Too Smart for Bullies
by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn
& Sharon Chandler
Series: Bobby and Mandee's Safety Series
Publisher: Future Horizons
ISBN: 978-1885477767
Release Date: October 2001
Genre: picture book
24 Pages
format available: paperback
series'
website
Book Blurb
Most children accept adults’ friendliness at face value. Sometimes it can have tragic consequences. The Bobby and Mandee series of safety books help children deal with today’s problems.
Bullies, Beware! This is a little book is going to have a big impact! In this moral-driven story, Mandee tells big brother Bobby how a bully took all her money. Bobby stresses that she needs adult help, and explains what to do if it happens again. Don't argue; just walk or run away; tell a trusted adult, or call 911. If the adult doesn't believe you, tell another adult until you find someone who understands.
My Thoughts
I want to start at the back. There is a coloring page and a place to write down safe names and telephone numbers. I'm mixed about this - first, it's important info and I love to color. On the other hand, I don't want to teach kids it is okay to write/color in books. That's just me being picky.
There are a couple of other important pages at the end of the book. A list of question you can go over with your child to help reinforce what was learned. A list of safe adults such as a store clerk, when working, or the telephone worker, make sure you can see his truck. The final important page is about teaching your child about 911, such as when to call and when not to call.
This is a picture book in that there are drawings, few words and a large-size font. This was an uncomfortable book to read but one that every parent should read. I only had a couple of problems with it.
Mandee's walking home from the public pool all by herself in just a swimsuit and shoes. First, throw a pair of shorts on the kid. Second, why was she swimming by herself? (Fine. If she had on shorts you may not think "swimsuit" and she may have met friends there. Still.)
The other thing is about the bully "One reason a child is a bully is because someone is being a bully to them." Then goes on to list family or someone who lives with them in their house. This bothered me for two reasons and I'm sure the research was done to back up the wording, just thinking
could be should have been used instead of
is. And just family members? Maybe they're being bullied by an older kid and they're just passing it down.
Off soapbox. . .
Bobby is an awesome big brother! I love that all the things an adult would say to help was being said by Bobby and he still takes Mandee to tell Mom and Dad. Because, you know, this is not a secret to keep. I hope every parent and responsible adult reads this.
The author's recommend role-playing the book with you and your child taking turns playing the bully and the one being bullied.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, amazon, and the book itself.
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