Red Series

Saturday 24 August 2013

Book Review: Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully by Audrey Penn

Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully by Audrey Penn
Genre: Children's, Picture Book
Source: Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon


Summary: In this latest addition to the Kissing Hand book collection, Chester Raccoon must learn to deal with another common problem of childhood: a bully at school.

When Mrs. Raccoon learns that there is a bully problem at school, she decides to investigate the situation. But after seeing the bully for herself, she shares a story about a forest that was full of smooth yellow stones, and how the animals living there changed a pointy stone they found into a smooth stone so that it wouldn't hurt any tender paws.

Chester, Ronny, and Cassy follow the spirit of Mrs. Raccoon's story when they next encounter the Bully. Approaching him as a group, they invite him to play, proving that the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him or her a friend.

This book encourages children to understand that many child bullies are themselves unhappy and gives readers a good example of settling differences by peaceful means. Educators will embrace this story about a positive strategy for dealing with a bully.

Review

This book is perfect for small children, especially this five years old and under. Chester and his friends are scared of a bully from school. Not only does he tease them but he physically scares them as well. While the children are afraid and unsure what to do, it is decided that telling an adult is a good idea. Not only that but Mrs. Raccoon uses a story, kisses and kind words to encourage her children as well as the other kids to be kind to the bully instead of bullying him back or just running away.

I enjoyed this book because it was a nice short read and even though some reviews think it's too long for children ages 3-4 I disagree. The author clearly thought a book longer than five-twelve pages with lush visuals and a beautiful story is a great read for small children. It's time adults and publishers stop treating kids like they're too dumb to learn and I believe this book does this. Also a moral that doesn't preach at kids but invites them to make the right choices and show kindness is a read any adult would be willing to share with their child. Highly recommend. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

14 comments:

  1. What a cute book! I think kids would love it. As to the length, that's ridiculous. If it's a good book, kids want to get a lot of it. But then, all the boundaries and ideas that publishers seem to be pushing on kids lately is beginning to drive me crazy. I could rant ;)

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    1. I can understand the want to rant. Glad you came by, especially since you do blog about books and kids.

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  2. What a cute book! I think kids would love it. As to the length, that's ridiculous. If it's a good book, kids want to get a lot of it. But then, all the boundaries and ideas that publishers seem to be pushing on kids lately is beginning to drive me crazy. I could rant ;)

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  3. Very funny book, sure to delight my son!

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  4. Sounds cute. :) I love a good picture book.

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  5. This cover is so sweet! Masterpiece! And I'm hope there will be translation also for Polish. Greetings for You :)

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  6. Sounds like a good way to teach little ones about bullies.

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  7. Books dealing with bullying is definitely a good idea. It can never know how bullying affects you until you go through it, as a kid or as an adult. And yes, adults often don't give kids enough credit. They can get a lot more than we can sometimes.

    (requesting FB likes) Nancy’s Facebook page

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