Lucy and the Bully

Plot Summary

Lucy is good at drawing and making things at school. But there’s a bully at school, and he’s very mean to Lucy. She can’t tell anyone the bully rips her books and breaks her things, because he told her not to—or else! Now every day she comes home scared and sad. What can Lucy do? And who can Lucy tell?

Claire Alexander’s simple story and bright illustrations will help young children talk openly about bullying. Best of all, it will reassure them that bullies can be stopped.

Claire Alexander lives in England, where she studied at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury.

Awards

2009 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People, Grades K - 3

Reviews

"It's Lucy's willingness to go the extra mile that might inspire readers to do the same. Alexander's child-friendly watercolors beautifully convey a range of emotions. An excellent note to parents and teachers discusses bullying and ways to combat it. A great discussion-starter for the playground set." Booklist, Starred Review

"This simple story puts bullying in kids' terms....The animal characters are conveyed through bright colors and thick strokes, and their expressive faces garner empathy for bully and victim alike. Overall, an appealing story on a timely topic." School Library Journal

"The acrylics are both bright and textured and have a lovely transparent quality, even when using bold color with soft black outlines, suiting the emotional tenor of the tale nicely. Readers never see the punishment meted out to Tommy, but his own unhappiness comes through to them and to Lucy, who extends a conciliatory trotter. As a model for resolution, this stands out."

Kirkus Reviews

Associated Keywords
bullying, mean, bullies,