Something's Bothering Bertie

Something's Bothering Bertie / M. M. E. Grealish Bertie, one of a family of eight little bunnies, remembers just in time the good advice his parents gave him, "Never let anyone pat your fluffy white tail." It all happens when Bertie has a most unexpected confrontation with important Mr. Big-Wagg. Ah yes, Mr. Big-Wagg-a well-known rabbit in town-who invites all the little bunnies to come play in his garden. The same Mr. Big-Wagg who hands out toys and treats. "No one is nicer than Mr. Big-Wagg!" or so say the little bunnies. Children associate easily with animal protagonists, who span all races and cultures and older children do not feel offended by younger protagonists when they are animals. Remember Peter Rabbit, and his various run-ins with old Mr. McGregor, determined, by any means, to keep bunnies out of his vegetable garden-even to threatening to put them in a pie! Children love excitement and stories of near escapes! (Spoiler Alert: Little Bertie escapes completely unscathed!) The cozy atmosphere and warm illustrations will make this a story parents will want to read to their children and one that children will want to hear over and over again. Why a Story Like This? The underlying theme of the story, sexual abuse, is presented in such a subtle way that it could well go over the heads of younger children while allowing the deeper meaning to be absorbed gradually with maturity. Whatever the age of the reader, the story presents a unique opportunity for children to confide in their parents and equally reminds parents to be available at all times to their children and alert to even the smallest hint of a potential problem. Because the sad truth is: There are Mr. Big-Waggs in this world, although they may take many different forms. Extra Feature: The book includes a Note to Parents and Teachers which lists words from the story (e.g., bad, nice, rude, friend, stranger, etc.) to be discussed with children. Words have meaning and when communicating with children it is always crucial to understand their interpretation of particular words. REVIEWS ". . . [M. M. E. Grealish] does a nice job of presenting the subject to kids in a not-so-threatening way. Using bunnies is such a great idea! . . . . It raised so many points of discussion with my girls even beyond the subject matter at hand . . ." - Glenna H., Parent, Albany, NY "Teaching children about uncomfortable topics is not only the job of parents but also of educators. Finding a way to bring up and discuss those "touchy" subjects can be difficult whether you are with one child or a classroom full of children. M. M. E. Grealish has found a loving way in Something's Bothering Bertie to introduce child abuse through a bunny rabbit named Bertie. The story is informative without being scary yet shows the emotions a child feels when something is not right. The illustrations are beautiful and fit the story in a non-threatening way." - Kathy Dunne, Retired Educator, Summerville, SC "Once again [M. M. E.] Grealish fires the imagination of children with her latest short story, Something's Bothering Bertie, featuring bunnies, but warning children about insidious traps they may encounter in life . . . . [the story] encourages children to an open and constant communication with their parents for any problem and concern . . ." - Father Nicholas Capetola, CRM, Pastor Emeritus, Immaculate Conception Church, Goose Creek, SC ". . . What a clever and inspiring way to handle this important issue, with . . . animals and pets who talk, and walk, and get in trouble, and learn a lesson that is timeless. Children love these kinds of stories. They are non-threatening, exciting, but also have an incredible life-changing and life-learning message." - Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston, Charleston, SC Author: Children's writer/illustrator, M. M. E. Grealish, has worked over fifteen years in the Professional/Higher Education publishing industry.