Whether stealing Mr. McGregor’s veggies, hanging out with Winnie-the-Pooh, or racing off to Wonderland, rabbits star in many classic children’s stories, shows, and movies.
“It’s important for kids to meet and interact with animals that they don’t necessarily see every day,” said Shannon Callaghan, the livestock coordinator and educator at Land’s Sake Farm in Weston. “It gives [children] a lot of empathy and compassion for the natural world.”
Although many of the children had likely seen brown/gray wild rabbits bounding through Newton yards and gardens, Callaghan brought a more unusual variety known as a Japanese harlequin, to greet the babies, toddlers, and families.
After reading a few rabbit-themed stories, Callaghan instructed the young audience on how to gently behave with the yet-to-be-named creature.
Timid at first, the bunny cautiously sniffed the air from her cage before taking tentative steps toward her young audience. Soon becoming more curious than scared, she sat on her haunches – much to the delight of the children – and eventually was relaxed enough to lounge. The highlight for most kids was when Callaghan picked up the rabbit and let audience members pat her.
“I love bunnies …it was really soft,” said Callie S., 6, after the visit. “They perk up their ears when they’re excited.”
“I like how the ears flop around,” said her 8-year-old sister Genessa S., as they stood in line to borrow books.
Lynn Slobodin, activities coordinator for the library, said they have been hosting the rabbit program for a long time. It is one of many fun events on the library’s calendar for kids of different ages.
“Land’s Sake does a great job introducing kids to the animals they have adopted, teaching a bit about them and showing the kids how to treat the animals with care and respect,” said Janet Linder, a long-time volunteer who runs children’s programs and story times.
