My son’s school canceled class due to inclement weather. Last year’s stay-at-home mandate overwhelmed us, but now bunkering at home does not bother us. We know how to adjust and enjoy each other. John John’s new buzz word is “I’m bored”. Preschoolers like to discover new catchphrases and repeat them constantly. I decide to entertain his “boredom” with a new book. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is the perfect solution for a little boy’s newfound “boredom”.
Taylor built an enormous castle out of blocks. It was an impressive, laborious creation. However, this masterpiece plummets the ground, blocks scatter; and the castle is destroyed. Taylor sits heartbroken as various animal friends attempt to help him manage his loss.
This may be a children’s book, but if you are 40 years or older and are trying to maintain your palace, this book is also for you. How do we respond when our precious treasures crumble to pieces? Disappointment, failure, discouragement are human realities. For a child, these sad realities are difficult to digest. This book gives children a perspective on how to deal with the disappointments of life. The chicken wants to talk about the problem, but Taylor does not want to talk. The bear said that Taylor should be angry, but the little boy does not want to be angry. The rabbit gives the boy exactly what he needs, a hug and a listening ear.
Suggested Read age 3-5,
published : Penguin Young Readers Group and imprint of Peguin Random House
illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Beyond the story
Ask your little one,
- How does each animal choose to help in the story?
- Compare and contrast, how is the rabbit different from the other animals?
- What would you do if you were Taylor?
JohnJohn&Me 