Lovelybooks

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.

With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustrations, this is a universal, deeply moving exploration of grief and empathy sure to soothe heartache of all sizes. Full color.

A TIME Best Children's Book of 2018
A New York Times Notable Children’s Book
A New York Times Editor's Choice
A Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of 2018 
An Indie Next List pick
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018
A New York Public Library Best Book For Kids of 2018
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018


★ "This appealing work is an excellent addition to any emotional-intelligence shelf." — Kirkus, starred review

★ "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 simple in premise, but deeply affecting." —TIME

"The bibliotherapeutic potential of thistitle is undeniable, but it never overwhelms the story and only contributes to thisbig-hearted picture book’s success." — The Horn Book

"Wonderfully drawn...offers what Taylor — like all of us — needs: the comfort of someone who will just listen, laugh and give a hug.” — New York Times


"[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

"Full of spirit and uncensored emotion… Doerrfeld skillfully evokes the amazing bond between kids and their pets.” — The Chicago Tribune

“A gentle lesson in the power of silence.” — PEOPLE 

"A beautifully rendered story of loss, friendship, andlearning how to rebuild.... This is a tear-jerking tale of learning howto be there for a loved one, relevant for both the child hearing the story and the adult reading it." — Booklist

"A reminder for adults and children alike that sometimes the best way to help someone is to sit quietly with them." — BCCB

"In addition to validating feelings of anger and disappointment, this book is a fine vehicle for group discussion of ways to help others deal with these emotions. Sometimes just listening is best of all" —SLJ

"A lovely springboard to discuss grief with young children.” — Book Riot