My novel...in progress

Yes, I have a novel inside me struggling to get out! :-)

My target audience is Young Adult and because I am surrounded by critters (current count is 20!) animals will be the main characters.

Here is the prologue to my novel. After this point in the story, I'm not sure if I should go with talking animals or write completely from a third-person perspective.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this!

By the way, the heroine in the story is an American Chinchilla rabbit named Penny. We found her last summer and she is 12 pounds of cuddly love. :-)

*******


The rabbit shifted her weight, uncomfortable in the small box. Her restless nose twitched at the presence of new smells. When the car hit a bump, her head bounced solidly against the top of the box, but the duct tape held securely. The small air holes punched in the cardboard let in a draft of cool night air. She sighed and tried to rest.


When the car finally stopped, she perked up her ears and hoped for release from her cramped quarters. She felt the box being carried and placed on the ground. Someone fumbled with the tape and the sound of it ripping off the cardboard made an annoying screech. Rough hands picked her up and she half-jumped, half-fell to the earth. The soil was damp, releasing unfamiliar and fearful odors.


Through the dimness of early darkness, the rabbit looked up at the little boy who walked slowly to her side. She liked him. He gently patted her head and softly ran his tiny fingers along her body. She relaxed under his touch and hoped to be back home in her comfortable hutch soon.


"Come on, Billy, we have to go." A man’s voice cut through the peaceful moment.


The boy continued to caress the rabbit, as a tear fell onto her fur. The rabbit sensed his sadness and snuggled closer to him.


The man grabbed the boy by his jacket and pushed him to the car. "I said, we gotta go."


"But, daddy, why do we have to leave her?" Tears streamed down his cheeks and his frail body jerked with sobs.


"I told you. That rabbit is too big and she eats too much. We can’t afford to keep her. She’ll be fine here. There’s plenty of food around."


The man scooped the boy in his arms and hastily put him in the car.


The rabbit hopped hesitantly toward the vehicle, wondering when they would pick her up. The engine roared to life while the headlights sliced a painfully bright path. She edged a little closer and wished she could make a sound to remind them she was waiting. The car moved forward quickly, spraying her with dirt and small pebbles. She closed her eyes against the sting and when she opened them again, she was alone.


On the still night air, she heard a tiny voice tearfully call her name. Somehow she knew she must never forget her name.


Copyright 2007 Joyce Handzo