Tom Rabbit
What’s inside...
Tom Rabbit is Sammy's beloved toy rabbit who is happy with his owner. However, one evening, Sammy takes Tom Rabbit out to the back field to see real rabbits and accidentally leaves him on a wall. As Tom Rabbit begins to fear he has been abandoned, Sammy returns to take him back home. This heartwarming story by the creators of the classic Little Bear books explores the emotions of being lost and then joyfully found with tenderness and humor.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tom Rabbit
Baby
Mummy
Discussion points
How do you think Tom Rabbit feels when he's left behind in the park? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What do you think makes the park a special place for Tom Rabbit and the little girl?
Why do you think the little girl goes back for Tom Rabbit, and what does that tell us about caring for others?
If you were Tom Rabbit, what adventure would you have wanted to go on in the park?
How do you think the story would change if Tom Rabbit was left behind somewhere else, like a zoo or a library?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive questions to help children connect personally with Tom Rabbit's feelings and experiences, enhancing empathetic skills.
Discuss the concept of responsibility and caring for others, using the little girl's actions as a conversation starter.
Encourage children to imagine different scenarios by asking what other adventures Tom Rabbit might have enjoyed, fostering creative thinking.
After reading the book, perhaps visit a local park and encourage your child to describe how Tom Rabbit might feel in that particular park, making connections between the story and the real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Caring
Explanation: In 'Tom Rabbit,' the story showcases the young boy, Tom, caring for his toy rabbit as if it were real, demonstrating nurturing behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering empathy and compassion towards friends and pets.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The book explores a world where Tom’s toy rabbit experiences a variety of adventures, stimulating a child's imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to create their own imaginative worlds, improving their creative thinking skills which can enhance problem-solving abilities in real life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Tom shows responsibility by keeping his rabbit safe and involving it in his daily activities.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible for their belongings and pets, which is a critical skill for personal development.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The bond between Tom and his rabbit represents a form of friendship, highlighting loyalty and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the value of building and maintaining friendships, which is vital for emotional and social growth.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: At different points in the story, Tom experiences distress when his rabbit is lost, providing a gentle exploration of loss.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand their emotions and develop coping mechanisms for loss, which is a part of life.