The Netherland Dwarf bunny of Melissa Burney, the Brown County Youth Fair Junior Craft Superintendent who also helps with rabbit show judging, is featured in the new children’s book entitled Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine.
Destination, Burney’s 2.5-pound American Rabbit Breeders Association Grand Champion, was selected in fall from a contest and appears in illustrated form throughout the book – one of 16 “fur-friends” included.
“There was a contest and they were looking for pictures to be illustrated for a children’s book,” Burney said. “The author is from Georgia and a retired school teacher. I entered Destination and they contacted me and told me he had been chosen. After that I sent more pictures so they could choose for the best illustration they can do. I’m lucky Destination likes to dress up. I have pictures of him in a Santa hat for Christmas and sunglasses and a hat for New Year’s.”
Author Beverley Reichman co-authored her first book in 2018 and Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is her first children’s book, suited for kindergarten through elementary-aged students.
The website Book Baby describes the story as follows:
“Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie wants to meet her new neighbor dog, Chip, but not in front of her friends…dressed like a Flamingo! Cindi doesn’t like this holiday called Valentine’s Day! In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.
Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved in next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.”
Paperback versions of the book can be purchased for $11.99 at the following LINK.
Burney said of the book, “It’s a K through 5 reader. Some of the names are harder, but it’s a great to read for all ages. It’s just a cute little story.”
Burney intends to get Destination’s paw print added to publications that will be available for purchase.
“My best friend is going to help get Destination’s paw print on the page where his picture is hopefully,” Burney said. “I got a free book for entering the contest. I’ve ordered more books and I’m waiting for them to come in.”
Burney’s daughter, Paislee, showed rabbits for seven years and won eight showmanship or championship buckles. Melissa has shown for the last two years.
“I signed up so if Paislee wasn’t there I could put rabbits on the table for her to show in opens,” Burney said. “Then when she graduated, I bought her rabbits from her. I’m rebuilding my herd right now and all I raise is Netherland Dwarfs.”
Burney credited 4-H Rabbit Club leader Patricia Becktold and recent youth fair rabbit judge Hank Darden for being friends and mentors and inspiring her down this path.
“Patricia is one of my biggest cheerleaders and mentors and I’m very grateful for her,” Burney said. “Hank was the judge this year, and we got some rabbits from him in the past and took off with them.”
