Left behind in a dark and cold burrow, Tumkit, a baby rabbit was destined to die of starvation until Vella, a shrewd and fearless mockingbird, discovered Tumkit and brought him a magic berry. The supernatural berry came from a solitary bush that grows in a cave near the top of Laurel Mountain but danger awaits Tumkit and Vella. "Absolutely loved it. Every word paints a vivid picture of this incredible and engaging story." Connie Clark, retired L.A. County school teacher. "I will never look at a bunny the same way again. I was so drawn into the story I believed I was actually there. I highly recommend it to anyone." Joyce Hood, retired Washington State school teacher. "My class thoroughly enjoyed Billy's book. Here's two of the many heartfelt reviews they sent to the author," " Best book I've ever read." "I hope you write another one, your books are fun." Rosemary Bierman, school teacher for gifted children. "Absolutely loved it. Every word paints a vivid picture of this incredible and engaging story." Connie Clark, retired L.A. County school teacher.` "I will never look at a bunny the same way again. I was so drawn into the story I believed I was actually there. I highly recommend it to anyone." Joyce Hood, retired Washington State school teacher. "My class thoroughly enjoyed Billy's book. Here's two of the many heartfelt reviews they sent to the author," " Best book I've ever read." "I hope you write another one, your books are fun." children. --Rosemary Bierman, school teacher for gifted It was a lot of fun writing the "Secret Life of Tumkit."  It all started when I saw a small rabbit sitting in the middle of my backyard.  Wanting a closer look, I cautiously moved toward the rabbit stopping about fifteen feet away.  I thought it was very odd he didn't run.  For the longest time, we both just stared at each other and then he finally turned and disappeared into the bushes. I didn't think much about the encounter, other than this particular rabbit seemed awfully brave . When I awoke the next morning and looked out the window he was back again.  I called my grandson over, who's eight-years-old and lives with us, and asked him if he'd seen that rabbit before.  "Nope, I think he's a baby Grandpa."  After the rabbit was done nibbling on some grass, he hopped under our deck.  "Grandpa, do you think he's living under there?  Where did he come from, why is he all alone , and where's his mother?" he kept firing questions at me. " Grandpa , we need to give him a name , everyone's got to have a name ."  I thought for a moment and said, "How about naming him Tumkit?"  "That's perfect Grandpa," he replied with a big smile on his face. For the rest of the day, I couldn't stop thinking about Tumkit.  My grandson's questions were good ones and there was only one way to answer his un- answerable questions and that was to ask the rabbit himself.  This story is a true account of Tumkit's amazing adventures.   "Okay Tumkit, you stay under the deck while I fly to the top of the maple tree to see if there's any creatures below that can hurt you. If I start singing then make a dash for the old wooden fence. When you get to the other side, wait for me." Before she could sing a second note, Tumkit was under the fence staring into the dense forest . It was darker on this side of the fence. The sunlight could barely penetrate through the branches of the towering trees, making it hard to see very far. Tumkit wasn't sure he had done the right thing leaving the safety of the deck . He searched through the thick brush but couldn't see any movement . A breeze ruffled his fur as he sniffed for scents of danger . Dried leaves and dust lifted into the air and he saw a family of quail run under a Juniper bush. There was a mom, dad and four little babies. Tumkit wanted to follow them but Vella had said not to move until she comes. Then he heard something scratch the top of the old wooden fence, it was Vella looking down at him. In a very serious voice she said, "Here's how we're going to do this Tumkit. I'll fly from one tree to another and you keep up with me on the ground as I go. If I stop, then you do the same. But if I chirp loudly , you hide under a log or rock pile, and don't come out until you hear me singing." "Vella, I just heard water dripping !" "You did, there's a small pond just ahead of you. You're safe to go ahead," she replied. Tumkit scrunched close to the ground, slid under some bushes and came face to face with a mud - covered bullfrog that was resting on a flat rock. He'd never seen such an odd looking creature. The frogs eyes bulged from his head and he was green and overly plump for his size. His fat belly ballooned in and out as he breathed. At first the frog just stared at Tumkit, but then he clumsily took one short hop toward Tumkit flopping back on his rock. A curious fly buzzed around the