The Rabbit Listened

Starred review from November 27, 2017
It’s something people of all ages struggle with: what’s the best way to comfort someone? Taylor, a curly-haired boy in a striped onesie, is miserable after a flock of birds knocks down his amazing wooden-block tower. One by one, several animals approach him with strategies for feeling better. A bear advises rage (“Let’s shout about it! Garrr! RARRR! GRAAAAR!”), and a snake suggests making someone else miserable (“Shhhhh. Let’ssss go knock down someone else’ssss”). Taylor refuses to be comforted in the ways the animals see fit, and they leave. Then along comes a rabbit who doesn’t say a thing, but in its willingness to listen, persist, and be physically close (“It moved closer, and closer. Until Taylor could feel its warm body”), Taylor senses genuine concern and respect for his feelings. He opens up in all of the ways the animals previously suggested, but now it’s on his terms—and then he’s ready to build again. 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. Ages 3–5. Agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency.

In a matter-of-fact tone that somehow also conveys concern, narrator Lori Gardner shares young Taylor's frustration when his amazing block creation comes tumbling down. Taylor is NOT ready to hear the helping suggestions of assorted animals--a chicken who in a bawking voice wants to talk and talk about it; a grating hyena who wants to laugh about it; and a growly voiced bear who wants to shout about the blocks' tumble. Gardner's voice then becomes soft and gentle as the rabbit who nestles beside Taylor and who is the perfect calming creature to provide silent compassion as Taylor hatches a new plan. (Talkers everywhere should take heed.) A.R. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine