With a spunky and cunning pet rabbit on the loose, Sam has to think outside of the box and communicate with his new friend, Simone, in innovative ways. Highlighting the importance of compassion, social skills, and inclusion, Haughton creates an engaging, uplifting debut that demonstrates to young readers, through a relatable dramatic situation, the impact of being helpful, doing things afraid, and finding clever new ways to express yourself, including a stick in a sandbox. As Sam learns something extraordinary about his own capabilities, his excitement and bravery are vibrantly illustrated by Olamide Ojo, who captures arresting nuances of feeling in the kids’ faces as well as the communicative possibilities of hands and the amusing comedy of a slippery rabbit on the loose—and taking a trip down the playground slide.
With lessons on problem solving and stepping out of your comfort zone, young readers will find Silent Sam relatable and likable as the hero of this action packed children's book. Silent Sam & The Thumping Rabbit will provide parents and teachers the opportunity to discuss disabilities, inclusion, diversity, kindness, and being comfortable with who you are. But it’s more than the lessons that resonate here. Above all else young readers will enjoy the lighthearted story and convincing new friendship.
Takeaway: Uplifting story of a young boy, a lost bunny, a speech delay, and a new friend..
Comparable Titles: Taraji P. Henson's You Can Be A Good Friend, Maria Gianferrari's Hello Goodbye Dog.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
