Fun Children's Book on Bullying

My Book Review

Hugo The Happy Starfish, The Last Bully by Suzy Liebermann.  Printed in 7 different languages. Hugo is a little starfish and so it's not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean.  Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitudes - they are bullies!  After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides enough is enough.  He forms the ABC Club, and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect.  Happiness Begins with Respect.

Review:  Using a Starfish as the main character in this series is fun and exciting.  Something kids have liked over the years.  I was pleasantly surprised how this book focused on learning about Respect as a way to fight against bullying.  I just don't think that in real life this would actually work in every situation.

I can think of someone right now who has been bullied because he is smaller and different than others.  Despite the fact that he never went looking for trouble, didn't want to be associated with those that bullied him, he was never disrespectful to the group who bullied him.  He tried to be nice whenever they were around, but instead he got beat up very bad.  There would be no way this kid could have ever said the comments as written in the book, "RESPECT! Don't bully! What goes around comes around and there's always a bigger fish in the ocean!"  That statement is great, but doesn't apply in all situations.  However, each situation is different, and hopefully this will work for just about everyone.

Bullying is an issue that is growing continuously.  There are classes being offered constantly where I live for educators, parents & families, employers, employees, etc.  It is nice to be able to have many ways at combating this issue, and the earlier it can be prevented the better.

This is wonderfully written for younger children, and if we can instill within them that Respect is what is so important, respect for yourself and respect for others, we will have a great generation of youth.

For more information about Suzy Liebermann, and Hugo the Starfish, as well as games and other fun activites, etc. click here.

You can get your copy of the book here.

Pros:  Cute children's book with Hugo the Starfish and the underwater creatures to teach various Character Development principles.  This is a great confidence building book for younger children.

Cons:  Even though bullying is rampant and there are many ways to address it.  Suzy Liebermann presents one way of doing so.  Would be great if she could present other options that are successful ways to address bullying.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!  Nicely written.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.