went well with the story. i will be looking to see what other books she has done.
The book takes place over the course of the first week of school. Emma desperately wants to fit in and find a best friend, and her struggles really tugged at my heart.
This is a great read for elementary, as there is a lot to unpack and discuss. The message is wonderful, and the book is well written. I will say, i listened to the audiobook and i LOVED the narrator. her voice really went well with the story. i will be looking to see what other books she has done.
April 19, 2021
Cute story with many good messages: making friends by being a good friend, pushing through the hard parts of life, being yourself, accepting others for who they are, having your sibling as a friend and how growing older and into your own interests affects that relationship, etc. Lots of good stuff here. But I did notice a handful of typos, which annoyed me, and while the ending was nice and hopeful, my cynical adult side found it a bit unrealistic and mawkish. I did really like how the author explained in the end note how her stories all grow from seeds from her own life and how kids can do the same.
May 19, 2019
A quiet, gentle book about homeschooler Emma trying to fit into public school for the first time. It's not easy. She finds support from the rabbit she helped her game warden father rescue plus from the wild animal stories she remembers from her late Pépère (grandfather). Emma struggles with making friends at school and only finds success when she shows her true self to others and realizes that the boy in her class who is on the autism spectrum may have been the truest friend to her since the day she started school. The sweet spot for this book is grades 3-4. And the author note in the back is a wonderful backstory and writing lesson for young authors.
September 15, 2023
There's so much magic, so much learning, so much heart in some "children's" books. This is one of them. I can't wait for my baby girl to read and enjoy this book as well.
"And right then I realized a funny thing about surrendering. Sometimes when you finally give up trying to make your first idea work out, you think of a second one"
"You also have to be the friend you want to have"
Pure Rabbit Magic ♥️
"And right then I realized a funny thing about surrendering. Sometimes when you finally give up trying to make your first idea work out, you think of a second one"
"You also have to be the friend you want to have"
Pure Rabbit Magic ♥️
May 22, 2025
This book was this year’s pick for the One School One Book initiative at my kiddo’s school. We read it together as a family and it was a cute and relatable story. Emma is faced with the age old challenge of trying to figure out making new friends and if that means you should change yourself to fit in or be yourself and find those who appreciate you for you. Both myself and my 2nd grader enjoyed the book.
November 21, 2018
Emma has a lot of feelings going into public school after being homeschooled all her life. She's worried she is going to say the wrong thing and not make any friends. The night before her first day, her she and her father rescue a domesticated rabbit, who captures Emma's heart. A lot goes into this little book; her changing family, her friendships with other kids, and learning what it means to be a good friend herself. Lapi, her new cherished rabbit, helps her hop through the all growing pains of fifth grade.
March 20, 2020
The story catches my heart, it is perfect a quick read and is a good for 3rd grade and up I personally love rabbits and this this was the perfect book for me the story is about a young girl.
She has a father who is a game warden and they find a rabbit stuck in the fence a woman's yard the girl immediately falls in love with the bunny. She Has Been homeschooled for grades up to fifth grade.
I I liked it and I hope you will to.
She has a father who is a game warden and they find a rabbit stuck in the fence a woman's yard the girl immediately falls in love with the bunny. She Has Been homeschooled for grades up to fifth grade.
I I liked it and I hope you will to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
William Allen White Award Nominee 2021/2022
A cute and important read for middle graders. I like that it's short and to the point without a bunch of extra events that don't contribute to the plot.
A cute and important read for middle graders. I like that it's short and to the point without a bunch of extra events that don't contribute to the plot.
October 25, 2021
A girl and her dad find a pet rabbit stuck in a fence and the girl wants to keep him. But then, there is a missing rabbit. The rabbit turns out not to be the same one and they keep the rabbit. Pretty simple for a golden sower.
September 18, 2022
Not much plot. Very simple story about a young girl being homeschooled and starting public school. Shs struggles to find her place and hopes a rabbit will bring everyone together. There was not any real action or drama or pivotal moment. It all stayed pretty mellow.
December 26, 2019
A sweet, simple story of being different, making new friends, and learning about being yourself.
April 26, 2020
A perfect book for 3rd-5th graders, especially ones who have experienced trying to “fit in” to a group. Really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to booktalk it with students in the fall.
October 25, 2020
Nice, short, uplifting novel. It was a cute little fast read! Cynthia Lord has done it again!
April 30, 2021
Read with my 9 year old daughter for her school’s family book club. Great themes (what does it mean to be different? To be a good friend? How can we manage expectations? How important is fitting in and what is the cost?), great messages (it’s ok to be different, friendship can come from unexpected places), great examples of personification and metaphor (this English teacher approves!), great teachable moments and important conversation starters (all of the above!). I can’t wait to read this again with my son when he’s a little older.
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