Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen

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Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Scott Magoon (Candlewick, 2012) is about a rough-edged dog who learns to have a little bit of a softness to him when fuzzy white bunnies begin following him around. Although Mike doesn’t want to be known as a softy, the fuzzy bunnies begin to grow on him. As they become friends, he defends his image as a mean guy by standing up to his friends on behalf of the bunnies.

It was a cute story of learning to accept friends for who they are and being willing to think outside the box. As an adult, I wasn’t crazy about the ending message. I personally thought Mike should abandon his meanness and become a little soft around the edges, maybe learn that it’s okay to be a fuzzy bunny. But as it was, it was still a funny story of learning to accept others. 

Kid thoughts (age 5):  “I didn’t like that bunnies kept appearing.” Apparently he doesn’t like cute fuzzy bunnies?

Reviewed on October 12, 2012

About the author 

Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mother seeking to make the journey of life-long learning fun by reading lots of good books. Rebecca Reads provides reviews of children's literature she has enjoyed with her children; nonfiction that enhances understanding of educational philosophies, history and more; and classical literature that Rebecca enjoys reading.

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