When something sad happens, Taylor doesn’t know what to do. All the animals had ideas about how Taylor could feel better. But the rabbit…just listened. And that was exactly what Taylor needed. Ideal for 3-6 year olds, this story is a great way to get children to talk about their feelings.

Watch the Virtual Storytime                    Purchase a copy of this book

Done with the read aloud? Use these ideas to continue the conversation with your child.

• What are some of the things that make you feel sad? 
• When you are sad, what makes you feel better? 
• What about other members of your family? What makes them feel sad? What helps them feel better?
  

Things to learn from this book

• The Rabbit Listened encourages us to consider how the animals reacted in different ways, how it made Taylor feel, and why the rabbit’s methods worked to comfort Taylor. 
• This book offers an entry point to talk with children about their feelings – and if they are feeling bad, what would make them feel better.
• The activities below offer some starting points for these conversations.

Try this!

• Act like the different animals in the book. Talk about how they made Taylor feel. 
• Make “listening” rabbit ears using simple, easy-to-find materials. Put them on and practice listening like the rabbit. 
• Use this fun photo chart to learn feeling words and talk about feelings. For a fun challenge, try making a chart of your own using pictures of your family. 
• Make a sock puppet to act out different feelings.

Other Ideas

Listen
This podcast describes children’s emotional development in the early years (0-5) and how parents can support their child’s social and emotional skills starting at birth.
English Version             Spanish Version

Read
Other books about feelings and emotions to read with your family:

Ruby Finds a Worry

• Watch the Virtual Storytime
• Purchase a copy of this book

El Monstruo de colores

• Watch the Virtual Storytime
• Purchase a copy of this book

Do
If you have access to a printer, print out and enjoy these coloring sheets from author-illustrator Cori Doerrfeld.

When you purchase a children’s book using the Bookshop.org links above, Tandem will receive 10% of each sale as a donation, and each Bookshop.org purchase financially supports local, independent booksellers. For more titles, please view our Tandem book recommendation list that includes children’s book titles vetted for quality and representation of diverse families.

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