A Boy, his Bear and a Bully

A Boy, his Bear and a Bully by Katie Flannigan, illustrated by P.J. Reece (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781925820898

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Scott takes his teddy bear, Buttons, to school every day ‘to help him feel brave’. He needs all the help he can get, because a boy called Duncan is mean to Scott all the time – calling him names, ripping up his artwork and stealing his snacks. But one day, Buttons goes missing. How can Scott feel brave now? He soon finds his brave bubbling within him, and lets it out in one big dinosaur roar: ‘STOP Duncan. I don’t like it!’ Duncan finally reveals where he hid Buttons, he apologises for being mean and perhaps, in the future, there is a chance that Scott and Duncan can be buddies.

Ideal for kids aged four to eight years, Katie Flannigan’s sympathetic story is a guiding light in the dark world of bullying. She poses an intriguing question to the reader – where does ‘brave’ come from? – and deftly answers that question through Scott’s actions: ‘brave’ comes from within, not outside yourself. Then Katie reveals the best way to manifest that bravery in the face of relentless bullying: by verbally standing up for yourself. In addition, there is a lovely nod to the importance of support networks for those who are bullied, with Scott’s friend Rosie standing beside him every step of the way.

P.J. Reece offers a calming colour palette dominated by greyish blues and muted greens to soften the impact of a difficult subject for young children. When he does use an eye-catching colour, it is to draw attention to the source of Scott’s bravery – first it is the subtle red of Buttons’ shirt (when the teddy helps Scott to feel brave), then it is the stronger red of Scott’s helmet (as he begins to think about being brave), then it is the fiery red of Scott in his dinosaur outfit (as he bravely stands up to Duncan). In the end, Scott is a knight complete with a red jerkin, because he now wears his braveness with pride.

Brimming with positivity and practicality, A Boy, his Bear and a Bully will inspire all youngsters who are intimidated by others to take back their power in a productive way. From this position of strength, a hopeful prospect can be easily perceived.

A Boy, his Bear, and a Bully

Katie Flanagan has her debut picture book A Boy, his Bear, and a Bully due for release next month (August 2021). It is beautifully illustrated by PJ Reece and published by EK Books.

For some kids, school is a place full of friends and fun. For others, though, it is a lonely place where bullies pick on them and it feels impossible to be brave. Meet Scott, Buttons and Duncan, otherwise known as A Boy, His Bear, and a Bully.

Scott takes Buttons to school with him every day to help him feel brave. He must, because every day, Duncan is mean to him. Just this week, Duncan has called him names, ripped his painting, and stolen his snack from his lunchbox. Then Buttons goes missing. With his one comfort gone, Scott must look elsewhere to find his brave, and much to his surprise, he does.

A Boy, His Bear and a Bully addresses the global issue of bullying in a hopeful, gentle way that will resonate with children who have been on either side of a bullying incident. Seeing Scott learn to stand up for himself will help children who feel afraid of bullies face them in a constructive way. Scott’s bravery also inspires his friend Rosie to report Duncan’s bad behaviour to a teacher, giving children a positive model of assertive behaviour.

Scott's situation is extremely common across the world. His story provides children with clear guidance on what to do if they are also being bullied, and on the role that friends should play in such a scenario. It is a sensitive, inspiring conversation starter for children, carers, professionals, and anyone who wishes they could be brave.