Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully: A Freckleface Strawberry Story Book

This is one of those rare bully stories these days where the bully isn't actually a bully. Much of the mistaken identity is attributed to the power of the imagination'perceiving the big strong kid as a bully and the dodgeball as something that is out to seriously harm you. -but isn't it though? We had mornings where Natalya felt the same kind of dread, hoping against all odds they would not be playing dodgeball. The book does not downplay the existence of bullies or monsters or even fear, and it doesn't downplay the role of the imagination on a person's life.

Freckleface Strawberry's thought the ball would hurt, and had avoided play with Windy Pants Patrick. She also thought she could become a monster, practicing her role at the back while the game was being played. She imagined herself to be strong and fierce and agile. The power of the imagination can work for and against you.

The story has some lovely rhythmic moments. The sentences are as declarative as the expressions on Freckleface Strawberry's face'no, her whole body. LeUyen Pham fluidly sketches a distinct personality into the character. There is this beautiful moment where Freckleface Strawberry is curled into herself a bit in dread, and in some memory of a wince'already anticipating the sting of the ball. She hadn't left the house yet. I don't know if the Monster is in previous books, but I adore its appearance here. Her imagination is projected into a looming shadow of a Monster behind her, echoing her movements'until at last it goes to tip-toe away, anxious, too, about Windy Pants Patrick and the dodgeball. With Moore's dramatic tension and Pham's ability to create dimension we arrive at the moment of truth with the same sentiment to which Freckleface Strawberry comes'"Oh!" I love learning the lessons alongside the character, and Moore plays off common misperceptions and worry well to deliver a nice turn. Pham artfully brings the inner workings to the page. It is a lovely partnership.

L (omphaloskepsis)