It's never easy to cope with the loss of a loved one. It's even harder for a young child like Lil Shen in The Best Bunny: Adventures of Lil Shen and Her Inspirational Sidekick Bunny Best. Check out this new release from award-winning author Shenandoah Chefalo and enter to win a signed copy, an adorable plush bunny, and an Amazon gift card!
My Review:
With a thoughtful mix of reality and imagination, The Best Bunny: Adventures of Lil Shen and Her Inspirational Sidekick Bunny Best helps young readers comprehend and navigate the grieving process via a captivating and comforting tale.
Lil Shen recalls one of the worst days during her childhood, when she reluctantly attends her grandma's funeral in sorrow and solitude. On the same day, she receives the very last gift left by her late grandma: a lovely stuffed toy called Bunny Best. Her new friend not only talks with her, hugs her, and triggers her favorite memories of grandma, but also gives her the courage to release her repressed feelings and to get back on her feet step by step.
Through a gentle, touching portrait of a grieving girl, the story reveals the immense impact of loss on a person's emotions and wellbeing. The positive role played by the toy bunny, on the other hand, demonstrates the power and significance of companionship and emotional support. Further, Lil's journey acknowledges that healing takes time and effort. It's okay to be honest about how you truly feel. And a healthy outlet would be conducive to recovery.
The book also touches the reader's heart with charming pictures, which reflect Lil's sadness, loneliness and helplessness using shadows, gloomy colors and nonverbal cues. By contrast, warm hues are employed to highlight sweet memories and positive changes. All scenes featuring Lil and Bunny Best together are imbued with love, care and close connection.
Combining an emotional narrative with expressive paintings, The Best Bunny provides hope and comfort for those struggling to deal with loss while urging others to empathize with a grieving child and offer their support and companionship. I look forward to reading about the duo's next adventure and Bunny Best's friends.
About the Book:
Ages: 4-6 | 28 Pages
Publisher: Self-Published (2025) | ISBN: 979-8990059412
When Lil Shen loses her beloved grandmother, her world suddenly feels unfamiliar, quiet, and full of sadness. On a day filled with gray skies and heavy hearts, she receives a mysterious gift—an ordinary-looking stuffed bunny with extraordinary comfort to offer. Bunny Best, a soft companion stitched with love, becomes her guide through grief, helping Lil Shen remember, imagine, and feel all the feelings she thought she had to hide.
Tenderly told and beautifully illustrated, The Best Bunny is a story of loss, resilience, and healing. Through imagination and the memory of love, Lil Shen discovers that she doesn’t have to be “okay” to move forward. She has to do her best.
Inspired by author Shenandoah Chefalo’s lived experience in the foster care system and her work in trauma-informed care, this heartfelt picture book is an essential resource for families, educators, and professionals helping children navigate grief, big emotions, and life’s most complex changes.
Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org