Picture books about tackling bullying
Bullying can happen at any stage of life - our picks of picture books will help children learn to recognize bullying and teach the importance of showing kindness to others.
The Big Bad Bug, by Kate Read
A bullying beetle gets his comeuppance in this fun, colourful story full of cute bugs and insects.
Little Dinos Don't Bully, by Christianne C. Jones
Little Dino wants to be kind and understanding. She never wants to be a bully! Little Dino works on positive behaviours and always tries to be her best self in this encouraging board book.
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Speak Out, Leonard!, by Jessie James
Leonard is a clueless and softly spoken shrew. He can be a bit shy and finds it hard to make his voice heard. This sometimes means he misses out on some of the exciting experiences life has to offer: tasty seed snacks, playing games with the other children at break time, or being the first in the class to answer a question he knows he has the answer to. But when Leonard sees a friend being picked on by a bully in the playground can he find the courage to speak out and save the day?
How to Be a Lion, by Ed Vere
Meet Leonard - a lion like no other. Leonard's best friend is Marianne, a duck. But lions chomp ducks, don't they? And what will the pair do when their way of life is threatened?
Peggy the Always Sorry Pigeon, by Wendy Meddour and Carmen Saldana
Peggy is an apologetic pigeon. She always assumes she's in the wrong. Even when she's the one getting bullied. But Cynthia, an older female seagull, gives her the necessary skills to stand up for herself.
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I Walk With Vanessa: a Story About a Simple Act of Kindness. by Kerascoët
Inspired by real events, this simple yet powerful picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.
I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. With themes of acceptance, kindness, and strength in numbers, this timeless and profound feel-good story will resonate with readers young and old.
Elmer and the Big Bird, by David McKee
One day, Elmer notices that there are no birds around. How strange! Soon he finds them hiding from the nasty bully bird in a nearby cave. The bully bird is mean and likes to frighten little birds. Led by Elmer, the animals work together to frighten off the bully - and succeed!
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Troll Stinks, by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross
Billy Goat and his best friend Cyril are messing about with the farmer's mobile phone, taking selfies and playing games - until they find the number for a troll. Their Grandpa Gruff says trolls are bad, so Billy and Cyril decide to get their own back by sending mean messages. After all, trolls really do stink! Don't they?
Something Else, by Kathryn Cave
A simple story, about a small creature who does his best to join in with the others. But he's different. No matter how he tries, he just doesn't belong. Then Something turns up and wants to be friends - but Something Else isn't sure he's like him at all.
Tyrannosaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson & David Roberts
Everyone knows that tyrannosauruses are big and scary, so when a placid duckbill dinosaur's egg ends up in the wrong nest confusion is sure to ensue. When the baby dinosaur hatches out, he's so out of place that his grisly big sisters call him Tyrannosaurus Drip.
Find more information, resources and suggested reading on tackling bullying →