THE RABBIT LISTENED

With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustrations, The Rabbit Listened is a tender meditation on loss and a universal, deeply moving exploration of grief and empathy.
Whether read in the wake of tragedy or as a primer for comforting others, this is a deeply moving and unforgettable story sure to soothe heartache of all sizes.

When, out of nowhere, disaster strikes, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs.

A gentle primer and conversation-starter: Framing Taylor's grief in the seemingly trivial loss of a block castle makes this book suitable for even the youngest readers. It's also a jumping off point for conversation with parents, teachers, librarians, and therapists focusing on bibliotherapy.

For losses big and small: The destruction of Taylor's block castle is a wonderfully general metaphor, making The Rabbit Listened a fitting choice for a variety of circumstances be it the death of a pet, the loss of a beloved family member, a pending divorce or move, or even just a bad day at school.

A mirror for every child: Taylor's gender and race are intentionally ambiguous so every child can see his or her self in this book.

Not just for kids: Adult readers will also find comfort and emotional resonance in this book's gentle message, making it a perfect gift for anyone, of any age, who has experienced a loss.


Cori Doerrfeld is the author-illustrator of Penny Loves Pink, Little Bunny Foo Foo, Matilda in the Middle and Maggie and Wendel: Imagine Everything!. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, daughter, and son.