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Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny
Written by Evelina Ruimy
Illustrated by Siski Kalla
Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4
Publisher's Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.
“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader's Favorite
Available for purchase on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.
Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.
To learn more, visit hopstales.com, Instagram, TikTok.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think the overall message of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny is important for children?
Evelina Ruimy - Because words can stay with us far longer than we expect—especially for children. A single comment can shift how they see themselves, and they don’t always have the tools yet to process that. Honestly…it can be hard to process even as adults. What I wanted to offer is both emotional comfort and something practical—a way to understand that unkind words often reflect the person saying them, not the person receiving them.
And I wanted Hop’s growth to feel real—not loud or performative, but steady. So when he finally says, ‘No, not today. And school is great,’ it comes from self- acceptance, not defiance.
And what matters most to me is that he stays kind. He doesn’t try to “win.” He recognizes Ruff’s hurt… and responds with empathy. That felt like the truest form of strength.
Life Is What It's Called - What is the best line in Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny and why?
Evelina Ruimy - I think the line that stays with me (and my children) most is when Hop says, “No, not today. And school is great.”
It’s simple, almost understated—but that’s exactly why it matters.
It’s not loud or defiant. It doesn’t come from anger. It comes from a quiet place of self- acceptance.
And for me, that’s the real shift in the story—when Hop doesn’t just react, but actually returns to himself.
That kind of confidence is gentle, but very strong. And that’s what I hope children feel in that moment.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book stand apart from others on the market?
Evelina Ruimy - I think what makes this story different is that it doesn’t just focus on being kind to
others—it really begins with being kind to yourself.
A lot of books talk about kindness as behavior, but this story looks at where it actually comes from.
It shows that when a child feels secure in who they are, kindness becomes something natural, not something they have to perform.
And I also wanted the emotional arc to feel very real—quiet, relatable, and not overly dramatized.
It’s not about fixing everything instantly. It’s about understanding, guidance, and slowly finding your way back to yourself.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this book being used in homes, schools, and community events?
A lot of books talk about kindness as behavior, but this story looks at where it actually comes from.
It shows that when a child feels secure in who they are, kindness becomes something natural, not something they have to perform.
And I also wanted the emotional arc to feel very real—quiet, relatable, and not overly dramatized.
It’s not about fixing everything instantly. It’s about understanding, guidance, and slowly finding your way back to yourself.
Life Is What It's Called - How do you see this book being used in homes, schools, and community events?
Evelina Ruimy - I really see this book as a starting point for conversation.
In homes, it can open the door for parents and children to talk about feelings that aren’t always easy to name—like hurt, insecurity, or moments when something didn’t feel right. And in a very gentle way, it also supports emotional wellbeing—helping children understand what they’re feeling, and reassuring them that those feelings are okay. In schools, it can help teachers guide discussions around emotional awareness, confidence, and how to respond to unkindness in a thoughtful way.
And in community settings, it creates a shared language—something simple and gentle that both children and adults can relate to.
My hope is that it makes those conversations feel more natural… and a little less intimidating.
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?
In homes, it can open the door for parents and children to talk about feelings that aren’t always easy to name—like hurt, insecurity, or moments when something didn’t feel right. And in a very gentle way, it also supports emotional wellbeing—helping children understand what they’re feeling, and reassuring them that those feelings are okay. In schools, it can help teachers guide discussions around emotional awareness, confidence, and how to respond to unkindness in a thoughtful way.
And in community settings, it creates a shared language—something simple and gentle that both children and adults can relate to.
My hope is that it makes those conversations feel more natural… and a little less intimidating.
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?
Evelina Ruimy - This story came to me during an emotional time. It was during the Palisades fires last
year, when we had to leave our home and just hope for the best.
I was going to bed one night—and the words just started forming in my head. I’ve been writing since a young age, so I recognize that feeling when something arrives fully formed… I just have to be quick enough to catch it.
I was definitely in a heightened emotional state. But more than that, I think something in me felt especially protective of my children in that time. I think we can all agree that as parents, we always want to protect our kids—not just from physical harm, but also from emotional hurt.
And when it comes to unkind words— they can really stay with you. I know they’ve stayed with me.
So in that very instinctive, protective space, this story almost insisted on being written.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?
Evelina Ruimy - I think I would want them to know that everything I write comes from a very real, emotional place. I don’t approach stories as lessons to teach—but as feelings to understand and translate into something gentle and accessible. I’ve been writing for a long time, and for me, it’s always been a very instinctive process. The words come when something feels important enough to be said. And with this book especially, it came from a very personal place—as a mother, wanting to give my children something that could support them in moments that aren’t always easy. So what readers are holding is not just a story—it’s something I genuinely felt needed to exist.
I was going to bed one night—and the words just started forming in my head. I’ve been writing since a young age, so I recognize that feeling when something arrives fully formed… I just have to be quick enough to catch it.
I was definitely in a heightened emotional state. But more than that, I think something in me felt especially protective of my children in that time. I think we can all agree that as parents, we always want to protect our kids—not just from physical harm, but also from emotional hurt.
And when it comes to unkind words— they can really stay with you. I know they’ve stayed with me.
So in that very instinctive, protective space, this story almost insisted on being written.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you want readers to know about you as an author?
Evelina Ruimy - I think I would want them to know that everything I write comes from a very real, emotional place. I don’t approach stories as lessons to teach—but as feelings to understand and translate into something gentle and accessible. I’ve been writing for a long time, and for me, it’s always been a very instinctive process. The words come when something feels important enough to be said. And with this book especially, it came from a very personal place—as a mother, wanting to give my children something that could support them in moments that aren’t always easy. So what readers are holding is not just a story—it’s something I genuinely felt needed to exist.
GIVEAWAY
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy.
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy.
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This post is sponsored by Evelina Ruimy. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
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