Eddie the Bully

PreS-Gr 2--Eddie is the class bully. At every opportunity, he picks on his classmates: calling them names, sabotaging their efforts, and tripping them up. For this reason, he is branded a troublemaker; no one likes him, and even his teachers have given up on him. Then a transfer student named Carla arrives. When she starts speaking to Eddie, all the others hold their breath. Here is the perfect target. But to their surprise, her kindness actually touches him. While the speed of this change of heart is completely unrealistic, Cole does effectively set up and explain the motivation for it. Eddie, who has alienated potential friends, is unconsciously lonely. When Carla gives him a taste of the alternative, Eddie realizes his mistake and does his best to play nice from then on. Cole does not point fingers; he does not delve into the reasons for Eddie's behavior or the effects that his actions have on the bullied. Instead, he focuses on the solution: kindness begets kindness. His amusing cartoon animal designs and soft palette choice establish a tone that supports this lesson, making the outcome plausible. VERDICT A finely tuned picture book with valuable messages for all children, including bullies. A great selection to read aloud or share with a small group.--Rachel Forbes, formerly at Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In Eddie the Bully, everyone knows that Eddie is mean. The children treat him with fear and the teachers are frustrated with him. When a new girl joins the class, she unknowingly offers Eddie her friendship. Eddie quickly realizes that being nice feels good. For children ages four to eight, this book demonstrates that bullies are often angry and afraid, and that sometimes an offer of friendship can change behavior. Illustrations of anthropomorphic animals are very well done and show differences among children without judgment.—Foreword Reviews