The Rabbit Listened

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The sweetness of this story makes me a little teary. Rabbit knows that sometimes what a person needs when they're upset is not a solution but just your presence and a listening ear. A fantastic way to start a conversation with kids about their needs and also a great reminder to adults that we don't always have to fix things. Recommended By Christine R., Powells.com

Taylor's sad. The chicken wants to talk about it, the bear wants to shout about it, the hyena wants to laugh about it, but nothing helps... until Rabbit comes along. With sweet, lively illustrations, Cori Doerrfeld reminds us that sometimes the best thing to do is listen. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com

A universal, deeply moving exploration of grief and empathy

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.

"Each of Doerrfeld’s highly distilled and elegantly concise vignettes brims with emotional honesty and profound empathy. The result is a story that’s wise, funny, and easy to take to heart." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) 

"This is a delightful picture book with a lot of meaning in the subtext…Granting this work a place in your library collection should give it the exposure and the voice it so richly deserves." School Library Connection

"[The Rabbit Listened] is a lovely book and a corrective, perhaps, for adults who may forget that quiet attention has its own curative power." The Wall Street Journal

"This appealing work is an excellent addition to any emotional-intelligence shelf." Kirkus (Starred Review)   

Cori Doerrfeld lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband and two children. She received her undergrad degree in Studio Art from St. Olaf College and her Post Baccalaureate from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She has several published titles including three self authored/self illustrated books.