Publisher of
What the Rabbits Taught Me:
The Creosote Bush Chronicles
Written and illustrated by Jerry Smetts
Written and illustrated by Jerry Smetts
So said a know-it-all wildlife expert.
But in the sleepy desert town of Joshua Tree CA, some jackrabbits and man named Jerry forged a friendship.
In pictures, drawings, and Jerry's own words, this is their story.
Join Jerry, his long-eared friends, and a rambunctious bunch of cottontails on a wild adventure of backyard antics that offer some human-worthy lessons about getting along, sharing with others, and being better rabbits (and humans!).
Appreciative rabbit story listeners
Among Jerry's many fans are rabbit lovers, who enjoy sending rabbit-themed notes and letters such as this envelope that bears two rabbit postage stamps.
She deemed it "hare mail."
Expecting much success with his book writing efforts, Jerry went to the bank to open up a "business account." He was assigned to a personal banker and she too had rabbits!
Dear Jerry,
Holiday greetings—and thanks for the latest “chapter” of the rabbit saga. It’s definitely the cleverest card I’ve received this year!
You are forever informative about the life and times of our hop-along desert dwelling sidekicks. It had never crossed my mind that his large ears would restrict Sourpuss’ emergency lodging opportunities. But those long, tall and I imagine sensitive ears are clearly not meant to be crumpled up inside a burrow.
I bet Sourpuss would appreciate a miniature lean-to, built just tall enough to accommodate the tips of the twin towers of his auditory early-warning system. I suggest the top and back side of such a partial enclosure should be covered with clear plastic sheeting so that Sourpuss can remain alert to the approach of danger from behind and above.
There must be scattered places across the desert where a jackrabbit can find shelter from the rain or safety from a pursuing coyote. I’m thinking about rock outcroppings with rabbit-sized spaces between the jumbled stones where a coyote cannot follow, or maybe the occasional jackrabbit-but-no-larger-sized cavern in which to hide. That Sourpuss should have to win every single race against every single hawk and coyote he encounters seems an undue burden on his constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness; which, in his case, would be not to be pursued at all. Long may his hips hop.
I wish very happy holidays to you, my friend, and to each member of your rabbity “Zoo Without Borders” project. Please continue your fine work.
Very best regards,
PS: Let me belatedly thank you for the additional pages you sent me earlier in the year. They arrived, were greatly appreciated, were amusing and enjoyable, and were combined with your initial mailing. Whenever you go to press with this book, I would be honored to purchase a “First Edition” of your handiwork.
