Rabbityness (Child's Play Library)

Rabbit loves doing rabbity things—but he also loves doing things that are decidedly un-rabbity! He enjoys expressing himself, exploring his creativity, and celebrating the things that make him different. But when Rabbit suddenly disappears, his friends are left feeling sad and confused. Then they discover that Rabbit has left behind a collection of very special gifts, each one offering them the chance to discover their own unique talents and creative possibilities.

Written and illustrated by Jo Empson, Rabbityness is a warm, imaginative picture book about individuality, creativity, friendship, self-expression, and coping with loss. Through Rabbit's story, young children are gently encouraged to embrace what makes them unique and to understand that being different can be something to celebrate.

With its playful concept and heartfelt message, Rabbityness provides a sensitive way for parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians to introduce children to big emotions and difficult experiences. The story encourages conversations about grief, change, remembering someone special, friendship, and finding positive ways to move forward.

Why Children Will Love It:

• A charming and imaginative story featuring a lovable rabbit and his friends
• Celebrates individuality, creativity, and being true to yourself
• Encourages children to explore their own interests, talents, and imagination
• Introduces the challenging subject of loss and change in a gentle, age-appropriate way
• Provides opportunities for meaningful conversations about feelings, friendship, and remembering loved ones
• Reinforces the positive message that everyone has something special and unique to share

At its heart, Rabbityness is a celebration of self-expression and creativity. Rabbit's willingness to explore both "rabbity" and "un-rabbity" interests shows children that they don't have to fit into a particular mold. His friends learn that his influence can continue through the special gifts he leaves behind, helping them discover talents and possibilities within themselves.

This engaging children's picture book is an especially meaningful choice for families, classrooms, and libraries looking for stories about emotional development, creativity, friendship, individuality, grief, loss, and resilience. It can help open gentle discussions about difficult feelings while leaving young readers with a hopeful reminder: being yourself is something worth celebrating.

Jo Empson lives in Wiltshire, and recently graduated from Cambridge School of Art with a Masters in Children's Book Illustration. Her background as a graphic designer has had a great influence on her work, and she especially loves children's book's created by ex-designers, such as the great Eric Carle. Her illustrations are inspired by nature, expressing this through texture and movement with a strong sense of shape, colour and design. She loves playing with colour in the form of a visual narrative.

Her abiding wish is to produce beautiful books with depth and meaning. Children's books remain her passion. She is never happier than when she is swept away in storytelling - in all its aspects - whether it be writing, illustrating or just reading a favorite picture book (which she still does every night!).