Product Description

Simon is having a bad day; a bad hair day. First his sister gives him a strange hair cut, then his friends tease him. Simon doesn't know what to do. Lucky for him he runs into Grandma Rose. After listening to his sorrowful story she helps him learn an important life lesson; how to handle teases and put-downs. By comparing teases to fishing hooks she tells him a tale of how fish learned not to bite. With fanciful characters such as Harmony Hippy Fish, Freddie Fang, Max the Mouse Fish and more, Simon learns that he, too, can swim free from the teasing hooks that people toss his way.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19271 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-Simon experiences a "bad hair day" after his sister cuts out portions of his hair to remove some chewing gum. When his friends tease him, the boy rushes home in tears. He finds consolation when his Grandmother Rose tells him "a fish story" that illustrates the pitfalls of providing an easy target for teasing by "biting the hook." Simon's self-esteem returns, and he rejoins his friends and withstands their comments by following his grandmother's sage advice. Burnett concludes with useful information for adults about teasing and instructions for using the book. The "sticks and stones" theme is patently obvious, and is presented in a didactic and patronizing manner that glosses over the real emotional turmoil children experience. The grandmother's wisdom and Simon's transparent gullibility also contribute to the condescension. The full-color illustrations are of average quality. Notwithstanding the positive theme of the book, the story is too contrived to make it plausible for bibliotherapy.
Paul Kelsey, East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library, LA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Midwest Book Review, October 1999
All children experience the taunts and teasings of other children. Karen Burnett is an elementary school counselor with more than 20 years experience and has written a wonderful picturebook story (charmingly illustrated by Laurie Barrows) that offers an intriguing, entertaining, and proven technique that kids can employ when feeling hurt or confused as a result of teasing by friends, peers or siblings. Simon's Hook: A Story About Teases and Put-Downs helps children to recognize they have choices and through the use of a fishing analogy, Burnett shows them how to "swim free" of feeling helpless, trapped, stuck, or powerless and able only to hit back or run away. Simon's Hook is recommended reading for boys and girls ages 6 and up, and a "must" for all school and public library collections.

The National Parenting Center November 1999
Simon's Hook has been selected to receive The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval.

Customer Reviews

Don't Take The Bait
This is a book that every child should read or have read to them before going into school to get a good perspective of how not to take the bait. My copy is ragged from reading it with my 3 children.Another book that parents should have in their library way before school starts is Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying. This is an invaluable resource and tool for parents from a proactive and intervention standpoint.The tips, strategies... if used will prevent your child from being a victim or a bully. A must-read for parents.

review
The clients I work with enjoy this book. This book provides techniques to deal with bullies, which is useful for all children.

Great Book for Kids and Adults!!!
Yes, adults, too. There are some pretty mean adults around, and you can use these same technics!! This book writes it in a way that kids will get it, that they shouldn't react to teases and put-downs. Excellent book. A+