In a heartwarming debut, children’s author Barbara Norman brings to life the delightful story of a child’s friendship with a pet rabbit. “Sweetie Petey Finds a Friend,” available at Florey’s Book Co. in Pacifica and Ink Spell Books in Half Moon Bay, not only charms young readers but also educates them on the emotional and physical well-being of rabbits.
Norman’s love for rabbits began with her own experience of having house rabbits as pets.
“I’ve had five house rabbits at different times,” Norman said. “They are intelligent, sensitive creatures that are highly social and playful. I wanted to tell a story of a friendship between a child and a rabbit and how the child came to realize that the rabbit was lonely.”
Barbara Norman’s rabbits Petie and Daphne appear as Petey and Poppy in her new book in the book.
Photo courtesy Barbara Norman
Through her book, Norman aims to convey gentle messages about the emotional and physical care that rabbits require, hoping to shift the common perception of rabbits being kept in outdoor hutches with little interaction.
Norman’s commitment to educating her readers is evident in her inclusion of a page on “How to Care for Your Rabbits,” approved by Dr. Maria DePunzio at Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital. This guide underscores her dedication to promoting the well-being of rabbits, ensuring that young readers and their families understand the responsibilities involved in rabbit care.
Despite her background as a teacher, editor, and bookstore employee, Norman had never authored a book before.
“This is my first book,” she said. “I collaborated with my publishing mentor, some wordsmiths and literary people to help me tell the story in a way that people would want to read.”
The process took two and a half years, but Norman’s dedication to her story and her love for her rabbits kept her motivated.
Norman’s affection for her rabbits is palpable as she speaks about them.
“I think they are super cute and so very soft,” she said. “I love combing them and grooming them. It’s very relaxing.”
Petie is somewhat skeptical about being photographed.
Photo courtesy Barbara Norman
Her current rabbits, Petie, spelled Petey in the book, and Daphne, named Poppy in the book, are indoor pets, a choice Norman made for several reasons, including their safety and the strong bond she shares with them.
“Rabbits do better in pairs than as the only rabbit,” she said. “They can also blend with other pets but need close supervision to make sure they will be safe.”
Illustrating the book was a crucial part of bringing Norman’s vision to life. It took several months and consultations with different artists before Norman connected with Jeannie Mecorney.
“I was referred to Jeannie by another artist I talked to,” Norman said. “She was working on a very serious book and welcomed the opportunity to illustrate a lighthearted story.”
Norman said that Mecorney visited her rabbits before starting to illustrate.
“I invited her to the house to meet the rabbits, to hold them, to see their room and get a sense of their personalities,” she said. “I think she did an excellent job of capturing them.”
At the heart of Norman’s book is a message about understanding and fulfilling the needs of rabbits.
“I want people to understand the emotional and physical needs of rabbits, to understand how to bond with your rabbit so that they have a healthy, happy life as a pet,” she said.
Norman hopes that her readers will be inspired to take good care of their rabbits and enjoy their companionship.
