Q&A with Evelina Ruimy

  

 

 

Evelina Ruimy is the author of the new children's picture book The Kind Bunny. She lives in Los Angeles. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Kind Bunny, and how did you create your character Hop?

 

A: This story came to me during a very emotional time, when I felt an instinctive need to protect my children—not just physically, but emotionally. I think every parent understands that feeling. Words can stay with us, and I wanted to create something that could help children process those moments when something doesn’t feel right.

 

Hop came from that place. He isn’t perfect, and he doesn’t always know what to do—but he feels things deeply. That was important to me. I wanted him to reflect how children actually experience the world: quietly, internally, and often without the tools to fully understand what they’re feeling.

 

His growth is gentle, not dramatic. He doesn’t “win” or overpower anyone—he learns to return to himself. And from that place, he’s able to respond with kindness and empathy. To me, that’s real strength.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Hop and Ruff?

 

A: Hop and Ruff represent something very real. Ruff isn’t simply “the unkind character”—he’s a reflection of how hurt can sometimes show up in behavior. Their dynamic isn’t about good versus bad. It’s about misunderstanding, emotion, and the quiet choice of how to respond.

 

What matters most to me is that Hop doesn’t try to defeat Ruff. He recognizes that something deeper may be going on, and he chooses empathy without losing himself. That balance of staying kind while also staying grounded in who you are and is at the heart of their relationship.

 

Q: What do you think Siski Kalla’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Siski brought a softness to the story that words alone can’t fully capture.

 

The emotional tone, the quiet moments, the hesitation, the warmth—lives so beautifully in the illustrations. Children often feel things before they can articulate them, and her artwork helps bridge that gap.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?

 

A: More than anything, I hope children walk away with the understanding that kindness starts within.

 

It’s not just about being kind to others. It’s about being kind to yourself in moments that feel confusing, hurtful, or uncertain.

 

I hope they see that they don’t have to react to unkindness with more unkindness. They can pause, understand, and choose a different response.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Right now, I’m continuing to explore stories that help children understand their inner world—emotions, identity, and the quieter moments that shape how they see themselves.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I don’t approach stories as lessons to teach. I approach them as feelings to understand.

 

Everything I write comes from a very real place, often as a mother trying to give my children something I wish I had when I was younger.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with 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.