The Highly Sensitive Rabbit

by Judith Orloff, Katy Tanis (illustrator)

A highly sensitive rabbit learns lessons of kindness and self-care from other desert animals.

Aurora is a highly sensitive rabbit. She worries about the natural world and the other animals around her. When a flash flood destroys her family’s burrow, Aurora must accept her sensitive nature and learn how to thrive by using breathing techniques, taking time alone, and setting boundaries. Eventually, she comes to understand that she can connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the world while embracing who she is.

Based on Dr. Judith Orloff’s teachings about thriving as an empath, this picture book offers easy-to-learn coping and communication skills through a beautifully written and illustrated story. It also includes a nonfiction section at the back that teaches about plants and animals native to the Sonoran Desert.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 7, 2025

About the author

Judith Orloff, MD is a psychiatrist, an empath, and author of the recent book "The Genius of Empathy" (Foreword by the Dalai Lama) which offers powerful skills to tap into empathy as a daily healing practice. Her upcoming children’s book "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit" is about a caring rabbit who learns to embrace her gifts of sensitivity through the kindness of loving animals. Her other books include "The Empath’s Survival Guide" and "Thriving as an Empath."

Dr. Orloff is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty member. She synthesizes the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and in the New York Times and Scientific American. Learn more about the power of empathy at www.drjudithorloff.com

Reviews

[Sarah Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sounds True Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ☺

🐇 Blurb 🐇
“Aurora is a highly sensitive rabbit. She worries about the natural world and the other animals around her. When a flash flood destroys her family’s burrow, Aurora must accept her sensitive nature and learn how to thrive by using breathing techniques, taking time alone, and setting boundaries. Eventually, she comes to understand that she can connect with others and enjoy the beauty of the world while embracing who she is.

Based on Dr. Judith Orloff’s teachings about thriving as an empath, this picture book offers easy-to-learn coping and communication skills through a beautifully written and illustrated story. It also includes a nonfiction section at the back that teaches about plants and animals native to the Sonoran Desert.”

🌵 My Thoughts 🌵
Oh👏🏼 my👏🏼 gosh👏🏼 this was so cute!! 😍

Little, sensitive Aurora was literally me. I’m not exactly going to go into how similar her feelings and ways of thinking are to mine 😅, but the lessons she learned from the other animals of the Sonoran Desert were lessons I wish I had learned as a child, who didn’t know why she was so different compared to her family. Setting boundaries, having some alone time, and talking about what you are feeling to someone you trust are some helpful lessons Aurora learned from her new companions. ❤ And the illustrations were so beautiful! Everything about this book is adorable, and I can’t wait for it to be published so I can purchase it for my nieces and nephews. 🥰

I highly recommend this book for not only the little ones in your life, but even for yourself as well. Self-care and learning how to communicate are essential in our hectic lives. ❤‍🩹

#TheHighlySensitiveRabbit #NetGalley

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit is a sweet, gentle and impactful picture book for children about being different to those around them and ways to cope with these often overwhelming emotions and thoughts that being a HSP (highly sensitive person or empath) can bring.
Lunar, the cotton tail rabbit, loves her home and family but gets overwhelmed and upset by their behaviour and comments. She can't help feeling so sensitive and worrying about everything, such as if another animal is lonely. When a flash flood happens and their burrow is destroyed, Lunar is very sad about the loss but also about all the plants that have been uprooted and damage the flood has done to everything around them.
Lunar realises she can't carry on trying to deal with this anxiety and her emotions alone, so she seeks advice from different animals. As she begins trying the techniques, the animals suggest she finds better ways to cope with things.
I love the mothers advice at the end of this book to her sensitive child.
As an empath and HSP myself, I found this book very relatable and would suggest this book to any parent or classroom for easy access for every child to help children who feel different feel less alone and to build understanding in others. This book would definitely have helped me as a child.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Being sensitive did often make it harder being in the world. But it helped her see its wild and glorious beauty too.”

Best children’s book I’ve read in a while!!!! My younger self would’ve felt so seen and understood if she’d read this story.

I loved the way this book taught highly sensitive kids how to feel better and deal with their sensitivity, the boundaries part was probably my favorite! Children aren’t taught how to set boundaries enough, despite their importance. Highly recommend this book, especially for sensitive/highly sensitive kids🤍

And of course I need to mention the beautiful illustrations, they made the book so much better with how adorable they were!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit is a charming children's picture book about a young rabbit with a kinder and gentler approach to the surrounding world. the young rabbit stares up at the stars and the sky and ponders deeply about the universe. The rabbit appreciates the beauty of the natural environment. when interacting with other animals, such as the little rabbit's siblings, the rabbit forms greater connections to the dialogue and reactions of those around her. However, the rabbit's siblings begin to notice that Aurora is different. The other rabbits complain to their mother about how Aurora is spending too much time in deep and contemplative thought. Aurora eventually distances herself and befriends other animals who guide her along her own personal journey of self-discovery. Eventually, Aurora learns to accept herself exactly as she is and in turn learns to rebuild friendships with those who she became alienated from in her pursuit of deeper connections with the world around her.

Young readers will love The Highly Sensitive Rabbit because it teaches lessons such as believing in yourself even when those around us complain and indicate otherwise through their words and actions.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I needed as a child! Actually, it was quite comforting to read now as a highly sensitive adult who still regularly gets overwhelmed and cries.

The artwork is so calming and beautiful. After the story, there's a lovely little section about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran desert. The watercolor paintings are simply magical.

I think this is a truly wonderful book to provide to all children whether they tend to be highly sensitive or not. If they are a sensitive child, it shows them gentle ways to take care of their hearts and how to exist in a world that's not always kind. If it's being read to a child who isn't the highly sensitive type, I think it would explain the personality of others who may be challenging for them to be around.

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit is a treasure of a book, I loved it! Thank you, Judith Orloff, Sounds True Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

This made my old autistic self nearly start bawling (complimentary).

There's a sensitive rabbit in the desert who struggles with being overstimulated and not being like their siblings, but they also have a unique and wonderful perspective on things. Through speaking to all manner of desert flora and fauna they collect good advice to help them cope and find peace.

The art is absolutely gorgeous!

The writing is wonderful and incredibly helpful and meaningful.

The information about the plants and animals is a brilliant touch.

I genuinely wish I had a book like this when I was a kid!

Absolutely love it!

[Courtney H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora the rabbit will teach children about feelings they may not have names for yet -- anxiety, being overwhelmed, and empathy. The sensitive animals Aurora meets teach her coping strategies. Charming, colorful illustrations by Katy Tanis will draw young readers into the story. The final pages provide information about the desert wildlife and plants that may be unfamiliar.

I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tale of acceptance, both accepting oneself and how to communicate to others. Love the animal representations, and ofc LOVE the graphics and how cute everything is too!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Dr. Orloff's latest, and just like her other books, the lessons are direct, to the point, yet gentle, like guidance through a scary storm. And especially for children who may sense they are different, but don't understand what the differences are, what they mean, and if they are somehow wrong, feeling in the minority, unlike most other kids. The "guidebook" is a terrific tool for a parent, teacher, counselor, friend, or any adult recognizing a sensitive child and walking them through understanding themselves better. The illustrations are gorgeous and saturated with beautiful colors as Aurora encounters her desert neighbors, all of which are often cast as scary or dangerous or different, and each in turn validates her feelings with their own special coping mechanism. The written words beautifully validate Aurora's feelings and subtly eradicate any shame associated with living as a highly sensitive child without being too wordy, preachy, or overstuffed.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet and beautiful picture book follows a cotttontail named Aurora who is an empath. She feels the emotions and situations of other animals around her and this makes her different from her other siblings. One day when a flash flood ereak havoc in the desert and lay ruins to her burrow, she meets other animals who teach her what she can do to positively react to overwhelming situations.

Here the author has explored the art of expressing one's own thoughts, breathing techniques, lending a listening ear, taking time for yourself, setting boundaries and so on. These insightful techniques could be immensely helpful to start a conversation with your young ones about learning to cultivate good habits and regulating their emotions.

The highly sensitive rabbit is a celebration of kindness, empathy and compassion towards everyone and to your own self. With beautifully captivating illustrations, this story will feel like magic and surprises. I'd definitely recommend this.

[Anaiah]

Omg I want this book for me!!!!! And my little sister of course. We both have really sensitive hearts and I could see us in Aurora. I love how colorful this book is, it uses very vibrant colors but it doesn't clash. I also love how the book had different kinds of animals that were beautifully drawn. The little info page at the end of all the fauna + some flora was a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect it—and I liked it! it's interesting to learn about the new stuff we see.

[Claudia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still in the middle of this beautifully written book, and I’m already deeply moved by it. Aurora, the sensitive little rabbit, feels so relatable and real. The story gently explores emotions like overwhelm and empathy in such a thoughtful and comforting way.

Even just halfway through, I can already tell this is a special book—for kids and adults alike. If you or someone you love is a sensitive soul, I highly recommend giving it a read. 💛

[Olivia Gao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this book provides a balanced view on “being sensitive”, but I have a mix feeling about the storyline.

Being sensitive, Aurora the rabbit catches some sensations others may miss: spring brings the cactus blooms, the warmth of the sun beating on the sand, or the scent of sagebrush after the rain. But it also means Aurora can sense the feelings of others, which sometimes overwhelm her, and she is often overthinking about others.

Though the examples offered in this story include her concerns whether the coyote howls out of loneliness or fear, and her worries about other animals during the rainstorm. I’m not an expert on the topic of high sensitivity, but in my humble opinion, I would view Aurora’s concerns as kindness.

When her family’s house is washed away in the flood, Aurora has a very hard time overcoming this adverse event to attend her family’s needs. While I follow the authors’ intention to represent judgements highly sensitive people often contend with, to be fair, the situation presented here would be very emotional to anyone, high sensitivity or not.

I like the part of the story where the animals suggest ways to help Aurora when she feels overwhelmed: Lizard recommends to sit quietly and soak in the sun. Cactus wren offers to fly away to spend some alone time. While these suggestions sounded good, I thought being quiet, staying in the sun and spending time alone are what Aurora has been doing all along, to the degree that her mom starts to worry.

Overall, this is a book which explores an important topic and offers a positive message.

Thank you to Sounds True Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Todd Sturgell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An advance copy was provided for review.

As an HSP myself, I was excited to read this story!
The main character displays characteristics that I am very familiar with and it's nice to see a highly sensitive person, er, rabbit represented in a book for children. Any child who's felt a strong emotional reaction to their environment can relate to Aurora's experiences. A few coping strategies are introduced to help Aurora deal with her emotions.

The illustrations are warm and inviting, drawing us in and helping us to empathize with Aurora and see her surroundings in the vibrant, stimulating way she sees it.

This book would be a nice starting point for parents and therapists helping a young HSP to understand their world.

However, the story does feel a tad didactic. It's pretty easy to see the bullet points that the authors set out to cover. Savvy, sensitive kids will likely pick up on this and understand that they are supposed to learn something here. Also, some of the "lessons" here are more suited to the parents of HSPs than the children. A lot of HSPs don't need to be told that alone time is super helpful – they need to know their parents understand this. Aurora's mother making room for her to have recharge time would have been nice to see.

I do feel like there is a missed opportunity here to help HSPs see that their sensitivity can have a positive impact on the people around them. HSPs often sense danger or concern before others. I would have liked to see this represented as well. Being highly sensitive isn't just a hurdle to overcome.

Overall, this is a good book for children who are highly sensitive and their parents.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a highly sensitive mom, I deeply appreciated The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, written by Judith Orloff and Jennifer Adams, with beautiful illustrations by Katy Tanis. Recommended for children ages 4 to 8, this thoughtful story follows Aurora, a rabbit who is an empath learning to navigate and regulate her emotions after a flash flood devastates her family home.
Aurora’s journey is both relatable and insightful, especially for children who may struggle with intense feelings and whose families might not fully understand or know how to support them. What stands out is how Aurora thoughtfully seeks guidance from her desert friends, discovering various coping techniques and ultimately finding what works best for her unique emotional needs. This approach offers a compassionate, empowering message for young readers about self-awareness and emotional resilience.
The illustrations are simply stunning. Katy Tanis’s artwork beautifully captures the warmth and vulnerability of the story, with a cover design that would catch anyone’s eye, even if the title or subject were different.
While the narrative focuses on emotional regulation, the educational material at the back of the book expands on broader topics beyond emotions and self-awareness, which I found both refreshing and valuable. This additional content provides parents and educators with useful tools and insights, enriching the book’s overall impact.
I highly recommend The Highly Sensitive Rabbit for families, educators, and anyone seeking to foster empathy and emotional intelligence in young children.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Sounds True Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Aurora is a sensitive rabbit, she doesn’t fit in with her siblings and is more aware of what surrounds her, caring how everyone feels around her. One day a flash flood destroys their home and she becomes sad, she finds new friends within her desert who help her find ways to feel better.

This was really sweet, I loved the story that was told about the beautiful desert rabbit and her high sensitivity, she was so sweet and cared about other animals and beings above herself, it was so lovely. The illustrations were just gorgeous showing what everything in her desert looked like, what all the other animals looked like, I also loved that she stood out amomstgt her siblings but that she matched her mama it was so beautiful to see.

The back of the book is also really sweet as it expands on what we saw within the story about the animals we met on Aurora journey to the plants that surrounded her I loved that the extra pieces were added to help learn more. A very wonderfully created story, a great for any reader, but really important for those that are also sensitive beings as it gives great advice throughout on how to cope with being sensitive and how to stand up for yourself even if it is very difficult.

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you very much to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to share this book with my kids.

My kids really enjoyed this book, they really got the story, and they adored the pictures and the facts at the end of the book. In my opinion this book would be best geared based on the story as a grade 3 and up story at least in Canada. I loved that this was educational in so many ways. The pictures were so well detailed, and I truly loved just like my children the facts included at the back of every real-life animal we got to meet and every bit of nature as well. An animal lover is really going to adore this. Above all I loved the story. This story really highlights what it truly in ever aspect of your being how being sensitive and empathetic really feels like inside. It also does a fantastic job of showing and reminding older children how to work with and alongside their big hearts. This would be a fantastic resource book for school, and it's an even more fantastic book for every home.

Thank you very much from the bottom of heart for allowing me and my kids the ability to snuggle up and read this book together. I truly appreciate it!

[Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Highly Sensitive Rabbit" is a beautifully written and illustrated book that delivers an important message about sensitivity and self-acceptance. I loved how it wove practical techniques for overcoming challenges into the story, reinforcing that it’s okay to be sensitive and that our differences can be strengths.

The graphics were stunning, bringing the Sonoran Desert to life, and I especially appreciated the inclusion of facts about the animals and plants throughout the book. It added an educational layer that makes this a great read for both children and adults.

While some may find it more instructional in its approach, I think the beauty of the book lies in its ability to spark self-reflection and meaningful conversations. Whether read by a child with their parent or even used in a professional setting with children, the story creates space for important discussions about emotions, empathy, and resilience.

This is definitely a book I’d buy for my nieces and nephews—it’s a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay, and that sensitivity can be a gift rather than a weakness.

[Lisa Beloved · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little rabbit who is different than the other things - it feels things more intensely. Not just its own feelings, but also other peoples feelings like worry, devastation, agitation... After a flood the little rabbit picks up on all of this and can't help the family rebuild their home because it is so overwhelmed. Instead it ventures out to meet other desert animals to learn how to deal with those intense feelings.

I really enjoyed this book! The children who read it can (through the rabbits eyes) learn different exercises and practices that help them with their high sensitivity as well. The practices are well explained and taught through conversations.

I found this book:
⭐️ helpful
⭐️ child oriented
⭐️ full of beautiful images and drawings

If you have a child in your life that might benefit from this topic, try to get your hands on this book! In my opinion there aren't enough books that gear towards children with high sensitivity that don't victimize. So this is a great resource to have!

I got to read this book as an ebook through NetGally in exchange for an honest review 😊

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel conflicted about this book, because the topic is one which is personal to both myself and my child.
I therefore wished for it to be a way to start a dialogue as well as give some tools in a child friendly way.

Unfortunately it feels a bit like the books is trying to fulfil a checklist:
1. An ‘empath’ feels this, this and that
2. They also worry about this and can be stuck like
3. And when something happens they will feel this
4. Ways to mange it are this, this and that.

The most fleshed out part of the story is what Aurora loves on the first two pages.
When other animals present a method of managing her sensitivity, it just says that she tried it and it helped.

On my opinion the book would have benefitted from a more fleshed out story so it didn’t JUST feel like a toolkit.

On the positive, I really enjoyed the use of flora and fauna from the dessert and the details about each of them in the back of the book.

I received this book as a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Shan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a good idea here, but some choices don't fully make sense. But first, what worked:
1. The main character, Aurora, is deeply in touch with nature and others' feelings, It will no doubt kickstart good habits in young readers.
2. The illustrations were stunning! Plants and animals were true-to-life, but also in beautiful watercolor an adorable detail.
3. Including various coping skills that kids can apply to their own lives was a very smart choice to make!

What didn't work:
1. The title felt...odd. It feels too rigid or formal for a kids' book. Additionally, I understand that it's supposed to make being sensitive a positive thing, but it actually does the opposite with the title.
2. The message was over-the-top. It's great that the authors are trying to show kids that being sensitive isn't a bad thing, and that it's actually pretty beneficial. However, you also don't want kids to take that message and become obsessive with it, which I feel like this book achieves (unfortunately). Put simply, there's a happy medium that needs to be found.

[Kayla Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I absolutely LOVE this story. I will always pre-read a story before reading it to my kids or the students that come see me in the library and this is one I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy for our bookshelf at home and at the school library!
This is a story about a rabbit who lives in the desert with her family of rabbits, Aurora has been labeled as being too sensitive by her brothers and sisters. After her home was washed away in a flash flood, she spends time talking with other animals and how she is called sensitive. The other animals she talks to throughout the story offer her advice on how to cope with being labeled by her family and communicate her feelings to her family.
This is a great story that checks many boxes for my school library as well as we are adding more social emotional learning books into our collection.
Added bonus were the pages in the back with information on the different animals and plants seen throughout the story.
Absolutely loved this!

[Tara Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish I'd had this book when my "sensitive" child was growing up! He felt everything so deeply and was always in his own world. I wanted to protect him but also kind of fix him so he could handle life .... better. As a parent I wanted to understand and connect with him, but mostly felt frustrated and helpless. The story is sweet - the illustrations are breathtaking - but also kind of a powerful "medicine" because there are practical tips for kids who also feel helpless themselves and stuck in a cycle of anxiety from over-feeling all the things. Another benefit for parents is that the practical tips are a great jumping off point to start a conversation and more easily ask your child questions about how they really feel because through the story they are in a place of feeling safe and understood. I'll be sending this to my mom friends as soon as it is released! Thank you, Dr. Orloff!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit is a beautifully written and illustrated story about a little cottontail named Aurora, who feels deeply and sees beauty in every detail of the desert around her. When her family’s home is destroyed by a flood, Aurora sets off on a journey that gently teaches children how sensitivity can be a strength — not a weakness.

The desert setting is stunning, and I especially loved how each animal she meets reflects different ways to practice self-care and emotional awareness.

As someone who works with stories for children, I appreciated how the book normalizes quiet time, introspection, and emotional intelligence without being overly didactic.

This book would be wonderful for sensitive children, their parents, or even professionals who work with kids — especially therapists or educators. It’s a gentle resource with beautiful art and a warm, empowering message.

Recommended for ages 4–8, and for anyone who's ever been told they’re “too sensitive.”

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is of a small rabbit who has a burden of caring for everyone in her sphere. After a storm wreaks havoc on her desert environment, she speaks with other to ease her burden.
The illustrations by Katy Tanis are simple, perfect in tone and color, and show much care for the fauna.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected readers' proof on Thorium PDF from Sounds True Publishing | Sounds True via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 07, 2025 **** review
#TheHighlySensitiveRabbit by @judith.orloff.md and Jennifer Adams with illustrator Katy Tanis @daughter_earth_illustration #NetGalley @soundstruekids @soundstrue #HighlySensitiveChildren #ChildrensBooks #MindfulParenting #kidlit #EmotionalIntelligence #PictureBook #EmotionsMatter #ReadToYourKids #EmpathyMatters #SensitiveKids #ParentingTools #comfortingbehaviors

[Khadijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to be a highly sensitive child, and this book would have been perfect for me. Kids grow up with a natural sensitivity that the world teaches them to ignore as the world is cruel. I fell in love immediately with Aurora, who has never left that sensitivity behind no matter what the world brings her. She's taught by the parts of the world that she so adores how to keep what makes her her, and it doesn't crush her like the rest of the world would.

The fact that children are able to keep that sensitivity and love and empathy that they are naturally instilled with while setting boundaries and learning that people can accept them for how they are is such a heartwarming message and one I would gladly revisit over and over again.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the eARC for this book!

[Loreleï Loreleï · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit is a children's book about hypersensitivity, exploring the Sonoran desert and the animals and plants that inhabit it through the eyes of an emotional and empathetic young rabbit. Aurora learns to manage her emotions, one animal at a time, integrating advice for her everyday life, whether it's breathing, talking or setting boundaries. She accepts herself as she is, she doesn't need to change to fit in, and that's just fine.
Katy Tanis' drawings are gentle and the settings quite contemplative. The cover illustration and the last one with desert cottontail's mama bunny are my favorites, and really gives off something.
Finally, at the end, a reminder of the different species is presented, bringing this album to an intelligent conclusion.
A small ‘toolbox’ list with advice from the animals could also have been added to finish on a high note.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora often feels like an outcast in her family because she's very sensitive, with her own emotions and taking on the emotions of others. When her family's desert home is destroyed by a flash flood, Aurora feels the loss deeply -- so deeply that she can't help her mother and siblings find a new space to rebuild. With the wisdom of some new friends along the way, she realizes that although she's incredibly sensitive, there *are* coping skills (like setting boundaries, alone time, etc.) that can help her not feel so overwhelmed.

A beautifully illustrated, sweet book for us sensitive souls.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhonda Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of Judith Orloff's new children's book, "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit." As a fellow empath I've been following Dr. Orloff for many years. Her upcoming children's book is an absolute delight and very precious! Also, the graphics are beautiful. I only wish there were books like this when I was growing up in a world that didn't understand or appreciate my sensitivities. I was one of those little girls who everyone tried to fit my round peg into their square hole. This book could have saved me years of angst and helped build my self-confidence. I encourage all parents and those working with children to consider buying this book. Not only will sensitive children appreciate the book but it also appeals to the inner child in all of us.

[Jilanne]

As can sometimes be the case for books about social and emotional learning topics, the text of the story is well-meaning, but feels didactic and verbose, sometimes using lots of adult language that comes out of the mouths of childlike characters. And kids can smell "a lesson" a mile away. I'm thinking that therapists and teachers will probably want to use this gorgeously illustrated book (love the daytime and nighttime color palettes) to spur discussions in their offices or classrooms. Kids, on the other hand, will choose to read this book because of the darling bunnies and other equally engaging critters that populate the Sonoran desert. But they might not have the patience to read the text. They might make up their own story about Aurora as they enjoy the illustrations, instead.