Noni Speaks Up

by Heather Hartt-Sussman, Geneviève Côté (Illustrator)

Overview

Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. Noni stands by silently, afraid that the kids will turn on her if she speaks up. Yet "doing nothing" doesn't feel very good. Will Noni be brave enough to take matters into her own hands? 

Heather Hartt-Sussman's charming story, complemented by the playful, expressive illustrations of Geneviève Côté, is a heartwarming exploration of conquering fear and finding the courage to help others.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781770498402
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	02/09/2016
Series:	Noni
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	24
File size:	16 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Heather Hartt-Sussman, born in Montreal, graduated from Brandeis University and attended the Sorbonne. She has been a copywriter for BCP in Montreal, a reporter for the Hollywood Reporter, editor-in-chief for international news for TV Guide in French Canada, where she was columnist of the popular "Heather Hartt in Hollywood" and host of E! Entertainment Television's The Gossip Show. She is author of the acclaimed picture books Nana's Getting Married, Here Comes Hortense! and Nana's Summer Surprise. Her first two books about Noni, Noni Says No and Noni Is Nervous, were both finalists for Ontario's Blue Spruce Award. Heather Hartt-Sussman lives in Toronto.

Geneviève Côté has illustrated numerous books for children, including the first two Noni stories, and is the author-illustrator of Bob's Hungry Ghost as well as a number of other picture books. She has received many awards and honors for her work, including Canada's most prestigious literary prize, the Governor-General's Award for Children's Illustration. Her art has also been featured in such publications as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Geneviève Côté lives in Montreal.

Editorial Reviews

"The impressionistic illustrations perfectly convey Noni's emotions .... This book could generate good discussion about standing up for one's self and handling difficult relationships, including ways to establish and maintain friendships when everyone involved has a chance to react honestly and without fear." - School Library Journal


“Noni Speaks Up would be particularly useful for parents and teachers as a read-aloud. Young readers could participate in a shared reading experience or could dramatize the story by taking on the roles of the characters in the story. They could also discuss what happens after the picture book ends. The story will provide the basis for lively discussion with parents. caregivers or teachers on topics such as bullying, peer pressure, friendship, responsibility and caring for others.” - CM Magazine


“.... this tale shines a beacon of light on the issue [of bullying] .... Noni gives children the courage to speak out against bullying .... Cote’s always charming illustrations support the theme with zest and humour.” - Resource Links

From the Publisher

06/01/2016
K-Gr 2—Noni tries to display proper manners at all times; she gives up her seat to the elderly, holds open the door for an expecting mother, and assists a gentleman when his loose change hits the floor. Her well-intentioned actions stop short, however, when she struggles to defend a bullied child at school. Noni reflects on how growing up has caused her to lose her way, as she now values others' opinions more than her own. The narrative sways slightly off track in its earnest message when the girl finally addresses the bullying directly: "Finito! Kaput! She is done with standing by and doing nothing. D-O-N-E. DONE!" The child-centric story line displays Noni's feelings with realism: "But Noni is so afraid of making enemies that she just stands there. Speechless." Digital illustrations depict the protagonist growing in confidence, with bright red circles on her rosy cheeks against her otherwise pale complexion. Shifting perspective conveys the bully's diminishing power; the taunting child's jeering mouth initially expresses defiance but is starkly contrasted when the bully shrinks in size after Noni asserts herself. This title effectively captures a child's internal struggle as she takes responsibility for her actions, making this one of the stronger selections available to tackle bullying behavior for a young audience. VERDICT A strong selection for one-on-one reading or for starting a classroom discussion.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

School Library Journal