From the moment I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book. Peacebunny Island is the moving memoir of a teenager's journey from rabbit lover to entrepreneur. This book is well written and there are many lessons one can learn from this book. You would never know that Caleb was just 16 when he wrote this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Those that rescue animals have a giving heart (and wallet) whereas someone who helps other humans gives time and is compassionate. How about someone that does both? There is quite a story involved when Caleb Smith gets a rabbit in elementary school and has enough empathy to realize the effect the animal has on people. The pets “multiply” and Caleb uses them to make enough money to pay for their care and get even more. Caleb is the voice who has grown older now, enough to reflect on how the bunny empire came into being with his first nonfiction work on his family’s story. Quite specific in his account, it is sometimes hard to believe the dialogue from when he was so young. However the information on each rabbit and the way they came into the family is the great stuff of pet memoirs. In addition, the knowledge given on rabbit anatomy and behavior is what I love in veterinary memoirs. The only criticism I have is that it could have been shorter. There are several side stories that are not really meaningful additions in my opinion. I highly enjoyed this book though, and recommend it if you would like to read about a hard working kid who is abnormally selfless.

Peacebunny Island is about a child's efforts to achieve his dreams, specifically acquiring an island to house rabbits that he was using as comfort animals and for business purposes (party props/rentals/fiber, etc.). The author often cites his faith for his guiding purpose.

As a rabbit lover myself, I was excited about this book, but unfortunately, I quickly found it was not for me. I had wrongly believed that the book was focused on rabbit rescue, but in fact the author is a rabbit breeder. With rabbits the third most relinquished animals in shelters around the country, I found the author's position on rabbit breeding irresponsible and harmful to the animals he claims to want to protect. I also felt that his claim to be breeding endangered rabbits to be misinformation. Much of the focus in the book was how the humans would benefit from the rabbits (profiting from them, comforted by them), but lost in that was that some of the activities promoted would almost certainly not be in the animals' best interests. I also never understood how acquiring an island to house these rabbits would benefit the rabbits, as I strongly believe domesticated rabbits should live indoors with families who love them.

While I believe that people with animal rights' beliefs will strongly object to much of this book as I did, others may be charmed by the author's earnest belief that he is helping these rabbits and people in his community. I don't doubt that he loved the animals and that he was doing what he believed to be best, even if I strongly disagree. Young readers may enjoy reading about how this boy worked to achieve his dream and built a network of people who supported his efforts.

An inspirational read about a remarkable young man's passion to spread kindness, hope and comfort to others using his growing family of special rabbits. From his humble beginnings as an eight year old and one special pet bunny, Caleb Smith begins a journey of "intentional stewardship" to save other rare heritage breed rabbits and help prevent pet abandonment. It grows into something that he never imagined.

"Perhaps sharing some of these stories will help inspire others to do their part to spread kindness and hope--two things we humans always need, especially now."

This was a touching story as the author relates his experiences from how he began this journey, and lessons he has learned along the way about people and bunnies. His family, friends and community were so supportive, and he shows so much maturity for his age as he sets goals and makes some big decisions involving his growing bunny outreach. He is truly a remarkable, gifted young man. His faith shines through as he prays for guidance and help, working in difficult situations to help others. I love his heartfelt prayers and his desire to see people as God sees them. I confess I shed some tears reading some of the stories, and also cheered along in some of his later adventures to establish a "Peacebunny Island". Like one little girl said, "I want to go there."
Recommend to anyone who enjoys reading an inspirational story. 4.5 stars

Hugs, Hope, & Hoppiness

Get ready for your heart to swell with bunny fever as you read Peacebunny Island, an incredible memoir about a sixteen-year-old boy's mission to save endangered rabbits, spread awareness, and train bunnies to console people needing a spark of hoppiness in their lives.

Caleb Smith was eight-years-old when he had a vision of starting a business to breed rare heritage-breed rabbits and help prevent pet abandonment. With an open heart, Caleb and his family welcomed the first members of the Peacebunny colony into their lives, beginning a journey that would send them across the country to comfort those in need and educate people on the incredible animals that have the ability to speak to our souls.

"I introduced people to rabbits, and the rabbits connected me with people.” ~ Caleb Smith

Taking readers along for the ride, Peacebunny Island trails back to the beginning of Caleb’s epic adventure, introducing us to people and bunnies who will go from strangers to friends in a matter of 260 pages! Along the way, Caleb faces many ups and downs, which he writes about with maturity and clarity, reminding us all that we are God’s ambassadors and everything ultimately belongs to Him! From his family home, where the story begins, to the frontlines of the Parkland high school shooting, Caleb recalls the amazing narratives of how his Peacebunnies are changing the world, one whisker kiss at a time.

Wow! What an inspiration!

The moment I saw the cover of Peacebunny Island, I knew I needed to read this book! A bunny enthusiast myself, I didn’t think my heart could love these creatures more, but after I finished Caleb’s story, I discovered newfound respect and awe for these furry friends (shout out to Whatchamacallit and Tator Tot for making me laugh and cry). Caleb’s writing in Peacebunny Island exuded his God-given wisdom. His descriptions of the last eight years, along with his vigor to build something that is making a difference at such a young age, were not only inspiring but eye-opening.

Two key points that I loved from the book were, “The way we care for each other and our animals is a reflection of what’s in our hearts, and over the long term, what’s in our hearts has more of an impact than what’s in our bank account.” And, “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.” These wise words reminded me of the purpose we have on this earth, and Caleb stewards these teachings through the work he is doing with Peacebunny Island. God doesn’t want us to waste a moment of our precious time; He is calling us to serve others and bring glory to Him (Ephesians 3:20)!

Humorous, touching, and encouraging, Peacebunny Island is a fantastic book that will remind readers that it’s never wrong or too late to dream big and pursue the calling God has laid on your heart! Caleb is a trailblazer, and I pray that through reading his memoir, others will catch Caleb’s fire to spread God’s love through whatever they have been called to do.

“Peacebunny Island, wherever it happened, would be a place for people to create real stories together of kindness, healing, connection, and love –all the things people seem to struggle with yet bunnies know intuitively.” ~ Caleb Smith

Positive content: 5⭐️
Language: 0⭐️
Sexual content: 1⭐️
Violence: 2⭐️
Age: 13+

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

Finally a positive and uplifting book about rabbits. All of Caleb's different anecdotes, observations and experiences were so moving I found it hard not to be an emotional mess. Bringing his companion rabbits for support to the survivor families after the Sandy Hook massacre, just wow. What an amazing, compassionate kid who is wise beyond his years thanks to his special rabbits. I was especially moved when he decided to say money, look for investors and make his own non-profit for rescued rabbits, education and outreach. WE should all strive to be like Caleb, his family and especially his rabbits.

From one bunny mom to another person who loves rabbits, or any rescue animal, this is a must read. I am definitely buying a copy of this at publication. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Thanks to Netgalley, Caleb Smith, and Tyndale House Publishing Momentum for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 3/16/21