Peacebunny Island: The Extraordinary Journey of a Boy and His Comfort Rabbits, and How They’re Teaching Us About Hope and Kindness

Smith tells his endearing, inspirational life story in this charming debut. After his pet rabbit Snickers died, the then-eight-year-old Minnesotan decided to start a rabbit rescue (with the support of his parents). He expanded his mission to include having the rabbits serve as emotional support animals, and soon Smith convinced his parents to help fund a breeding and foster program that matched people suffering from “loneliness, trauma, and grief” with a support bunny. Smith, now 16, eloquently describes how the animals brought peace to those who were suffering, including bullied children and survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Smith also introduces readers to an irresistible cadre of rabbits on his path to establishing Peacebunny Island, the bunny-filled oasis on a small island in the Upper Mississippi River where his work continues. The author’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the teenager shows wisdom beyond his years: “If you worry too much about what might happen in the future, you might miss out on what’s happening right in front of you.” Readers of self-help will appreciate these lessons in kindness, compassion, and ingenuity. (Mar.)