Product Description

"Kevin repeatedly faces the terrorist tactics of Sammy, the self-appointed king of the playground. . . . Kevin returns home each time to an encouraging conversation with his father, (who helps) Kevin use his wits in an imaginative showdown with Sammy. . . . Humorous and realistic."--The Horn Book. Full color.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #82676 in Books
• Published on: 1994-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780689718021
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- Sammy, self-proclaimed ``King of the Playground,'' will not let Kevin play on the swings, slide, or monkey bars. Fortunately, Kevin's father, who believes that words are stronger than fists, subtly suggests ways to best the bully, and a friendship between the two boys begins. There are several admirable touches here: the relationship between son and father (shown making soup, washing the car, digging in the garden--no mother is mentioned); the typical reactions of the boys to one another; and the father's humor and gentleness. Malone's pictures are reminiscent of Lillian Hoban's illustrations for Miriam Cohen's ``First Grade'' stories (Greenwillow), with their subdued colors, rumpled T-shirts, and heads just a little too large for the bodies. Kevin, the creatures of his imagination, and Sammy could belong to the same class. A warm, comforting story with a smart solution to a childhood problem. --Suzanne Wolfe, formerly at Shady Side Academy Junior School, Pittsburgh
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Each day Kevin presents himself at the playground, only to be ousted by Sammy's threats (``...he'll dig a hole so deep I'll never get out''); each day Dad mildly points out that Sammy's fierce notions are impractical (``And what would you be doing while Sammy was tying you up? Just sitting there?''), helping Kevin to realize that he's not helpless (``...while Sammy was nailing one door shut, we could walk out the other''). Finally, Kevin gets up his courage and counters Sammy's threats with an imaginative--and logical--verbal exchange. Then, to Sammy's ultimate outlandish threat, Kevin says simply, ``Try it''--and the two settle down to play in the sandbox together. Naylor brings wit and good sense to this model exercise in problem solving and conflict resolution. Malone's characters are suitably lively and expressive; her imaginary scenes are differentiated by slightly muted colors. Entertaining and salutory. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From the Publisher
Kevin loves to go to the playground, but not when Sammy is there. And Sammy, who boasts that he is King of the Playground, is there most of the time. If he catches Kevin on the swings or the slide or the monkey bars, Sammy says, he will do awful, terrible things to him. Kevin tells his dad what Sammy says and they talk it over.

And then one day Kevin gets his courage up and goes to the playground even though Sammy says he can't come in. Even though Sammy tells him to go home. Even though Sammy says he will put Kevin in a cage with bears in it.

Will Kevin stay, or will he go home? How will he deal with Sammy?

Customer Reviews

great problem solving and coping skills exhibited
As a Kindergarten teacher I make a point to read this book every year to my students, to show them that a scary or seemingly hopeless situation can result in a good friendship with a little perservernce and creativity. I like the fact that the Dad was a good source of support for the child, and that the Dad is shown working outside and inside the house in some non-traditional roles. Buoyed by his father's support, Kevin returns to the playground, always trying new ways to secure a spot on the playground. Children need more tools like this for resolving conflict in a non-violent manner.

This is an outstanding book for children to read.
This book will definitely appeal to many children, especially those who may be dealing with a bully. Everyday Kevin walks to the neighborhood playground in hope of having great fun. But each day, without failure, a boy named Sammy is there. Whenever Kevin approaches a piece of equipment, Sammy will say he can not go on it because he is the "King of the Playground" then threatens to hurt Kevin if he does not listen. Together, Kevin and his father discuss what Sammy is doing to Kevin, and they work through the difficult situation. Soon Kevin gains enough confidence to stand up for himself, and does with remarkable results! I enjoyed seeing how Kevin could open up to his father and how they, together worked out the problem. The understandable text and colorful illustrations flow together smoothly, and add a great deal of feeling to the plot.

Brain Over Brawn
Kevin yearns to play on the playground equipment in his neighborhood, but a bully named Sam won't let him. He proclaims himself "King of the Playground" and threatens Kevin with bodily harm if Kevin dare use any of the play equipment.

Kevin wisely takes his problem to his father. I like the way father and son interacted and I like the bond between them. That made a good story even better. Kevin's father makes gentle suggestions to the boy about what he thinks might work with Sam; he tells him that "words are stronger than fists." By using his analytical and reasoning skills, Kevin in time befriends Sam and the boys as well as other children enjoy the playground in peace.