NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A moving and universal picture book about the power of listening to show empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small.
ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Wall Street Journal, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly
When something sad happens, 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 act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs.
With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, The Rabbit Listened is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.
Amazing Book
"This beautiful picture book gently guides children through the complex emotions of disappointment, anger, and sadness after a young boy’s creation is knocked over. One by one, different animals come along, each offering advice or solutions based on what they would do. But none of it quite fits. . . until the rabbit arrives. The rabbit doesn’t try to fix anything. Instead, the rabbit simply sits with the boy, offering quiet companionship and space to feel. It snuggles close and listens, modeling empathy and emotional presence. The ending is especially powerful. The book demonstrates that resilience doesn’t mean ignoring feelings but rather moving through them with support and understanding. This book will be very well used here at our EarlyON. It’s a gentle, effective tool for helping children learn about emotional regulation, empathy, and the value of simply being there for someone."
