The Mischievous Hare

Rich in fun and adventure, The Mischievous Hare is a children's tale of a kind-hearted bunny...with a craving for trouble!

Meet Patches - a seemingly cute and docile household pet bunny that the family adores. However, like in many aspects of life, looks can be deceiving. Whenever she gets a chance, Patches loves to spring loose and cause mischief.

When under zero supervision, Patches will chew thru wires, tear out the stuffing in stuffed animals and get into the cookie jar. All while frustrating her owner, young little Sunday, and Sunday's parents to no end.

The book has two main story components. The main plot line, involves Patches teaming up with her best friend the boy bunny, Fuzzy Cakes, to stop their misguided landlord, Mr. Tidy, from evicting Fuzzy Cakes from the massive and happy apartment complex that they all live in. Mr. Tidy also meets opposition from his young son, James, who loves both pets and his father but can't understand his father's low tolerance of pets.

The other plot line involves Sunday's parents teaching her about the responsibilities involved in having Patches as a pet, specifically expressing the point that Patches is a living creature just like Sunday, who also needs attention to be a happy member of the family.

The story instills important lessons about the responsibilities of pet ownership into its young audience that hopefully will create a positive influence amongst its readers. This concept is reinforced with positive role models such as Sunday's father who is a police officer, eats healthy and above all else, loves his family (including Patches). Sunday's mother has a home based business which allows her and her husband to work at different times so that at least one of them is around to watch after their young school-going daughter and her troublesome bunny. There is also a kind neighbor named Mrs. Greenfield who loves to interact with Patches and Fuzzy Cakes as they hop around the complex looking for fun, and she from time to time gives the two spunky hares some fresh greens from her garden.

While not based on actual events, this tale is a combination of various elements that the writer and his wife have experienced in their years as owners of various different pets, including bunnies. The story has adventure, and enduring friendship that its readers can enjoy. It also teaches responsibility in a way that I believe parents can appreciate.

Although anybody that feels a fondness for bunnies can enjoy this tale, whether it is read, or read to them thru nighttime storytelling, this tale is probably most appropriate for boys and girls ages six thru ten.

Filled with beautiful illustrations, Patches and Fuzzy Cakes come alive thru the extraordinary artwork of Bryan Proehl.

It is also the writer's hope, that this tale will educate kids and their parents (most likely thru storytelling) about the joys and rigors of having a bunny for a pet.