I love discovering books that help young children deal with bullying behavior—because, let’s face it, kids can be mean to their peers at a very young age and they need a lot of social guidance. Written by Frieda Wishinsky, with illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton, You’re Mean Lily Jean! is an engaging story about two sisters who face some difficult choices when a new girl moves in next door. Carly and her older sister, Sandy, have always been very close and they enjoy playing together. Then one day, Lily Jean—a young girl in “shiny red shoes and a puffy red skirt” who proudly announces that she can play the xylophone and drums, skate backwards, and stand on her head—becomes their new neighbor. To both Carly and Sandy, she’s interesting and exciting. But there’s a problem. Lily Jean is mean and bossy when Carly wants to join the older girls in their pretend play. She makes the younger sibling take on the most humiliating roles when they play house, cowgirls, and king and queen. (“’Carly has to be the cow. The cow goes moo and eats grass.’”) While Carly, eager to be included, reluctantly plays the baby, cow, and dog, Sandy defers to her new playmate and fails to stand up for her little sister. Finally, when Carly takes matters in her own hands and finds a way to assert herself, Sandy must choose between her new friend and her little sis. In an ending that’s as satisfying as it is sweet, the sisters stick together and this time, it’s Lily Jean who is willing to do anything to be included. Carly and Sandy have just one demand: “Can you be nice?” they ask. Lesson learned, Lily Jean humbly agrees to the sisters’ requirement and the last page shows the three girls happily playing pirates in a tree.
Appropriate for ages 5 to 8, You’re Mean Lily Jean! (I love that title!) helps kids think about what it feels like to be excluded or to witness other children being excluded. Whether young readers identify with Carly or Sandy, the story can be used to discuss why bullies act the way they do and what kids can do to stand up for themselves or others.
Can you recommend other books that help young children deal with bullying behavior?
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