Smudge Bunny

by Bernie S. Siegel, Laura J. Bryant (Illustrations)

Smudge Bunny is the story of Smudge, Dr. Siegel’s beloved pet rabbit and her journey to reach their home and family. In recounting her story, Smudge comes to realize that sometimes the paths in life that look like detours, are really just different ways to get to where we were meant to be all along. After enduring heartache and loss, Smudge ultimately finds happiness, hope, and the discovery that a true home is where, as the poet Robert Frost wrote, "... when you go there they have to take you in." This story is written at a child’s level with warmth and playfulness, and of course, a happy ending. We believe that readers who enjoyed Dr. Siegel’s adult books, for their humor, love, and healing, will also want to share this charming book with their children. The book is a wonderful gift for animal lovers as well, because it teaches the true spirit of kinship between humans and our favorite furry companions.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 2004

About the author

Bernie Siegel is an American writer and retired pediatric surgeon, who writes on the relationship between the patient and the healing process. He is known for his best-selling book Love, Medicine and Miracles.

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smudge Bunny is one of the best rabbit-themed storybooks I have encountered. The story offers gentle lessons about rabbit care and proper ways to treat pets in general; humane educators will want to make it a part of their curriculum—especially around Easter. Smudge Bunny would also make a fine Easter basket gift—instead of a real bunny, natch.

Issues included within the story are: the giveaway of bunnies for Easter, the right and wrong ways to pick up and hold a rabbit, appropriate cages for rabbits, and the abandonment of domestic bunnies into the wild. Unlike the fates of many abandoned and “Easter pet” bunnies, Smudge’s tale has a happy ending—and even better, it’s based on a true story. Rabbit fans will be pleased to see the list of bunny care tips at the back of the book—especially the one highlighting spay/neuter.