A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 206

Picture Book: Just Kidding                           

Author: Trudy Ludwig                                  

Illustrator: Adam Gustavson                        

Summary: D.J. is an older elementary student or perhaps a young middle school student who is hurt and confused by the teasing of his friends, especially one friend who always says he is “just kidding”. D.J.’s father teaches him a game to play to help handle being teased. His older brother joins in the game which helps develop their verbal responses to jibes. The next day at school, D.J. has a clever response when another boy is being teased. D.J. and his dad also meet with D.J.’s teacher to talk about the problem. Her advice is for D.J. to hang out with friends that help D.J. feel good about being himself and to let her know when he is being teased. When D.J. says he doesn’t want to be a tattletale. The teacher explains the difference between tattling and reporting a problem. 

Hanna’s Comments: This author has several great books about complex friendship issues in childhood and adolescence. Additionally, she offers specific details on building skills for dealing with these difficult social situations. Tomorrow I’ll highlight  another one of Ludwig’s books on bullying that focuses on girls. I’m offering a series of books on bullying this week because it is a serious problem that can arise in schools and in faith communities, and next week here in the US it is Anti-bullying week. In the front of this book you’ll find a Foreword by the founder of www.stopbullyingnow.com. In the back you’ll find Notes and Questions about Teasing and Teasing Dos and Don’ts.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Not at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, belonging, betrayal, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, choices/decisions, communication, confidence, conflict, difficulties, discord, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, fathers, friends/friendship, insecurity, language/literacy/reading, mentors/teachers, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, preparation, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, relationships, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, trust/trustworthiness, victims

Scripture Connections: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up (Ephesians 4:29); put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth (Colossians 3:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking with your children about the power of words for good or for evil. Emphasize how words can hurt and heal, but they may never be forgotten. Talk about the damage they can do to communities, even loving communities.