Rabbits

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

These latest four additions to the Pet Care series continue to provide
information about selecting and setting up a safe environment for pets,
as well as about the long-term care necessary.

Each book begins with a description and labelled photograph of the
animal, followed by its unique characteristics and requirements under
the heading “The Right Pet for You?” Specific questions are raised
to focus family discussions about ownership readiness and expectations.
Information is then provided on the various breeds of that animal,
guidelines for selecting a healthy pet, and suggested equipment to have
ready before bringing it home.

Care and handling, feeding instructions, training, and grooming
techniques comprise the largest portion of each book. Each area is
clearly explained and well laid-out to make it accessible for beginners.


A strength of the series is the wonderful full-colour photos of the
various animals. All the pictures, whether of pets or grooming tools,
are clearly legible against white backgrounds. Many of them portray
children from a range of ethnicities illustrating the correct handling
of the animals.

Readers may be surprised to note that baby rabbits are called kittens
rather than bunnies—a term not used anywhere in the Rabbit book.
Another terminology misconception, dispelled in the Ponies book, is that
ponies are not young horses but another member of the equine family, and
that young horses are called foals.

After reading the well-presented material in these books, children will
be able to make an informed decision about selecting the appropriate pet
for them. They will receive a basic understanding of their chosen pet,
as well as the necessary information to properly care for it. Highly
recommended.