REVIEW
Celebrating ‘the animals forgotten by God’
By Rowena C. Burgos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:22:00 08/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines - Cleveland Amory, the late founder of Fund for Animals, often said rabbits were the animals forgotten by God.
They are one of the most abused and exploited creatures on earth: used in laboratory research, hunted for sport, raised on factory farms for meat and fur, and bought and sold as throwaway pets.
It’s no wonder Amory was instrumental in supporting the Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. which, as he said, offered “hope for the hop-less.”
Fortunately for rabbits, a wonderful new book remembers these forgotten creatures and offers them hope as well.
“The Sign of the Rabbit Book 1: The Black Cloud” by Vicky Veloso-Barrera salutes the people who have rescued domestic rabbits, like the author’s husband Roberto and children Joshua, Hannah and Tatin. The book also celebrates the companionship between person and bunny.
“The Black Cloud” offers insight into the mind and nature of the domestic rabbit, a unique, mysterious and often misunderstood animal. Included in the pages of this book are photos and charming sketches of rabbits (drawn by the author’s daughter, Hannah), and recipes of their favorite snacks. A song and a poem, also by Barrera, are also featured.
Delightfully positive, “The Black Cloud” helps answer the question, “Just what is a rabbit, anyway?” Readers learn what it’s like to be a “prey” animal, and how this affects the psychology of the rabbit.
“The Black Cloud” deals with the classic struggle between good and evil, with rabbits as the good guys and rats as the evil ones. In this children’s fantasy story, a group of special rabbits have a secret base under the house they live in. From there, they defend the neighborhood from the vicious death rats.
The rabbits that belong to the fictional Santos family in the story were based on rabbits Barrera’s family actually owned over the past 10 years.
The story reveals a surprising depth of communication among the rabbits and between their human caretakers, illustrating an intimacy rarely described between humans and companion animals.
The rabbits talk, read, write, cook, fly spaceships and do other amazing things. They show their human guardians just what playful, perceptive creatures they are.
Readers are treated to a glimpse of these lively herbivores as they shed their fears and express themselves. The tale is a teaching tool about what not to do with a rabbit, and valuable information is passed on to future generations.
Most of all, “The Black Cloud” is about how individual acts of humanity toward other creatures can heal both guardian and rabbit, and the great rewards that await both.
“The Sign of the Rabbit Book 1: The Black Cloud” is distributed by Anvil and is available at National Book Store and other leading bookstores.
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