Independent Reading Level: Preschool - 1st Grade
Awards: New York Times Bestseller (2018)

4

I loved it and would have wanted it as a kid. This articulated many problems that I think I did struggle with as a child, but no one seriously listened, or I felt like I couldn't speak aloud. ( )

I absolutely adore this book. I feel every family needs this book. You see, there are multiple trends happening in children's literature these days. One of them is writing books that deal with tough topics and emotions. We talk all the time about how people need to be reminded that they are not alone. I feel this qualifies!

The premise of the story is simple. Something bad has happened to Taylor. And everyone thinks they know how to help, that they know what Taylor needs. However, all Taylor really needs is someone who will listen. What a great reminder to all of us? Sometimes you can't fix the situation, sometimes you can't make the person just forget the situation......but BEING THERE is all they really want.

( )

Little Taylor built something unique for his pile of blocks. He stood proud, looking at his creation, but a disaster stuck. A flock of birds destroyed his masterpiece right before his eyes. Shattered, Taylor sat quietly. A chicken that first saw the mishap came forward to help him and asked him to talk about it. But Taylor didn’t feel like saying anything. Then, many animals came by one by one to help Taylor, but he stayed quiet. But can someone really help Taylor?

We picked this book for its cover. The book beautifully addresses a delicate aspect of the world of feelings - loss. The illustration is simple but makes the story stand tall.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is an empathetic story of a little boy and his loss, narrated in simple words and captivating illustrations. ( )