The Forgotten Rabbit - by Nancy Furstinger (Hardcover)

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.

From the Back Cover

"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

"The Forgotten Rabbit is a must read for all children. The story of a
rabbit who was purchased as an 'impulse pet' and later forgotten and neglected until he was rescued by someone who gave her a forever home and showed her the meaning of love. The lesson couldn't be more important, and the story couldn't be sweeter."
-- Margo DeMello, President, House Rabbit Society

Review Quotes

"The Forgotten Rabbit is a must read for all children. The story of a
rabbit who was purchased as an 'impulse pet' and later forgotten and neglected until he was rescued by someone who gave her a forever home and showed her the meaning of love. The lesson couldn't be more important, and the story couldn't be sweeter."
-- Margo DeMello, President, House Rabbit Society

THE ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, review, Mary Ann Grossman (4/4/14):

"If your child begs for a cute bunny as an Easter gift, read him or her "The Forgotten Rabbit," a beautifully illustrated story about what happens to a rabbit that's taken on impulse: The boy and the girl giggled when I hopped into a basket/and cracked the colorful eggs.

At first Bunny has a good time: But as spring changed into summer, /they left me in my cage longer and longer... When my cage started to smell, /they put it in the backyard. I circled my cage while the children played.

Eventually the shivering, hungry rabbit is given to Rosalita, who names her Bella: She whispered in my ear ... that I would never be caged outside again. Girl and rabbit bond during agility exercises and Bella leaps for joy at having a forever home.

"The Forgotten Rabbit" ($16.95) is published by Edina-based Gryphon Press, award-winning publisher of children's picture books that explore the human-animal connection. The author, Nancy Furstinger, shares her home in New York state with rescued dogs and house rabbits including Marshmallow, the model for artist Nancy Lane's cover art.

Like other Gryphon Press books, "The Forgotten Rabbit" tells a story that ends happily while gently conveying a message about the right way to care for a pet."

KIRKUS REVIEW

"Bella the rabbit narrates this earnest story about caring for pet rabbits in the home.

Bella was born in a barn on a farm, part of a huge family of bunnies. The farmer sells the baby bunnies to a pet store, where a brother and sister choose Bella as an Easter present. The children play with Bella at first, but then they lose interest in her, and her cage is left outside without adequate food or water. Another girl, Rosalita, rescues Bella and takes her to a much better life in her house. Rosalita quickly wins Bella's affection and then teaches her how to use play equipment in a rabbit-sized obstacle course. They go on to participate in a competition course with other rabbits, and Bella wins a ribbon for her performance. Though Bella's transformation from nervous victim to confident performer is unrealistically fast, her story is touching and draws attention to the plight of unwanted pets purchased without adequate planning and preparation. Pleasant illustrations in candy-bright colors make Bella an appealing character, though she sometimes seems more like a toy bunny than a real rabbit. An author's note gives more information about pet house rabbits and lists additional resources.

Wearing its heart on its sleeve, this story has a mission, but it's a worthy one."(Informational picture book. 4-8)

About the Author

Nancy Lane has blended her passions for animals, children, drawing and reading into a career as a picture book illustrator. She has illustrated 27 books in 25 years, including the Gryphon titles A Home for Dakota, Call the Horse Lucky, and KoKoCat, Inside and Out. She enjoys painting outdoors and teaching art workshops. She holds a BFA in Illustration from Maryland Institute, College of Art. She is the mother of two grown children, and lives with her writer-husband and two rescued German Shepherds in a log home nestled in the wooded hills of New York's Finger Lakes region.