Hello, friends! Our book today is Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale Of Fostering Rabbits, written by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Hazel Mitchell, and featuring photography by John Bald.

This adorable nonfiction tale tells the story of the author’s experience fostering – or as she calls it, “borrowing” – two rescue bunnies to prepare them for life as pets. Going over the type of care, environment, and rehabilitation the bunnies require to be happy and healthy, she then hits the reader with a surprising twist: one of the bunnies, Pegotty, gives birth to four baby bunnies! Documenting the baby bunnies’ growth and development, she notes the highs and heartbreaking lows of being a foster parent to the cuddly animals. Finally, the time comes to send the bunnies to their new homes – though of them seems to have already found his!

Well, how can baby bunnies ever be wrong! This true story, based on the author’s experience and featuring INCREDIBLY cute, high-quality photos of the bunnies themselves, gives readers a real sense of what it means to be a rabbit owner; not only the moments of adorable snuggles, but the work, care, and expertise required. In a boldly honest moment, she gently relays how two of the bunny kits passed away in infancy; while this may upset younger readers, it grounds the story in reality, making it all the more impactful. As such, the book becomes a great example of how bunnies are not “sometimes” pets, they are meant for forever homes (an important message during spring, when families often buy baby bunnies as Easter gifts without considering how much work goes into raising them). Mitchell’s delicate illustrations add just the right hint of playfulness to the photos, the length is good, and JJ adored it. A wonderful way to introduce bunny care to young readers, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)