The Book of Mean People

by Slade Morrison and Toni Morrison

Book Overview

Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre. Toni Morrison's second picture book written with her son, Slade Morrison, offers a humorous look at how children interpret daily events. Sometimes people are mean intentionally, sometimes not. But this wise child, rendered as a delightful cartoon bunny by Pascal Lemaitre, learns how to rise above all meanness in the end. In full-colour throughout. Ages 4-8.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786805404
• ISBN13: 9780786805402
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.5" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 3 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Kindergarten

Customer Reviews

My Book of Mean People

The is a terrific way for children to express their anger and fears about people who frustrate, control, threaten, tease, or ignore them - all with a sense of humor. I am a child/family psychologist and often provide this journal to my young clients as we work to process negative emotions.

A chance for discussion

I can certainly see why some would disagree with the portrayl of parents, teachers, etc. as mean but I agreee with some of the other positive reviews. I think the Morrision's give children validation for their experience of these expectations as "mean". As a parent it reminds me to not take it so personally or explain why it's not mean to make my son eat his breakfast but instead to acknowledge that in his experience it is mean. That doesn't make me change my decision but it does let me honor his feelings too. As a family therapist I think it can be a nice opening for parents and children to talk about how our feelings don't always match others intentions. And even more importantly it can be a chance to encourage children to talk about how to deal with feeling like they are being treated unfairly (a common complaint among children of almost any age). I would say that you should give it a chance, if nothing else it's a cute little book that gives your kid someone (even if they're fictional) who really understands their feelings.

Alternative viewpoint

I can't believe all the negative reviews this book has recieved on this site. Have these people never looked at the world through the eyes of children? Younger children (as well as many adolescents) see discipline and authority as "mean". It's helpful as a parent to be reminded of this and take the opportunities when we have to be "mean" (in their eyes) to explain why we do the things we do. "You have to eat your veggies because they help you stay healthy". "You have to obey because I want you to be safe". Etc, etc. I see this as a great book to be read to and with kids! It opens the door for discussions on the difference between behaviors that are truly mean (physical or emotional harm), things that annoy us (pesky little brothers), and things those in authority have us do for our own good (eating right, getting plenty of rest, etc.). Many, if not most children believe that adults live in a world where they can do anything they want. This book also creates a perfect opportunity for parents to talk about things we don't like to do and how we deal positively with the "mean" people we come in contact with. All in all a helpful book for those who chose to use it in a positive way.