Over the past several years, we have heard a great deal about the “Bully” situation. It turns out that bullies exist at all age levels. Yes, even kids can be bullies. That is why Dr. Elana Ashley, of Northbrook, has written her book “Big Bully Holly Howler” featuring Splunkunio Splunkey, a detective and peacemaker. This is her second case with this character. The book features colorful illustrations of “puppet figures” that are each of the characters in the story.
The story itself is the usual story of schoolyard behavior, where bigger “kids” pick on smaller “kids”. Instead of “kids” we get animal puppet figures, making it far easier for the kids to comprehend without drawing conclusions. Since the origination of TV shows such as “Sesame Street” and lots of furry creatures, kids are far easier to pay attention to these puppets over actual “kids”.
I gave the book to my grandkids to read. They are under 10 and they understood what the Doctor was saying.
The story is about Ellie Elephant being picked on by Holly Howler (AKA Big Bully Holly Howler). What could she do? She went to her friend, our hero, detective/peacemaker Splunkey for assistance. Splunkey advises her to talk to Eli Elephant for help. Maybe Holly needed help herself and was only mean because she was alone. Eli told Ellie to act natural and show Holly that she was not afraid. Ellie acted more like a friend than a scared elephant and then we saw that Holly changed. She just needed to have a friend.
She apologized to the teacher and to the other “kids” in the class. Both Sarah and Rebecca enjoyed the story and were able to relate to their own classes in school. They have both seen cases where bullying took place. After reading the book, Sarah decided to take a stand with one of those kids and befriend her. It took a few opportunities before she got through, but now they greet each other daily with a smile and or a hug. This book can make a difference.
The book is also available in Spanish “Caso Segundo: La gran abusiva Holly Howler”, which I gavc to a Latina to read. Angelica, an eight year old, loved the book and said she felt better about her own life from reading it.
Dr. Ashley is trying to reach America (while there is still a chance to save some of our youth), so that children and adults will be on a path of open and honest communication and respectful behavior to others. We can become the great nation (despite what our leadership preaches) and achieve the greatness we have strived for over the generations since America came to be.
To learn more, visit www.DrElanaAshley.com.
The book(s) is/are available at Amazon http://www.amazon.com book 97814819566
The price $16.95
More Stories
“Birds, Frogs,Crickets, & Dogs”- Music of the Baroque reviewed by Julia W. Rath
Special Gifts Theatre company- presents “Moana, jr.”
Staged Reading of a new play- Skokie Theatre