#blogbookaday: The Rabbit Listened

Summary:  “With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustrations, The Rabbit Listened is a tender meditation on loss.

When something terrible 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 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.
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.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:  When a little boy’s tower of blocks comes crashing down after he spent a long time building his masterpiece, the animals come with what they think the answer is to make the little boy feel better. Should Taylor be sad, angry, upset, laugh about it, throw it away, or ruin something of someone else’s? Taylor’s not sure where to turn, until rabbit shows up. Rabbit sits patiently next to Taylor and just waits and listens. Although at it’s most basic level this book is about a tower of blocks, I think this could be a powerful story to share with kids and adults alike on what to do when you’re not sure how to help a friend who’s having a rough time. Just be there and listen.

Personal Reaction: I am in awe of authors and illustrators who can say so much with so little. This is a powerful story of friendship, grief, loss, emotions, feelings and heartache. I can see this story working at so many age levels from preschool through adulthood. You often learn how to be a good friend, but rarely do people talk about what to do when a friend is sad or upset and you don’t know how to help. This is the perfect story to address that issue – listen, quietly and let them know you’re there for them. I really enjoyed this beautiful story and truly believe it would make a great story to talk about how to be even a better friend.

Title: The Rabbit Listened
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: February 20, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!