Stories for Growing
Cover of The Rabbit ListenedAges 3 to 6
Empathy

The Rabbit Listened

Written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

Ages 3 to 6
About this age guidance

Ages 3 to 6

The age tag follows Build Strong Children. Other sources may suggest different ages. This is audience guidance, not an independent reading level.

Sometimes the kindest thing is to stay and listen.

Taylor is upset, and every animal has an idea about what to do. The rabbit makes room for Taylor to feel, and listens without rushing to fix things.

Good forBig feelingsAnger and tantrumsNoticing other people’s feelingsTrouble listening

Recommended by Build Strong Children

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What children see in the story

Staying close. Listening before offering advice. Letting someone else decide when they are ready to talk.

Why it’s on these shelves

Empathy
When Taylor’s block tower falls, animals arrive one by one suggesting talking, shouting, fixing or hiding. The rabbit just sits close and listens, and Taylor starts to talk through feelings and decide what to do.

Why pick it up?

A parade of animals gives a small, familiar upset a story children can follow. The spare text leaves room to notice the pictures together.

A note for parents

Other animals suggest unhelpful reactions, including anger. The rabbit offers a different example. Build Strong Children notes that some of the emotions may feel intense for the youngest listeners.

Where this recommendation comes from

Build Strong Children

Horton names it a favorite and focuses on friendship, listening, and the different ways we respond to difficult feelings.

Read David Horton’s recommendation
Sources and review status

We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.

Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation

Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.

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