Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton is a deeply personal true story about the author's life-changing encounter with a hare and their subsequent relationship and bond. Descriptions of its sounds, paws, feedings, jumping into Chloe's lap and the ultimate form of trust melted me into a puddle.

Covid necessitated a stay in the countryside. When Chloe saw a tiny leveret she left it alone, hoping its mother would return to it. But hours later that wasn't the case. She carefully checked for injuries and scooped it up surrounded by leaves to prevent direct human contact. After consulting everyone she could about feeding and rescuing, Chloe discovered raising wild hares wasn't done. It just wouldn't work due to their needs, characteristics and habitat. But gaining positive response after feeding it, Chloe began to experiment with building nests and houses. Trial and error were constants but both human and animal came to appreciate and rely on interaction.

Described are the hare's anatomy, seasonal changes in appearance, metabolic rate, sensitivity to changes in its home environment, food it (dis)liked, its need for independence, and mutual fondness. Life wasn't without danger as well, mostly from humans.

I like that Chloe learned from mistakes and persevered in finding solutions, the very best way is to fall down and get back up. The illustrations add a personal touch to the hare I feel a kinship with! Particularly touching are the lessons Chloe learned about herself, her priorities, new gratification for nature and preservation in general. Like her, I study animals (I live in forest) and completely relate to her intense desire to make changes to better nature and humans by observing and learning.

My sincere thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing book.

Heartfelt and educational read about the authors encounter with a baby hare and the resultant relationship that developed.