Pinky and Rex and the Bully

by James Howe Narrated by Christina Moore

Overview

Pinky has gotten on the bad side of Kevin, the third grade bully. Kevin thinks Pinky is a sissy because he wears pink, rides a pink bike and plays with Rex-a girl. He even knocks Pinky off his bike. If that's not embarrassing enough, Mrs. Morgan-an old woman-has to rescue Pinky! Pinky is so upset, he decides to change his name to Billy and lets his sister Amanda take all his stuffed animals because they're all pink. Will Mrs. Morgan and Rex find a way for Pinky to be himself, or has he changed forever? James Howe's popular series is loved by children across the nation. When children listen to one of these magical books, they can't wait to hear the rest. Christina Moore's dazzling narration will make children of all ages cheer when Pinky and Kevin meet for the final time.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3Pinky is forced into an identity crisis when his nickname and favorite color is deemed girlish by a bully. He wonders if, now that he's seven, it's time to change. An elderly neighbor suggests that he remain true to himself and question the "rules of behavior" instead. With his pal Rex (a girl) at his side, Pinky verbally confronts his tormentor. The older boy's aggressive bluster crumbles in the face of Pinky's new confidence. As in the previous books in the series, Howe affirms that boys (and girls) can be whatever they want to be. He fashions engaging characters who respond to their situations in a realistic, childlike fashion. Sweet's watercolor illustrations complement the gentle tale. Pair this title with Dan Millman's Secret of the Peaceful Warrior (H.J. Kramer, 1991), and you'll have ample food for a lively discussion on how children can respect one another and resolve their differences in a nonviolent manner.Marilyn Taniguchi, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Kirkus Reviews

This anachronistic entry about a popular duo in the Ready-to- Read series addresses gender issues for newly independent readers. Second-grader Pinky is bullied by third-grader Kevin for his friendship with a girl, best buddy Rex, and for his love of the color pink. Kevin warns Anthony not to play with Pinky, or "You might turn into a girl, too!" Pinky, whose real name is William, is upset enough that he asks to be called Billy and decides to end his friendship with Rex, too. An elderly neighbor, Mrs. Morgan, tells him her own childhood tale of lost identity, and Pinky finds the courage to stare Kevin down.

Howe (Pinky and Rex and the New Baby, 1993, etc.) sends a positive message to children to be themselves, an idea sensitively illustrated by Sweet. But Mrs. Morgan's monologues are laced with preachiness and compassion that seem more convenient than real. Meanwhile, Rex is only a marginal figure, barely sketched into the tale; all her behavior is described rather than shown.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171196516
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	06/07/2013
Series:	Pinky and Rex , #8
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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