You’re Mean, Lily Jean tells the story of a new girl who moves into the neighbourhood. Lily Jean is the same age as Sandy and is domineering and a braggart. She joins Sandy and her younger sister Carly for a couple of playdates. Lily Jean does not want Carly to be a part of their imaginary games and each time the three girls play together, Lily Jean dictates what they will play and how they will play. She gives the younger sister, Carly, the less desirable “parts” in their imaginary world. Lily Jean and Sandy are the king and queen, Carly is told to be the dog. Lily and Sandy are cowgirls, Carly is told to be the cow. “She did not want to moo or eat grass, but Lily Jean said she had to if she wanted to play. So she did.”

Lily Jean’s smug appearance and Carly’s bitter disappointment are depicted beautifully by Ms. Denton. Readers will cheer for Carly when Sandy decides she would prefer to play with her younger sister than with an overbearing bully.

You’re Mean Lily Jean is best suited to children four and up. It offers many opportunities for children to consider each girl’s perspective and ways to resolve difficult social situations.

On our list of Wonderful Canadian Picture Books
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Carly always played with her big sister, Sandy. They played dragons and knights, explorers and pirates. Then Lily Jean moved in next door. Carly and Sandy are happy to have a new friend join their games. But Lily Jean changes everything. Tired of being bossed around, Carly comes up with a way to teach Lily a lesson.
AGE:3-5
SOURCE: PATCH LIBRARY JBLM

This is a great book to teach students about bullying. Carly and her sister get tired of Lily Jean always bossing them around. This book shows children that it is better to be friends with someone than it is to be mean to someone.

Loved the way this story handles bullying when Lily Jean the bully after being excluded asks I will do anything. The response was "Can you be nice?" Students loved this book and certainly can relate.