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Rabbit Learns Skunk is Sincere

Rabbit Learns Skunk is Sincere

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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When Rabbit is paired with Skunk for a class activity, she isn’t happy about it. But through one honest conversation, Rabbit learns that understanding someone means looking past first impressions. Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere helps children ages 5 to 9 see how empathy and emotional honesty can turn misunderstanding into true friendship.

Whether read as a printed book or experienced as a narrated eBook that brings Rabbit, Skunk, and their forest classroom to life, this heartwarming story encourages young readers to pause, listen, and approach others with an open heart.

The eBook with Stop and Talk edition features professional narration along with reflective prompts that invite children to explore kindness, empathy, and self-awareness in their own lives. It’s a meaningful companion for bedtime reading, classroom circles, or family discussions about understanding others.

Through Rabbit’s change of heart and Skunk’s sincerity, children discover that friendship grows strongest when we manage our feelings, listen carefully, and give others the chance to be seen for who they truly are. Across all formats, this story inspires emotional growth and compassion in every reader.

The complete bundle includes the printed book, narrated eBook, and the eBook with Stop and Talk edition—providing families and educators with the most flexible and engaging way to experience this touching story about empathy and connection.

Whether read aloud or listened to together, Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere offers a gentle reminder that understanding begins when we stop judging and start listening.

Characters and Voices

Professional narration brings Rabbit, Skunk, and Tortoise to life with expressive, heartfelt voices that capture each character’s warmth and sincerity.

What you learn?

Children discover that understanding others begins with calming their own feelings and choosing not to judge before they truly listen.

Shipping

Digital products are delivered instantly via email after purchase confirmation.

Return policy

Full refund within 30 days if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

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Many children — and adults — misjudge those who seem different. Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere shows how empathy turns misunderstanding into friendship.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness through gentle storytelling

  • Interactive Discussions

    Includes thoughtful prompts that create meaningful conversations between children and adults.

  • Multi-Format Access

    Available as narrated audio, interactive edition, and traditional print for flexible learning.

  • Expert Developed

    Created by education specialist with 100+ literacy programs and proven classroom success.

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Book Details

  • Title: Rabbit Learns Skunk is Sincere
  • Author: Jon Madian
  • Ages: 5-9 years
  • Reading Level: 5-9 years
  • Theme: Social-Emotional Learning, Friendship, Empathy, Emotional Regulation
  • Format: Picture book with dialogue
  • Best For: Home or classroom reading, discussions, bedtime conversations
  • Series: Part of the social-emotional learning development series
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Research Based

The Heart Bright Learning educational resources evolved from 7 years of generous Research and Development funding from the Los Angeles Unified School District, the U.S. Department of Education, and several foundations. Our literature-based approach, which inspires imagination, exploration, and self-expression through structured practice, was studied by several outside evaluators. In all cases, these evaluations demonstrated significant growth in listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills among both challenged and gifted students from a diverse range of cultural and language backgrounds.

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Social-Emotional Learning: Empathy, Respect, and Managing Big Feelings

Many children have strong reactions to others’ quirks, habits, or differences, but they may not know how to talk about those feelings in a kind, honest way. “Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere” gently introduces key social-emotional concepts in a way young children can relate to.

Through Rabbit’s experience, children learn that:
Feeling uncomfortable or annoyed doesn’t mean you have to be unkind. They can pause, breathe, and wait to feel calmer before they speak.

Listening with sincerity can change how you see someone. When Rabbit really listens to Skunk’s story, she understands why Skunk behaves the way she does.

Real friends care about each other’s feelings and safety. Rabbit shifts from judging Skunk to wanting to protect and support her.

Respectful honesty builds trust. Rabbit doesn’t pretend she has never been bothered; instead, she shares her feelings gently and respectfully.

Managing emotions helps us be steady. When we calm our “bad feelings,” we can listen better, choose kinder words, and deepen our friendships.

This story is especially valuable in classroom and family settings where children are learning how to handle conflict, difference, and discomfort. It opens natural conversations about empathy, respect, and how to repair relationships when we’ve misjudged or hurt someone.


Stop and Talk: Prompts for Classroom and Family Discussions

This story is perfect for reading slowly and pausing to “stop and talk” about key moments. Educators and parents can use questions like:

Have you ever judged someone before you really got to know them? What happened when you learned more about them?

How do you feel inside when you’re about to say something unkind, or when someone says something that hurts your feelings?

What do you think makes a “real friend”? How can we show sincerity, care, and respect to our friends—even when we’re upset?

These questions create space for emotional honesty, peer learning, and self-reflection. They build empathy—a key ingredient in every healthy classroom or home. Discussion prompts are included throughout the Stop & Talk version of the book to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about friendship, sincerity, and emotional regulation.

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How to Use This Book in Class or at Home

Teachers and caregivers can use “Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere” in:

  • SEL-themed story circles exploring friendship, inclusion, and respect
  • Class meetings about conflict, misunderstandings, or hurt feelings
  • Class meetings about conflict, misunderstandings, or hurt feelings
  • Lessons on empathy and perspective-taking, where children imagine how different characters feel
  • Role-play activities where children practice pausing, breathing, and choosing kind words before responding
  • Creative journaling or drawing activities (for example, “Draw a time you learned something new about a friend,” or “Draw what a sincere apology looks like”)

At home, this story can help children talk about classmates they find difficult, times they’ve been unkind, or situations where they felt misunderstood. Families can use Rabbit’s example—pausing, breathing, staying calm, and speaking gently—as a shared practice when conflicts arise between siblings or friends.


Help a Child Discover the Power of Sincere Friendship

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or librarian, “Rabbit Learns Skunk Is Sincere” is a meaningful addition to any SEL library. It helps children see that:

  • They can manage strong feelings before they speak.
  • They can listen sincerely and learn more about others’ lives.
  • They can repair relationships and build real friendships based on care, gratitude, and respect.

In a world where misunderstandings and quick judgments are common, this story gives children a hopeful, practical roadmap for building compassionate, sincere friendships.

Social
Emotional
Learning

The story invites discussion about self-awareness, empathy, and standing firm in what feels right — even when others don’t understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this book suitable for?

This book is generally recommended for young readers ages 5–9, but it can be enjoyed by older children as well. The themes are universal and can support early emotional learning at home or in school.

How does this book support social-emotional learning (SEL)?

The story introduces key SEL concepts such as understanding emotions, making thoughtful choices, developing empathy, and building self-awareness. It encourages children to reflect on their feelings and discuss them openly.

Can this book be used in classrooms or group settings?

Yes. The book is designed for both individual reading and group activities. Teachers and facilitators can use the story to spark discussions, activities, and reflections based on SEL topics featured in the book.

Do I need prior SEL knowledge to guide my child through this book?

No prior knowledge is required. The story is written in a simple and approachable way. Parents, caregivers, and educators can naturally guide children by asking open-ended questions and encouraging conversation.

Are there any activities or discussion prompts included?

All SEL books in our collection(stop & talk versions) include prompts or questions at key parts in between as well as the end of the story. These help deepen understanding and encourage children to relate the story to their own experiences.

How can I make the most out of this book for my child?

Take time to read together, pause during key moments, and ask how the characters might be feeling. Encourage your child to share similar experiences, talk about emotions, and explore positive ways of handling challenging situations.

What Parents and Teachers Are Saying

"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Sarah M.
Sarah M.
Homeschooling Mom
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mike T.
Mike T.
Father of 6-year-old
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Ms. Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez
Kindergarten Teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. Thompson
1st grade teacher

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Jon Madian

About the Author

Jon Madian

Jon, an educational psychologist, and his wife, Karen, an instructional designer, received numerous grants to support learner-centered education throughout their careers. He founded the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in Los Angeles's inner-city schools and later co-founded Humanities Software with Karen. Their early literacy curriculum became part of Apple's early learning initiatives and IBM's writing programs. Over the course of their careers, Jon and Karen developed more than 100 reading, writing, and process-based programs for print and software, consistently focusing on empowering and inspiring students in educational settings. Their 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild continue to fuel their commitment to enriching education. Today, through Heart Bright Learning, they are helping parents and teachers reimagine education for the 21st century by developing resources that inspire and empower children to understand themselves, others, and their world through observation, reflection, and process-based learning.