Psychiatrist, empath and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Judith Orloff believes that sensitive children are gifts to the world, yet they are often misunderstood, shamed, or bullied for their differences. Her own childhood experience of being called “overly sensitive” and urged to “get a thicker skin” inspired her latest children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, co-written with author Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Katy Tanis.

The story follows Aurora, a tender cottontail living in the high Sonoran Desert. Deeply attuned to nature and the emotions of those around her, Aurora struggles to connect with her siblings, who label her “too emotional” to join their play. When a flash flood destroys the family’s home, Aurora is overwhelmed by grief and sorrow. Through encounters with other desert animals, she begins to understand that her empathy and sensitivity are not flaws but powerful gifts.