Sami the Magic Bear by Murielle Bourdon
Goodreads Rating: 5 stars
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
The author, Murielle Bourdon, reached out to me via email to review a copy of Sami the Magic Bear: No to Bullying.
Thomas is a 9 year old child who is very depressed and upset. He is bullied constantly by kids at school. On the day of his birthday, he is pushed down and hurt by another child in school. This child also runs off with Thomas’ new baseball cap. Thomas did not want to tell his parents, so he made up a story about losing his hat and falling on the ground and hitting his face. Thomas’ grandparents came to Thomas’ house for his birthday and gave him Sami. While Thomas was crying later that night, Sami came to life and provided Thomas an idea on how to address this bullying issue. The next day, Thomas provided this idea to the principal. This idea was that the bully and Thomas would work together. Thomas would help tutor in French and math, and the bully, Victor, would coach Thomas to play basketball. The end of the story concluded that Victor was most improved in math and French, while Thomas was asked to join the basketball team.
I think this story was cute, however, I am not certain of the full relevancy. I am aware this is a child’s book so it took a difficult conversation and tried to give it a positive outcome. I think in some situations, what Thomas suggested be done may work. Working with abused and neglected children for a living, I do not know if this will work as many of the bullying an abused or neglected child may do to others, may stem from the treatment they received when they were abused or neglected. I think, as a way for parents to begin a conversation on not bullying, this book is appropriate.
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