Customer Reviews

Alley Oops

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As I've said before, I just adore all the children's picture books in FLASHLIGHT PRESS's catalog. I've already reviewed several of them and my aim is to review as many as possible because these books are perfect for the children in your life aged 4 to 8.

With that in mind, I checked their on-line catalog. I had a hard time choosing between Alley Oops and Carla's Sandwich. I decided on Alley Oops because it's a different kind of "bully" story and because my neighbor's son has just had his first run-in with a bully--an age-old problem that has more repercussions than bullies realize until often too late.

In this book Mr. Jax is surprised that his son J. J. has been bullying an overweight boy named Patrick, calling him bad names like Pig-Pen and Porky. When Patrick starts having nightmares, his father asks Mr. Jax to speak to J.J. The boy excuses himself, saying he was just having fun

How does Mr. Jax handle this situation? What does he tell his son to make him understand how bullying can really hurt a person, causing long-lasting problems, often ruining the other person's life? Does J. J. listen to his father, then try to make amends to Patrick? If so, how does Patrick react? And what plan do they come up with that ends up influencing everyone at their school?

As this author weaves her interesting. timely story, she deftly answers all those questions and more.

This topic may seem a little above the children's heads, but the book is so well-written and easy to follow that they should easily get the message. Furthermore, parents and educators can use this book to open discussion on this important topic and help the children further understand the impact of their words on others.

The message in this book can be used to build self-esteem and long-lasting friendships. In addition to being educational, Alley Oops by gifted writer Janice Levy is entertaining and enhanced by colorful, meaningful illustrations by the talented artist Cynthia Decker.

Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, 2008
The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley

The subject of dealing with bullies is the focus of Alley Oops, an entertaining and superbly written picturebook written by Janice Levy and illustrated by Cynthai Decker for young readers ages 5 to 9. The story follows young Patrick as he repeatedly encounters a name-calling bully at school - J.J. Jax, who labels him "Pig-Pen" and "Porky". When Mr. Jax learns of this, he tells J.J. a story about the days long ago when he was once a bully. Mr. Jax explains that everyone has two dogs inside - one bad and one good - and whichever dog we feed the most will win the battle. Ally Oops demonstrates the negative consequences of bullying, and offers a positive alternative through self-empowerment and esteem, which can be used to build lasting connections of true friendship. Very highly recommended.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends ALLEY OOPS as a funny & emotional read about how JJ so torments Patrick that he stays away from school. You kind of get the picture of a ferocious little terrier dog, barking at an elephant's heels.

Then JJ's father tells him a story about how he too was a bully & what happened to the boy he tormented. Impressed, JJ goes off to Patrick's home to sort things out, only to discover how alike they are, especially in their passion for arm wrestling.

Pretty soon, they come up with a way to win friends & influence everyone at school, JJ is going to be Patrick's, the "Hammer Hand", manager.