The Rabbit Listened
What to do when your child is upset, in one short picture book, for both of you.
Why they ask for it again
Taylor's tower gets knocked down and nobody fixes it. Kids who have had their tower knocked down recognise this immediately.
Our review
Taylor builds something amazing, and it gets destroyed. A chicken wants to talk, a bear wants to shout, an elephant wants to fix it, a hyena wants to laugh about it, an ostrich wants to hide. Each animal offers its own advice and Taylor wants none of it. Then a rabbit sits down and says nothing at all.
Each animal is one thing we all do to upset kids, and adults will spot themselves in the elephant at once. Very few picture books manage to be useful to the child and the parent at the same time. This one might change how you respond next time your own child falls apart.
How to read it aloud
Read each animal's suggestion a bit too eagerly. Then, on the rabbit's page, do not say anything. Just sit for a moment.
The catch
Some kids, especially younger ones, find it a bit too quiet. It earns its place on difficult nights, not on every night.
Is it scary?
Nothing scary, but a real feeling of loss over a wrecked tower.
Books like The Rabbit Listened, and what to read next
Where the Wild Things AreFor the anger that often comes right after the sadness.
The Invisible StringFor a loss that involves a person.
Last Stop on Market StreetFor another gentle book about how to look at things differently.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is The Rabbit Listened for?
Ages 2–7. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 3 to 6.
How long does The Rabbit Listened take to read aloud?
About 4 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is The Rabbit Listened scary?
Nothing scary, but a real feeling of loss over a wrecked tower.
What should we read after The Rabbit Listened?
We would suggest Where the Wild Things Are, The Invisible String, Last Stop on Market Street.