Anti Bullying Solution: A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer
Those of you who have explored Storytime Standouts will know that we frequently write about antibullying picture books. Sad to say, we have read many more “antibullying” picture books than we have shared with our readers. The reason for this is simple: many antibullying picture books do not actually provide a realistic solution to the problem of bullying. Many antibullying picture books rely on a magical solution to bullying. Rather than empowering a victim of bullying, some books provide very little help.
A Bug and a Wish written by Karen Scheuer with illustrations by Kalpart
Antibullying picture book published by Strategic Book Publishing
Tyler is not happy about going to school. He rides the school bus and as he walks to it, he hopes to avoid an encounter with two bullies. Unfortunately, he does not escape their teasing and he is upset when he takes a seat next to his friend.
Danae explains to Tyler than he ought to give them a bug and a wish. Tyler thinks about Danae’s advice and he tries to interpret her words but his guesses are not correct.
Danae suggests The next time the boys tease you… Tell them, ‘It BUGS me when you tease me, and I WISH you would stop.’ Danae’s advice is simple and Tyler takes it to heart. He is ready the next time the boys tease him and he is pleasantly surprised by their response.
Cartoon-like illustrations do a reasonable job of depicting Tyler’s emotions and will appeal to some children. We like the straightforward approach to dealing with teasing. Tyler learns to speak up and to explain his point of view.
A Bug and a Wish will be most effective when used as a starting point for discussions about teasing and bullying.
