Kid’s books are aplenty, and these days, they’re often about animals. Dogs and kids are usually a lucrative combination.
So here we have writer Jennifer Schreiber using dogs to teach us how to handle bullying in her children’s book, Monday at Jelly Roll Dog Park.
What did I think of the book?
I don’t like it.
The story is about a mutt who is ostracized by the pure breed dogs in the park, but after an “angel”- who is a deceased purebred dog- gives our hero the idea to dig up toys, and he rescues a purebred damsel in distress, he is accepted. It’s that same tired old story that tells kids how taking the high road wins in the end, or if you do something nice for the bullies, then maybe they’ll like you.
Horse shit.
Bullies don’t change because you do something nice for them, and they don’t stop bullying just because you don’t fight back. Bullies change when they’re held accountable. Period.
Besides, if dogs were to bully other dogs, it wouldn’t be because of their breed. It would be because the dog’s butt smelled funny, or maybe because that dog had something they wanted. Dogs who bully other dogs don’t last long either; they’re reported to animal control and euthanized because they’re “dangerous.”
There is one thing I DID like about the book. The illustrations by John LaFree are great! I wonder if he’d be willing to collaborate with me on a children’s book?
Oh well, sorry Ms. Schreiber, but you didn’t really think anyone would buy a dog being a bully, did you?
Maybe you should have chosen cats instead.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
I completely agree with you! No matter how many times you hand over your lunch money or allowing a bully to copy your homework (doing something nice), the bullying doesn’t end. Spot on, pun intended…
No kidding! And bullies do far worse than that- they tear down a child’s self-esteem. That isn’t bought back if the “mean kids” suddenly like you, because then you’re always dancing to stay in their good graces.
Exactly Now that’s the real truth. Kids must be resilient and realize not everyone is going to like them. Walking around being obliging to mean kids just makes it worse eventually. Stop looking/acting/thinking like a victim.
How do books like these get published? – tired bad unrealistic advice.
it’s sadly true a real bully will rarely change it’s mind… and to be nice and to give them a smile is mostly rewarded with a punch in your smiling face :o(
I see bullies are no different in Europe than in the US.
How about writing him and asking? If he’d collaborate with you, that is. Hey, why not? 😉
I may do just that! Thanks!
Great idea!
Why would anyone want to buy a story about how groovy it is to take the high road when it comes to bullies? It doesn’t nothing to stop the bullying, just delaying it by being a better person. I’m with you-bullies must be held accountable. And the sugar coating, well count me out on that part too. I suspect that’s part of the problem with the way social society (mis)handles things these days.
At least the book didn’t flat-out blame the victim; that happens a lot too.
unfortunately the bullies don’t always get held accountable for their deeds. Palm Beach County is notorious for giving chance after chance. Fines do not stop people and incarceration of the dog for 10 days doesn’t work either. Tell it like it is , as usual.
I still don’t see the dogs as the bullies. I see the people.
You backed up your review with valid points. Thank you. PS I agree with you.
Thanks!
I applaud your honesty.