Borrowing Bunnies ― A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits

Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord likes fostering rabbits—or, as she fondly calls it, “borrowing bunnies.” This is the heartwarming true story of the author’s own journey with two very special rabbits.

In the spring of 2016, Peggotty and Benjamin were saved by Maine’s Cottontail Cottage Rabbit Rescue after their previous owners had neglected them. But before the two Netherland Dwarf rabbits could be adopted, Cynthia had to help them learn to trust people and feel safe inside a home. The bunnies slowly settled in, enjoying their clean pens, nibbling new foods, and playing with fun toys, while Cindy’s husband, John Bald, photographed Benjamin and Peggotty’s every step toward adoption. At that time, hundreds of viewers were drawn to Cindy’s Facebook page to watch their progress. Now, she has adapted the rabbits’ true story into a picture book that explores love, responsibility, empathy, and letting go—along with fostering’s many surprises, both big and small.

Young readers will delight in watching these bunnies thrive while also learning a few fun animal facts. With Cindy’s pitch-perfect blend of warmth and real-life experience, Borrowing Bunnies is a new classic in narrative nonfiction.

Cynthia Lord is the Newbery Honor author of Rules and three other middle-grade novels. Her first picture book, Hot Rod Hamster, inspired a bestselling series about a speed-loving hamster that also includes four early readers. Her chapter-book series, Shelter Pet Squad, appeared on the American Booksellers Association’s ABC Best Books for Children list. Cindy lives in Maine with her husband, John Bald, their children, and a collection of beloved animals, including three rabbits (so far!).

John Bald is best known for his stunning photographs of landscapes and seascapes throughout New England, particularly along Maine’s rocky coastline. When he and Cindy fostered the family of rabbits featured in this book, he couldn’t resist documenting each precious moment—happy, sad, or silly—with his camera.

Hazel Mitchell is the author and illustrator of Toby, as well as the illustrator of ten other picture books. When Fezzi and Dodger were old enough to have visitors, Cindy invited Hazel and other artists over to sketch and handle them. Hazel used those early drawings as inspiration for the illustrations in Borrowing Bunnies. She is originally from Yorkshire, England, and currently resides in Maine.