Sit down with your kids for some informative, appropriate & important books about identifying & dealing with bullies. Follow up with the question prompts.
advertisementby Michael Rosen; illustrated by Bob Graham
A-One, a toy soldier bully, wants the toy doll, duck and pig to do his bidding when a little girl leaves her house. He says that he's "Number One" and bosses the others around. He loses his power when the other toys rally together, and through humor bring him around to being a friend instead of being a bully.
Was it a good thing when the other toys stood up to the bully?
Was it a good idea to try to make the bully smile with funny words?
Get this book here advertisementby Sarah, the Duchess of York; illustrated by Ian Cunliffe
Matthew, small but quick, is teased and bullied at school by bigger boys. His friend Amy sees Matthew crying and tells him that he must tell a grownup. His mother talks to the teacher, who lets the class know that bullying will not be tolerated. The bullies experience shame and realize that size is just not important and befriend Matthew.
- How did Matthew's friend Amy help him?
- Was it a good idea for Matthew to tell an adult?
Get this book here
advertisementby Jean Condor Soule; illustrated by George Booth
A book in rhyme about all the things that you can do, like "knit a kitten mittens. And perhaps that cat would purr," "but never tease a weasel, this is good advice. A weasel wouldn't like it. And teasing isn't nice."
- Is "never tease a weasel" good advice? Why?
- Can teasing hurt someone's feelings?
Get this book here
advertisementby Tomie de Paola
A teacher innocently asks her students to welcome Carole Anne, a new girl. However, she is an unsmiling bully. The children decide to stand up for themselves, and block her bullying efforts. When Carole Anne realizes that friendship is better than bullying, she apologizes and is warmly welcomed by the class.
- Why was Carole Anne acting mean?
- Did the children do the right thing by standing up for themselves?
Get this book here
advertisementby Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum is a self-confident mouse girl who loves being named for a flower, until she goes to school for the first time and is teased about her unusual name. The story is an example of how teasing can harm a child's sense of self. There is a happy ending, because of a beloved music teacher, whose name is Delphinium. Also available in Spanish.
- Were the children unkind to Chrysanthemum?
- Did they learn that everyone's name is special to them?
Get this book here
advertisementby Rosemary Wells
When Yoko brings her favorite sushi lunch to school in a willow-covered cooler, she is teased and insulted by other children who are unfamiliar with this type of food. Finally, one brave (and hungry) child tastes the sushi. The story helps children understand that sometimes being open to new things can result in making new friends and other pleasant surprises.
- Did the other animals hurt Yoko's feelings?
- Is it a good idea and fun to try new things?
Get this book here
