The Forgotten Rabbit. Nancy Furstinger

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.