Schneider,
Josh. 2013. THE MEANEST BIRTHDAY GIRL. NY; Clarion. ISBN 978054783814144 [Suggested
Grade Levels K – 3]
REVIEW
In this
48-page chapter book for beginning readers, birthday girl Dana receives an
unexpected gift of a big white elephant from Anthony, a boy she has badly
mistreated. Readers will laugh as caring
for the oversized and demanding pet moves Dana from selfish to selfless. When
she finds herself mistreated by another classmate, Dana displays a new
self-awareness. Dana is moved to
apologize for her actions; after accepting her apology, Anthony helps Dana
realize just what to give the new class bully as a birthday gift. The cycle,
readers can see, will continue.
In five
short chapters, Schneider spins a simple story that will engage children with
humor, kid-behavior that rings true, and a cleverly satisfying conclusion. His
quirky water color illustrations depict cartoony characters, which are
occasionally likable and always authentic.
CONNECTIONS
This
story provides an opportunity to discuss empathy with young children. You may
want to allow them to share experiences they may have had in which they felt
mistreated or even bullied by peers.
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Schwartz,
Corey Rosen.THREE NINJA PIGS. 9780399255144
By
Suzy Parchman
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