Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday looks at the touching story, The Rabbit Listened. I dedicate this post to anyone who knows the struggle of an emotional challenge.
Sometimes problems grow into overwhelming proportions to the point of blocking out all light and hope. There’s no way to see through them or look around them. Well-meaning family and friends reach out to make things better by offering up their own sad stories in an attempt to make your troubles appear small by comparison. They might even resort to acting silly, assuming a smile is a sign all troubles have been wiped away. In some cases, people offer generic suggestions before listening and taking the time to understand.
The worst advice I ever received came from someone who wasn’t equipped to help because they had never faced my situation.
“Let’s pretend it never happened and move on.”
They moved on. I couldn’t.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday choice shares the story of Taylor, a child with an overwhelming problem. Many animals arrive to offer assistance, but only one friend takes the time to understand what Taylor truly needs.
I hope you’ll sit back for a moment (5 minutes and 42 seconds) and listen to The Rabbit Listened.
Title – The Rabbit Listened
Author and illustrator – Cori Doerrfeld
Published by – Dial Books for Young Readers – 2018
Suitable for ages – 3-5
Topics – Empathy, kindness, and friendship.
Opening – One day, Taylor decided to build something. Something new. Something special. Something Amazing. Taylor was so proud. But then, out of nowhere…
Amazon Review HERE. 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.
Why I like this book—I connected to this story on all levels. I have been in Taylor’s shoes, dealing with an issue too big to keep inside and too big to share. I have experienced the well-meaning, but wrong, kinds of help Taylor received. I have been the friend who wanted to make everything better. Most importantly, I know the incredible feeling of receiving the support the rabbit offered.
The greatest gift we can give is to find out what someone needs…it’s as simple as listening.
Learn more about Cori Doerrfeld HERE.
Until next Friday.