Bully
PreSchool-Grade 3-Children familiar with Caseley's Field Day Friday  (2000) and Mickey's Class Play (1998, both Greenwillow) will  recognize the characters in this picture book. One afternoon,  Mickey berates Jack for deliberately stepping on his foot. A few  days later, readers discover that Jack has begun to harass his  friend, stealing part of his lunch, breaking his pencil, and  tripping him. Mickey's parents and sister suggest ways to  understand or rectify the situation (use "brave" words because  bullies are cowards; try to be nice because Jack must be feeling  unhappy). At last, the boy is able to bring about a truce with  some spontaneously offered cookies and a few kind words. The  bully in this story is feeling neglected and out of sorts  because of a new sibling at home. The friendship is resurrected,  and though Jack does not apologize, readers will understand that  his turnaround means that he, too, was unhappy about his  behavior. Children who are the victims of true meanness from a  classmate may find that Mickey's problem is rather easily  resolved. Caseley's lighthearted, colorful, and detailed  drawings, rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and black pen,  give an appealing portrayal of Mickey's school and home life,  and are the book's strongest point.Kathie Meizner, Montgomery  County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MDCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.