Dumb Old Casey is a Fat Tree

by Barbara Bottner

Book Overview

When Mr. Hallick asks his second graders what they plan to be when they grow up, Casey Stoner writes ballet dancer. And though she's not nearly as good as the other girls in her ballet class, she is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060206160
• ISBN13: 9780060206161
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 42 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Positive Messages

I enjoyed this book a lot as a child. Casey was very easy to identify with, and the book offered great lessons about perseverance and having a positive attitude. This book will show children that they should still put in the effort even when they don't get the position they hoped for and that they can shine even if they are not the lead. I think these are lessons that, while applying to dance, transcend the book's subject matter and can apply to many parts of a person's life.

One of my favorites growing up

I was a girl just like Casey growing up and encountered very similar situations as she did in this story. Casey made me feel not so bad about being chubby and I felt as a child this was a very humanizing story. I loved how instead of being down about being cast as a tree, she changes her perspective and shines. This was an inspirational story for me the chubby little girl, who often felt like an outcast and Casey helped me to believe in myself.

good but not great kids' book

I remember my friend introducing me to this book when I was in the second grade. I did enjoy it back then and recently got a copy. It is about a chubby little girl who takes ballet lessons and is the target for teasing from the snooty girls in her class. Her only friend at ballet is a girl who is self concious because she is so skinny. For the recital Casey gets the part of a tree. She wanted a bigger part and is disapointed. However, she decides to make the best of the situation and be the most graceful tree she can be. She does a terrific job and her self esteem soars. It has great illustrations. My only concern, though, is that I don't know how overweight kids would react to this book. I was not chubby as a child, so I didn't take offense when I read the cruel remarks kids said to Casey. I am not sure if a chubby kid would feel inspired by this book, or just more depressed about their weight.