The Best Bunny Book Review and Giveaway

Disclosure This post is sponsored by Shenandoah Chefalo. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

MY REVIEW

It’s difficult to write a children’s book about grief, while allowing the story to show sensitivity. The Best Bunny: The Adventures of Lil Shen is a lovely window into the thoughts of a young girl whose Grandmother has just died.

Lil Shen is based upon the author’s young life in the foster care system. In this story the foster care mom is taking Lil Shen to her grandmother’s funeral. Lil Shen didn’t want to go to the funeral because of her grief and fear of what she might see.

After the funeral, her foster mom gives her a present that was left for her from her grandmother. What a surprise came next! Inside the box was a cute little white rabbit. This cute bunny could talk to her. The bunny was a wonderful friend to her and listened to her. Because of this, Lil Shen named her Best Bunny.

The story continues and shows how a child can get through a death in the family. It’s a great inspirational book that children can easily understand.

The Best Bunny: The Adventures of Lil Shen

Written by Shenandoah Chefalo

Illustrated by Alena Tkach

Ages: 4-6 | 28 Pages

Publisher: Self-Published (2025) | ISBN: 979-8990059412

Publisher’s Book Summary: 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 LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahchefalo/

Shenandoah Chefalo is a sought-after speaker, award-winning author, and expert trauma-informed specialist with more than 20 years of leadership consulting experience. As the Founder and Lead Strategist of Chefalo Consulting, she helps governmental, public, and private organizations integrate trauma-informed practices to create more effective and equitable systems.

Plagued and embarrassed by her name and shaped by a nomadic childhood filled with instability and loss, Shenandoah developed a tough skin early on. Her lived experiences—including foster care, poverty, and homelessness—taught her to navigate adversity, build resilience, and understand people deeply. These qualities later fueled her passion to transform broken systems.

After nearly two decades as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became disturbed by the revolving door of people entering the criminal justice system. She pursued certification through Coach U and became a life coach—an experience that gave her new insight into her own trauma and the systemic failures she had endured.

Research into the U.S. foster care system revealed staggering statistics: over 400,000 children in care daily, 61% aging out without housing, 50% incarcerated within two years, and 80% of death row inmates having spent time in care. These revelations compelled her to share her story publicly and advocate for reform.

Her memoir, Garbage Bag Suitcase, confronts the hard truths of foster care while charting a personal journey of healing. Shenandoah is also the author of several best-selling e-books, including Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals, which help trauma-informed leaders implement change, build mental wellness, and strengthen communities.

Her newest book, The Best Bunny: Adventures of Lil Shen and Her Inspirational Sidekick Bunny Best (releasing July 22, 2025), marks her debut in children’s literature. Inspired by her own childhood, the story models emotional resilience, compassion, and hope for young readers navigating their own challenges.

Shenandoah holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science from Michigan State University. She is a Core Essentials Graduate of Coach U, a Certified Law of Attraction Advanced Practitioner, a member of the National Speakers Association, and an active volunteer both nationally and internationally. She is also known for her expertise in social media marketing and is currently working on her next book, Hiking for Stillness.

For more information, visit chefaloconsulting.com/books.

https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahchefalo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenandoahchefalo

TOUR SCHEDULE

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win one of ten hardcover copies of The Best Bunny: Adventures of Lil Shen and Her Inspirational Sidekick Bunny Best. And for one extra-lucky grand prize winner, there’s a signed copy of the book, a snuggly Bunny Best plush, and an Amazon Gift Card.

The Best Bunny: Book Giveaway