DON’T LAUGH AT ME

An admirable message but this is as didactic as it gets. The over-sized faces of the children and their wide-eyed expressions seem to emphasize the impact teasing has on a child’s emotions. Clearly from the title, one realizes that the message is meant to combat teasing and bullying through the use of literature and a rendition of the country music hit used by Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame) as the basis for his anti-bullying foundation of the same name. The CD, with the song written and recorded by authors and songwriters Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin, is included. The song was written specifically to aid all children to live in a kinder, safer, and more supportive environment; now the song lyrics have become the text for this rendering. All types of reasons are the subject for teasing: having braces or glasses, being chosen last, being “slower” than others in the class. The beggar on the street and those who are “different” all are subjected to stares and laughing. In his afterword, Yarrow points to the many schools and organizations that have joined Operation Respect: “Don’t Laugh at Me.” This effort is, as Yarrow states, “part of spreading the message.” Terribly didactic—but not all that offensive in its obviousness. Libraries will need to have the book and CD available for patrons who want to support this program. (Picture book. 4-9)