Seeing both sides of hurtful words and actions.

When our girls were growing up, I can remember working hard at teaching them the difference between teasing and bullying. Our motto was, “If it isn’t fun for everyone then it’s not fun!” With bullying being such an epidemic among children, they all need to know which is which, and when they are crossing the line.
The characters are very unusual as most books go; they are all a number “One”. What makes them different is the various colors except for “one”. (pardon the pun) He distinguished from the others by many colors and designs. His name is “One of a Kind.” Pretty catchy huh? The emphasis of course is how very unique he is compared to his peers.
He shares funny little characteristics about himself that make him special. Just as with anyone that isn’t like everyone else, he is teased a lot. To make it even worse is best friend teases him! One returns home from school after a particularly hard day and feels awful! He rushes into the house and tells is very wise Mom all that has happened.
She explains that teasing is just a part of life but there is a difference someone being playful or just mean. She also cautions him to look at himself and see what kind of kidding around he does. Mom shares coping skills with One to help him better respond to others. The next day he applies these each time he is teased or bullied. The day turns out great!
To a young child both activities are painful. This colorful book with funny characters is written rhyme which makes it even more appealing. It truly equips children to emotionally, mentally and verbally deal with teasing and bullying. At the end of the book are tips for adults to help children further. I love these books!! ( )

I really liked this book as it talks about the difference between teasing and bullying. Laughing at someone is never good but laughing with someone is always good. It's a concept that children need to learn. It is also about embracing differences which is a message people need to hear.

A great book to use to compare and contrast the terms bullying and teasing

One of a Kind (A Book about teasing vs. bullying) helps students understand the difference between friendly teasing and mean bullying. Students in all elementary grades will make connections to this book. There are numerous points to talk and discuss situations with children. The book offers suggestions to deal with bullying as well as a page of tips at the end for parents and educators. ( )