Invisible illnesses exist. But they are not really addressed in children’s books. It can be a lonely place if you suffer. Also, challenging to understand WHY someone won’t play with others when they look completely healthy. Rodney Meadow Hopper, The Hare who Didn’t Care (but he did really) is one of the few that I have come across. So, please keep reading to find out more.
What is Rodney Meadow-Hopper about?
Rodney has an illness. One which means that he often won’t play with his friends. Also, he pretends not to care. When he does join in, he gets tired quickly and can’t keep up. But no one knows about his illness until the day he decides to tell them. How will they react?
What I like about Rodney Meadow-Hopper
We never find out what Rodney’s illness is. I like that this is the case. Really, in all honesty, what does it matter WHAT it is. The focus is not the illness itself but how it impacts his life and friendships.
Gail wrote this book, following her daughter’s chronic and invisible illness. As someone who has also witnessed others suffer with invisible chronic illnesses, I feel like it is certainly needed.
I like the illustrator’s use of colour. How the colour changes, dependent on Rodney’s mood. From darker colours, to rainbows.
If you would like to purchase a copy of Rodney Meadow-Hopper, the Hare who Didn’t Care (but he did really) , please contact Gail directly.
More from Hookable Books
Firstly, our Crowdfunder to send out free book boxes to schools.
Secondly, if you would like to see some of my recent blog posts, I have everything from bedtime stories to read, to books about resilience to a sex education book for kids.
Also, you can find out more about the person behind Hookable Books here.