The Rabbit Listened: questions to ask and activities to try
When Taylor's tower is knocked down, the animals all have ideas about what to do. Only the rabbit just listens. The Rabbit Listened is about the comfort of being heard when something goes wrong.
What age is it for? The Rabbit Listened is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Sitting with difficult feelings.
This one is as much for grown-ups as children: after an upset, being there can matter more than fixing. Ask what helped Taylor most, then try listening first next time your child is upset.
What it helps with
- Sitting with difficult feelings
- Comforting someone who is upset
- Disappointment when something gets ruined
- Listening before fixing
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What do you think would help the character feel better?”
- “How did Taylor feel when the tower fell down?”
- “What did the other animals want Taylor to do?”
- “Why did the rabbit help the most?”
- “When you're upset, what helps you?”
- “How could you be a rabbit for a friend?”
5-minute activities to try together
Sit together first
Next time something upsets your child, try sitting together quietly for a minute before offering any fixes.
Build it again
Build a tower together, knock it down on purpose, and talk about how it feels and what you'd like to do next.
Free printables: The Rabbit Listened worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Paper Dolls (Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb)
- Best for
- Loss, grief and holding on to happy memories
- Age
- 3-6
Tiddler (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Tall tales, telling the truth, and imagination
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.