The Rabbit Listened
A story that teaches valuable lessons about genuine empathy to both parents and children.
by Cori Doerrfeld
A heartfelt story about a child named Taylor whose carefully built block tower is destroyed. A series of animals offer distractions and advice—until the rabbit arrives and simply listens. This gentle act helps Taylor process sadness and find comfort in being heard.
🌟 Why It Teaches Empathy
- Validates feelings – The narrative acknowledges Taylor’s emotions of sadness, disappointment, and even grief, without trivializing them.
- Highlights deep listening – The rabbit doesn’t try to fix things; it allows space for Taylor to feel, modeling an essential empathetic practice.
- Appeals to all ages – Reviews praise the spare, poignant language and inclusive, gender-neutral illustrations, noting it resonates with toddlers and adults alike.
- Supports emotional learning – Educators recommend it as a starting point for group discussions about grief, frustration, and emotional support
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