B is for Bully

School supplies, homework, teachers, bus schedules. Back to school time can be stressful for both kids and parents. Unfortunately, bullying in schools is also an issue that many kids and parents (myself included) worry about. I know that kids being mean to one another is nothing new, but that doesn't make it any less scary. Especially when so many distressing stories involving bullying are propagated by the media. Being an avid reader and a librarian I have always relied on books to educate my children or help them cope with serious subjects.

Here are five picture books that are an excellent segue into a conversation about bullying, kindness, and empathy.

1. Bully by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Well, it seems obvious to start with a book that is actually titled Bully. What is truly amazing about Bully is that Seeger is able to deliver such a profound and ultimately beautiful story in a meager 22 words. A big, tough bull walks along a fence shouting things like "Slow Poke" to a turtle, "Chicken" to a chicken, and "Buzz Off" to a bee. He grows louder, bigger, and angrier until a goat calls him out on his behavior and yells "Bully". Immediately chagrined the bull realizes the negative impact of name-calling and is able to reconcile with the other animals.

The illustrations and text of Bully may be simple and sparse but Seeger is able to convey a wealth of emotions from the anger and eventual remorse of the bull to the humiliation and fear of his victims. Below is a video of Seeger discussing how Bully came to be and what message she was hoping to send to young readers.

2. Lllama llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney

I have yet to meet a toddler or preschooler who does not love the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney. I'm a fan because Llama Llama is depicted as a "normal" kid. One who is sweet, affectionate, kind, but also bratty, selfish, and temperamental. In Llama Llama and the Bully Goat Gilroy Goat is ruining the school day by teasing and name-calling. The teacher handles the situation in the classroom, but when Gilroy's bullying continues on the playground Llama Llama is unsure what to do.

With her gentle rhyming text and adorable illustrations Dewdney teaches young children that it is okay to involve an adult when bullying occurs. I also love that there is the same theme of forgiveness and reconciliation that Seeger has in Bully. Even though Gilroy starts out being mean, Llama Llama is still willing to let bygones be bygones and be his friend. Does every conflict have a happy ending? No, but Llama Llama will show young children the importance of a positive attitude and giving people a second chance.


Anna Dewdney's website has information and activities to go with Llama Llama and the Bully Goat including a downloadable Pledge to Play Nice.

3. Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester

As you can guess from the title Rodney Rat has a speech impediment and cannot pronounce his R's. Being teased and laughed at day after day has turned poor little Rodney into the shyest and quietest rodent (or wodent) in his elementary school. Rodney's tormentors get a taste of their own medicine, though, when a new student who is bigger, meaner, and smarter joins their class. Rodney becomes the hero of the school when his lisp helps him send the bully away.

Wodney Wat does not have the conflict resolution that took place in Bully or Llama Llama and the Bully Goat. Camilla Capybara just leaves and never comes back, which is a bit sad when you think about it. However, Hooway for Wodney Wat is still a fun little story with adorable animal characters illustrated by Lynn Munsinger. Kids are sure to giggle when Rodney is leading a game of Simon Says and Camilla Capybara is trying to "Wake" the leaves rather than "Rake" them.


4. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

Maybe I am partial to Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon because, just like her, I was short, clumsy, and had giant buck teeth as a kid.
I didn't have a voice like a bull frog being strangled by a boa constrictor. Mine was more like a chipmunk who had drunk three or four cups of coffee. Well, I am still short, still clumsy, and I still have a high pitched voice, but at least braces fixed the buck teeth.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is all about embracing what makes you different, even when others put you down for it. David Catrow is one of my favorite illustrators and he perfectly captures the uniqueness and effervescence of Molly Lou Melon.

5.Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Kids will tease each other about the strangest and silliest things, but that doesn't make it any less hurtful as shown in Kevin Henkes' delightful story about a tiny little mouse with a very big name. Chrysanthemum comes home from kindergarten in tears after her classmates make fun of her long and unusual name. Her worried parents are helpless to fix the problem, but they shower Chrysanthemum with love and reassurance cheering her up each night with cuddles and Parcheesi. Eventually, Chrysanthemum's self esteem is restored when a favorite teacher at the school reveals her own long and unique name. The solution is a bit pat, but kids will get the message that individuality should be celebrated.