Her shoes were polished, and her dress was neat, but Lil Shen’s heart felt heavy. Her grandma’s funeral was the last place she wanted to be. There was too much sadness and too many people, but even in the crowded room, she still felt alone and invisible, standing at the back unnoticed. Things got a little better when she came home and found a small, wrapped package waiting for her. It was from Grandma. Inside was a soft, smiling bunny toy, Bunny Best, and to Lil Shen’s surprise, Bunny Best could talk. The cuddly bunny didn’t try to fix her sadness. Bunny Best just listened, gave her squishy hugs, and reminded her that it’s okay not to be okay, that she just needed to do her best.
Shenandoah Chefalo’s The Best Bunny is a tender book that offers a child-centered perspective on grief, gently guiding kids through the confusing and often overwhelming emotions that accompany it. This children’s book doesn’t explain loss with heavy words and explanations, nor does it ask children to put on brave faces. Instead, it shows how a child quietly experiences sadness, loneliness, and loss—all through the eyes of Lil Shen and her Bunny Best.
The story helps young readers understand what grief might feel and look like from a relatable viewpoint, feel affirmed about the fears and worries they may have regarding funerals, know that it’s okay to cry and it’s okay not to cry, understand that being strong doesn’t mean hiding sadness, realize it’s okay to miss someone forever and still find joy in the world, and most importantly, explore big feelings in a safe, comforting way.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver supporting a child through loss or separation, preparing them for the possibility of it, or simply want them to learn about it, The Best Bunny offers a gentle, thoughtful way to start the conversation. It will help children know they’re not alone and make them feel truly seen and understood.
