From School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3-Children familiar with Caseley's Field Day Friday (2000) and Mickey's Class Play (1998, both Greenwillow) will recognize the characters in this picture book. One afternoon, Mickey berates Jack for deliberately stepping on his foot. A few days later, readers discover that Jack has begun to harass his friend, stealing part of his lunch, breaking his pencil, and tripping him. Mickey's parents and sister suggest ways to understand or rectify the situation (use "brave" words because bullies are cowards; try to be nice because Jack must be feeling unhappy). At last, the boy is able to bring about a truce with some spontaneously offered cookies and a few kind words. The bully in this story is feeling neglected and out of sorts because of a new sibling at home. The friendship is resurrected, and though Jack does not apologize, readers will understand that his turnaround means that he, too, was unhappy about his behavior. Children who are the victims of true meanness from a classmate may find that Mickey's problem is rather easily resolved. Caseley's lighthearted, colorful, and detailed drawings, rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and black pen, give an appealing portrayal of Mickey's school and home life, and are the book's strongest point.
Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Ages 4-8. The bully and his victim get sympathy in this picture book. When Mickey's friend Jack turns into a bully, grabbing Mickey's cookies, tripping him in the lunchroom, and throwing Mickey's cap across the school bus, Mickey discusses it at home. Use brave words, Papa says. Try being nice to him, Mama says. It turns out that Jack is angry and hurt because he's feeling displaced by his baby sister. Mickey makes Jack laugh and they make up and become friends again. The solution is much too easy, of course, as every child will recognize, but the story does open up issues for discussion. Caseley's pictures in watercolor, colored pencil, and black pen show the various scenarios in the park, the school, and at home, and the hurt and anger between friends and enemies. For a much different take on bullying, see Becky Ray McCain's book
Nobody Knew What to Do.
Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
