The Big Bully
#6 of 6 in Pea, Bee, & Jay Series
on Goodreads (120)
What’s inside...
In Pea, Bee & The Big Bully, Pea, Bee, and Jay are on a treasure hunt when they encounter a large pumpkin that bullies Jay into giving up his shiny pebble. Together, they stand up to the pumpkin and discover that size doesn't justify bullying behavior. As they delve deeper, they realize that the pumpkin has her own personal issues. The trio works together to address the root cause of the problem and restore harmony to the farm. The book has received accolades including being named in the Kirkus Best Books of 2020, SLJ Best Books of 2020, Fall 2020 Indie Next List, Amazon Best Books of 2020, and is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a 2021 Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection.
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions in 'The Big Bully' make you feel?
Why do you think the bully behaved the way they did?
What would you do if you saw someone being bullied?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better?
What are some ways we can all help to stop bullying?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their personal experiences.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they think the characters felt in various situations throughout the book.
Praise your child for sharing and validate their feelings, highlighting the importance of open communication.
Use examples from the book to teach problem-solving skills and ask how the characters could have handled situations differently.
Emphasize the power of kindness and the impact it can have on others, reinforcing these values through daily interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story depicts the bully's transformation as he starts to understand and empathize with his peers' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the impact of their words and actions on others and strive to understand people rather than judge them.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Characters in the book stand up to the bully, showing bravery in defending themselves and their friends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak up against wrongdoings and defend others who might be vulnerable.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: As the bully changes, he learns the value of friendships. This transformation highlights how treating others kindly can lead to positive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships through trust and kindness.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book clearly illustrates the negative consequences the bully faces due to his actions, like losing friends.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that their actions have consequences and that positive behavior will lead to better outcomes socially.
Example Lesson: Redemption and Change
Explanation: The Big Bully learns from his mistakes, changes for the better, and is eventually forgiven by his peers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to believe in second chances and understand that people can change for the better.