It’s the Year of the Rabbit, astrologically speaking. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is represented by the rabbit, which is the fourth animal in a 12-year cycle of animals. I don’t pretend to follow or understand Chinese astrology, but I do think it’s interesting to see which animal represents a new year. It so happens that I was born in the Year of the Snake. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Because it’s all about the rabbit this year, I propose adding rabbit/bunny/hare-related items to your TBR (to be read) and TBW (to be watched) piles. I’m suggesting “rabbity” titles for both kids and adults, as well as a couple books about the Chinese zodiac. Mix and match as you please.
My experience with bunnies is limited but charming. By the way, I prefer the term “bunny” because it is way more fun to say and write than “rabbit.” So, our property is home to many bunny families, and I get a kick out of watching them chase each other in the springtime. Bunnies are zippy! But I think their eyesight isn’t very good, because one of these zippy bunnies nearly ran into my leg while I was sitting on our patio. My other close encounter with a bunny happened in a tile store in Portland. That’s right—a tile store. As my husband and I entered the store, a large, white bunny cruised past us and continued to roam around the store as we strolled the aisles. This was pretty great, but that wasn’t the best part. The bunny’s owner was standing next to the checkout counter as we were making our purchase, and the bunny jumped from the floor into her arms. Love, love, love.
- “Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits” written by Cynthia Lord, photographed by John Bald, illustrated by Hazel Mitchell. (call number J632.6932 LORD)
- “Chinese Astrology: Forecast Your Future from Your Chinese Horoscope” by Man-Ho Kwok and Martin Palmer. (call number 133.5925 KWOK)
- “The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac” written and illustrated by Christopher Corr. (call number E CORR)
- “Looney Tunes: The Best of Bugs Bunny” [DVD] published by Warner Home Video. (call number DVD J LOONEY)
- "Peacebunny Island: The Extraordinary Journey of a Boy and His Comfort Rabbits, and How They’re Teaching Us About Hope and Kindness” by Caleb Smith. (call number 636.9322 SMITH)
- “Remarkable Rabbits” [DVD] directed by Susan Fleming. (call number DVD 599.32 REMARKA)
New at the Library
Fiction
- “Sleepwalk” by Dan Chaon.
- “To Fill a Yellow House” by Sussie Anie.
- “You Can Hide” by Rebecca Zanetti.
Nonfiction
- “The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Book” by Jerry Seinfeld.
- “Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational” by Michael Shermer.
- “The Essential Skills of Wilderness Survivial: A Guide to Shelter, Water, Fire, Food, Navigation, and Survival Kits” by Jason Knight.
Children
- “Brave Like Mom” written by Monica Acker, illustrated by Paran Kim.
- “A Few Bicycles More” by Christina Uss.
- “The Sun is Late and so is the Farmer” written by Philip Christian Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead.
This is just a small sampling of the many new titles added each week to the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries collection. Find more in our catalog, or call 360-906-5000 to reserve titles or find additional listings.
Jan Johnston, Collection Manager
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
You can email Jan at readingforfun@fvrl.org.
