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The Forgotten Rabbit
“A true success story. I just loved it. The Forgotten Rabbit will not be forgotten!”
—Amy Sedaris, proud rabbit rescue owner for over 20 years
With its compelling color illustrations and evocative descriptions, The Forgotten Rabbit tells the tale of Bella the rabbit as she makes a giant leap from neglected Easter bunny to cherished animal companion. A baby rabbit is chosen as an Easter present, but is soon forgotten by the family’s children as they pursue other activities. Her cage is moved outside, and she is rarely tended. As winter comes, she grows weak with hunger and curls into herself to disappear. Then, one night a girl called Rosalita takes her out of her cage, telling her that she has a new home, one in which she will never again be forgotten. Enjoying love, care, and a new name—Bella—she takes to the fun of agility lessons. Bella wins first prize in a rabbit agility contest—jumping with joy into the always-loving arms of Rosalita. Written so that children five and up can immediately grasp the point, this children’s picture book gives honest but charming insights into the proper care of a rabbit as a companion animal. The story is suspenseful, moving, and, in the end, joyful. The active language will delight children while helping them build vocabulary skills. Nancy Furstinger is the author of nearly one hundred books, including another Gryphon Press title, Maggie’s Second Chance . Nancy Lane has illustrated twenty-seven books in twenty-five years, including the Gryphon Press titles A Home for Dakota , Call the Horse Lucky , and KoKoCat, Inside and Out .
—Amy Sedaris, proud rabbit rescue owner for over 20 years
With its compelling color illustrations and evocative descriptions, The Forgotten Rabbit tells the tale of Bella the rabbit as she makes a giant leap from neglected Easter bunny to cherished animal companion. A baby rabbit is chosen as an Easter present, but is soon forgotten by the family’s children as they pursue other activities. Her cage is moved outside, and she is rarely tended. As winter comes, she grows weak with hunger and curls into herself to disappear. Then, one night a girl called Rosalita takes her out of her cage, telling her that she has a new home, one in which she will never again be forgotten. Enjoying love, care, and a new name—Bella—she takes to the fun of agility lessons. Bella wins first prize in a rabbit agility contest—jumping with joy into the always-loving arms of Rosalita. Written so that children five and up can immediately grasp the point, this children’s picture book gives honest but charming insights into the proper care of a rabbit as a companion animal. The story is suspenseful, moving, and, in the end, joyful. The active language will delight children while helping them build vocabulary skills. Nancy Furstinger is the author of nearly one hundred books, including another Gryphon Press title, Maggie’s Second Chance . Nancy Lane has illustrated twenty-seven books in twenty-five years, including the Gryphon Press titles A Home for Dakota , Call the Horse Lucky , and KoKoCat, Inside and Out .
24 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2013
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39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2018
Don't get children in your family a live bunny rabbit for Easter... they are often uncared for and abandoned after the holiday is over. The titular forgotten rabbit in this story gets a second chance and a happy ending. The story doesn't get nearly as sad as it could and is appropriate for young children who get a lesson in kindness and responsible pet ownership as well.
August 10, 2016
Gryphon press offers a variety of humane education picture books that are beautifully illustrated, professionally presented, and which are gentle enough so as not to scare off mainstream readers.
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in America and are also the third most common animal surrendered to animal shelters. Many people continue to buy rabbits as gifts for children without realizing the considerable care that goes into responsibly caring for the animals.
This is the story of a rabbit purchased for children at Easter, who by the end of the summer is forgotten in a cage in the backyard. Chances are, we have all seen rabbits in this sad situation. Thankfully, this bunny is rescued by a woman who knows the proper way to care for rabbits, and they end the story on a happy note.
The book concludes with a note to parents about the reality of rabbit care, and offers websites for more information.
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in America and are also the third most common animal surrendered to animal shelters. Many people continue to buy rabbits as gifts for children without realizing the considerable care that goes into responsibly caring for the animals.
This is the story of a rabbit purchased for children at Easter, who by the end of the summer is forgotten in a cage in the backyard. Chances are, we have all seen rabbits in this sad situation. Thankfully, this bunny is rescued by a woman who knows the proper way to care for rabbits, and they end the story on a happy note.
The book concludes with a note to parents about the reality of rabbit care, and offers websites for more information.
June 21, 2014
I knocked a star off my rating because I wasn't particularly fond of the illustrations. I think that the book is an important read for parents and kids who are considering getting ANY pet, particularly rabbits. In summary, the rabbit in the story has a happy early life, snuggling with his mama. He is then purchased by a family who are very happy to have him. It is clear that he was an Easter gift to the children, which is a common fate for rabbits. But then Easter is over and he's just...there. They send him outside, which is very bad for rabbits (outdoor hutches are the reason why many pet rabbits only live a year or two- they are very sensitive to heat and stroke) and they even "forget" to feed him sometimes. In the end, bunny gets rescued by someone who knows what they're doing and has a very happy life. It's a nice way to share information about pet ownership with kids and their parents without sounding preachy (a speech at the pet shop about responsibility and rabbits may fall on deaf ears, but planting the idea via storybook could work!)
August 5, 2014
If you have ever thought about buying a bunny for Easter, maybe you should read this book first. Bunnies aren't just for one day. This bunny was unlucky enough to be adopted for Easter and then eventually caged outside and forgotten. Someone new asked if she could take the bunny home and became the best owner ever. Not all bunnies are so lucky.
July 19, 2015
A tale every pet owner should read. Animals have feelings also and are not just novelty items to be owned and polished whenever we feel like it. They need attention and love just like everyone else. Beautifully illustrated.
July 3, 2014
The Forgotten Rabbit is a great read for families adding a pet to their lives. Good to book to launch discussions on pet care and responsibilities we have to the pets we choose.
September 6, 2023
In this impactful children’s picture book, readers meet a beautiful baby bunny who is given as a gift for Easter. Although the bunny was given the attention she deserved for a short while, the children soon lose interest and unjustly leave the bunny in a cage, outside, and without the fresh food and water, exercise, and attention she needs. Luckily the bunny finds a new home with a new friend called Rosalita. Along with a new name, the bunny - now named Bella - receives the play pen she deserves instead of a cage, toys and fresh food galore, and even gets a chance to participate in bunny agility courses!
As a devoted bunny owner myself, I loved that this book hit on a lot of misperceptions about owning a rabbit that are vital for owners and prospective owners to know. Issues like being caged (instead of having a much-needed exercise pen) and not being given the correct diet were addressed. I also loved that the book hit on one of the main problems surrounding bunny ownership: owners buying bunnies on a whim rather than going through the appropriate research needed. Rabbits are considered an exotic pet and need specialized care, including specialized exotic veterinarians. A section with information is also featured at the end, packed full of resources on bunnies in general and especially why they should never be kept outdoors. I can’t recommend this book enough! It teaches responsibility through a heartwarming and entertaining story, and I hope it ends up in the hands of many prospective bunny owners!
Sarah M. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
As a devoted bunny owner myself, I loved that this book hit on a lot of misperceptions about owning a rabbit that are vital for owners and prospective owners to know. Issues like being caged (instead of having a much-needed exercise pen) and not being given the correct diet were addressed. I also loved that the book hit on one of the main problems surrounding bunny ownership: owners buying bunnies on a whim rather than going through the appropriate research needed. Rabbits are considered an exotic pet and need specialized care, including specialized exotic veterinarians. A section with information is also featured at the end, packed full of resources on bunnies in general and especially why they should never be kept outdoors. I can’t recommend this book enough! It teaches responsibility through a heartwarming and entertaining story, and I hope it ends up in the hands of many prospective bunny owners!
Sarah M. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
December 22, 2023
In this impactful children’s picture book, readers meet a beautiful baby bunny who was given as a gift for Easter. Although the bunny was given the attention it deserved for a short while, the children soon lose interest and leave the bunny unjustly in a cage, outside, without the fresh food and water, exercise, and attention it deserves. Luckily the bunny finds a new home with a new friend called Rosalita. Along with a new name, the bunny now named Bella receives the play pen she deserves instead of a cage, toys and fresh food galore, and even gets a chance to participate in bunny agility courses!
As a devoted bunny owner myself, I loved that this book hit on a lot of misconceptions about owning a rabbit that are vital for owners and prospective owners to know. Issues like being caged instead of having a much needed exercise pen, or not being given the correct diet were all addressed. I also loved that the book hit on one of the main problems surrounding bunny ownership: owners buying bunnies on a whim rather than going through the appropriate research needed before deciding on what’s considered an exotic pet, a pet that needs specialized care including specialized exotic veterinarians. A section with information at the end is also featured, packed full of resources on bunnies in general and especially why they should never be kept outdoors. I can’t recommend this book enough! It teaches responsibility through a heartwarming and entertaining story, and I hope it ends up in the hands of many prospective bunny owners!
As a devoted bunny owner myself, I loved that this book hit on a lot of misconceptions about owning a rabbit that are vital for owners and prospective owners to know. Issues like being caged instead of having a much needed exercise pen, or not being given the correct diet were all addressed. I also loved that the book hit on one of the main problems surrounding bunny ownership: owners buying bunnies on a whim rather than going through the appropriate research needed before deciding on what’s considered an exotic pet, a pet that needs specialized care including specialized exotic veterinarians. A section with information at the end is also featured, packed full of resources on bunnies in general and especially why they should never be kept outdoors. I can’t recommend this book enough! It teaches responsibility through a heartwarming and entertaining story, and I hope it ends up in the hands of many prospective bunny owners!
September 4, 2023
Great book with a important message about rabbits being bought for "Easter gifts" or "starter" pets. Most people buying rabbits as pets don't know the time and commitment needed to properly care for rabbits.
Most pet rabbits are abandoned or live a painful, neglected life in a small cage/hutch without proper food and water. Rabbits make wonderful pets but they require a lot of hard work. Most people believe rabbits are rodents and are easy starter pets. Just like cats and dogs, rabbits are sociable animals that need be around other rabbits or people and require proper care and adequate space to live and thrive.
This books shows how forgotten "Easter" rabbit finds a forever home full of love, growth, and proper care.
Most pet rabbits are abandoned or live a painful, neglected life in a small cage/hutch without proper food and water. Rabbits make wonderful pets but they require a lot of hard work. Most people believe rabbits are rodents and are easy starter pets. Just like cats and dogs, rabbits are sociable animals that need be around other rabbits or people and require proper care and adequate space to live and thrive.
This books shows how forgotten "Easter" rabbit finds a forever home full of love, growth, and proper care.
December 8, 2023
I won't forget you little bunny <3 😭
This book had me in tears- I can see why it was traumatic to my five year old self the first time I read it-- this poor rabbit--
At least there's a happy ending 😅
This book had me in tears- I can see why it was traumatic to my five year old self the first time I read it-- this poor rabbit--
At least there's a happy ending 😅
February 4, 2016
“Bunny” is an Easter gift who is soon ignored and neglected after the novelty of owning a rabbit wears off. Her family puts her cage outside when it starts to smell, and as the weather gets colder, Bunny’s fate is uncertain. Then, she is rescued and given a new name by Rosalita, a girl who makes Bunny – now “Bella” – a real part of her family. Bella is given a large exercise area, a variety of good foods and water, and Rosalita spends time interacting with her – eventually training her to compete in rabbit agility events.
The cover illustration – of Bella looking up forlornly at a moonlit sky from the confinement of her cage – is enough to bring tears to the eyes of those of us who are sensitive about bunny welfare. And, Bella’s transformation from frightened and neglected to boisterous and thriving will start up the waterworks again. Her triumphant and joyful expression as she flies over the high jump is perfect. And chinning her new person – “I wanted everyone to know she was mine” – is the perfect way to end this tale. This book also includes a brief afterword on adopting house rabbits and what the realities of pet-rabbit ownership are like. Additional online resources are listed. An initially harrowing, but ultimately satisfying story for rabbit lovers.
The cover illustration – of Bella looking up forlornly at a moonlit sky from the confinement of her cage – is enough to bring tears to the eyes of those of us who are sensitive about bunny welfare. And, Bella’s transformation from frightened and neglected to boisterous and thriving will start up the waterworks again. Her triumphant and joyful expression as she flies over the high jump is perfect. And chinning her new person – “I wanted everyone to know she was mine” – is the perfect way to end this tale. This book also includes a brief afterword on adopting house rabbits and what the realities of pet-rabbit ownership are like. Additional online resources are listed. An initially harrowing, but ultimately satisfying story for rabbit lovers.
June 24, 2016
A great book for any child or parent that is wanting to get a pet rabbit. More often than not, just like any other shiny new toy, the novelty wears off quickly and they are put in a cage to live out their lives alone. Bunnies make wonderful pets but they take a lot of hard work. Some people think rabbits are rodents, they are not rodents. Just like any other pet they are sociable animals and like to be around other rabbits or people.
They need a veterinarian who is qualified to care for them too. Rabbits are very inquisitive creatures and get bored without mental stimulation; cardboard boxes, plastic baby toys (plastic keys/small rattles) or there are toys specialty for rabbits at most superstores.
They don't need to be bathed they do a very good job at keep themselves clean.
Rabbits can be trained as well, I've trained my indoor rabbit to use a litter box!
I recommend they are kept indoors, maybe in a room that is not being used or in the corner of a room. And please do your homework before getting any new living pet.
They need a veterinarian who is qualified to care for them too. Rabbits are very inquisitive creatures and get bored without mental stimulation; cardboard boxes, plastic baby toys (plastic keys/small rattles) or there are toys specialty for rabbits at most superstores.
They don't need to be bathed they do a very good job at keep themselves clean.
Rabbits can be trained as well, I've trained my indoor rabbit to use a litter box!
I recommend they are kept indoors, maybe in a room that is not being used or in the corner of a room. And please do your homework before getting any new living pet.
December 11, 2014
Lovely illustrations with a good message about animal rescue. This bunny finds just the right person to take care of her!
February 25, 2017
A little bunny is bought for a family at Easter and then terribly neglected, he gets a new owner who loves him and teaches his tricks.
July 16, 2018
We are house rabbit owners and were happy to see the story touched upon the frequent fate of "Easter rabbits".
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews