 As long as there have been kids, there have been bullies. Teachers often have trouble discussing this issue with their classes, while parents find it hard to talk about with their kids. Children’s authors, such as Judy Blume, have long used the medium of books to reach bullies and their victims. Recently, another author has done the same.
Janet Ruth Heller, an assistant professor at Western Michigan University, has written How the Moon Regained Her Shape, a children’s book that encourages moms and dads to talk about this problem with their kids. The book is illustrated by Ben Hodson. Heller was inspired by Native American legends while writing her story. In the book, “the main character of the story, the moon, finds herself the target of the sun’s malicious insults,” the press release says. “While once the proud moon danced and laughed, she is now embarrassed and begins shrinking. A comet directs her to a Native American woman on earth who can heal her pain. The woman hugs the moon and shows her how important she is to the people and animals on earth. After regaining her confidence and full shape, the moon always remembers how valuable she is to her friends on earth when any bully insults her.” There is also a guide inside the book called “For Creative Minds.” Its purpose is to make the subject of astronomy enjoyable for kids. The portions of this guide are titled Moon Observations, Fun Facts, Native American Names for Full Moons, and How to Deal with Bullies. Heller is a member of both the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as the National Writers Union. Her book received the honor of Book Sense Selection in the summer of 2006. It is published by Sylvan Dell and is available at Amazon.com .  Until next time!
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