Review by Booklist Review
Nobody likes a bully, and from the red-and-yellow front cover, where he stands with a big frown, it's clear that this is why no one likes Eddie. In full-page spreads intermixed with smaller panels, readers see how Eddie, a chicken, impacts his classmates, insulting everything from body shapes, athletic and academic abilities, and even those who are just average. But when a friendly new classmate arrives and strikes up a conversation, something happens: Eddie, faced with kindness, suddenly realizes he enjoys being liked. While this is a message-driven book, emphasized by an opening author's note, the use of animal characters creates child appeal. Cole is an expert at expressive animal faces note that double-page spread where Eddie's entire face changes as he realizes what it's like to be liked! Though at first the new student appears to be a likely target for Eddie because of her size, her kindness makes her the heroine of this story. Pair with Stick and Stone (2015), by Beth Ferry, for another example of a supportive friendship.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Eddie is the class bully. At every opportunity, he picks on his classmates: calling them names, sabotaging their efforts, and tripping them up. For this reason, he is branded a troublemaker; no one likes him, and even his teachers have given up on him. Then a transfer student named Carla arrives. When she starts speaking to Eddie, all the others hold their breath. Here is the perfect target. But to their surprise, her kindness actually touches him. While the speed of this change of heart is completely unrealistic, Cole does effectively set up and explain the motivation for it. Eddie, who has alienated potential friends, is unconsciously lonely. When Carla gives him a taste of the alternative, Eddie realizes his mistake and does his best to play nice from then on. Cole does not point fingers; he does not delve into the reasons for Eddie's behavior or the effects that his actions have on the bullied. Instead, he focuses on the solution: kindness begets kindness. His amusing cartoon animal designs and soft palette choice establish a tone that supports this lesson, making the outcome plausible. VERDICT A finely tuned picture book with valuable messages for all children, including bullies. A great selection to read aloud or share with a small group.-Rachel Forbes, formerly at Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Eddie, a chicken, taunts the other animals at school ("'You're such a loser' he clucked"; "'Skinny!' he jeered"). When pudgy student Carla joins the class, her classmates fear the worst, but this new pig gets the upper hand before Eddie can strike. Cole illustrates this tense but spirited take on bullying with an impressive sense of balance between the story's traumatic and humorous aspects. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
