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Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean
Glee actress Jane Lynch takes a look at bullying head-on in her first picture book.
Marlene is the self-appointed queen of the playground, the sidewalk, and the school. She is small but mighty…intimidating! Known for her cruel ways, the little Queen of Mean has kids cowering in fear-until big Freddy stands up to her and says what everyone has been too fearful to say. In Seussian rhyme, actress Jane Lynch, clinical psychologist Lara Embry, and former children's book editor A. E. Mikesell gently and comically depict the undoing of a bully and her efforts to reform. Tricia Tusa's charming illustrations make the story an even more accessible conversation starter for all ages.
Marlene is the self-appointed queen of the playground, the sidewalk, and the school. She is small but mighty…intimidating! Known for her cruel ways, the little Queen of Mean has kids cowering in fear-until big Freddy stands up to her and says what everyone has been too fearful to say. In Seussian rhyme, actress Jane Lynch, clinical psychologist Lara Embry, and former children's book editor A. E. Mikesell gently and comically depict the undoing of a bully and her efforts to reform. Tricia Tusa's charming illustrations make the story an even more accessible conversation starter for all ages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2014
About the author
Jane Lynch
19 books86 followersJane Marie Lynch is an American comedienne, actress and singer. Since 2009, she has played the role of Sue Sylvester in the Fox musical-comedy series Glee for which she has won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She has also played roles in comedies such as Best in Show, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Role Models, as well as for her recurring roles as lawyer Joyce Wischina in The L Word, Dr. Linda Freeman, Charlie's sarcastic therapist on Two and a Half Men and as Spencer Reid's mother, Dr. Diana Reid on Criminal Minds. She has appeared on iCarly as Sam's mother. She was also a regular on the comedy-drama series Party Down as Constance Carmell; the role garnered her positive critical response.
Lynch, who is openly gay, married clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Embry on May 31, 2010 at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, Massachusetts.
Lynch, who is openly gay, married clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Embry on May 31, 2010 at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 27, 2014
Unfortunately, celebrity-penned children's books tend to make me cringe because I've read so many terrible ones (most recently...How Roland Rolls). But, this one has one huge plus right from the start - Tricia Tusa's awesome illustrations- so I gave it a go on my lunch break, and I'm thrilled I did. Cute anti-bullying story with a lilting rhyming text that should be a read-aloud hit. I hope Jane Lynch continues to bring us more of these! Can't wait to order for home!
March 10, 2015
I am usually a bit wary of celebrity picture books but the more I heard Jane Lynch talk about how she used to be a bully the more I wanted to read it. Plus you should always be wary of girls with huge bows on their heads. That is one thing I learned from Saturday morning cartoons.
The book is simple enough with rhyming couplets that describe the atrocities that Marlene creates across the playground. She rules the school yard until one boy stands up and asks "Why?" Why is she ruling us? Especially since she is so small. The wind is taken out of Marlene's sails and she realizes that having power over people do not make friends.
The best part is that Marlene does slip back into her mean streak every once in a while. It is more believable than if she suddenly became perfect. Plus it is a good teaching moment for kids that even if people change they can still make mistakes and hurt you. Marlene backslides but still tries to be good most of the time.
It is a good book to add to the anti-bully pile. I would check it out of the library rather than run out and buy it though.
The book is simple enough with rhyming couplets that describe the atrocities that Marlene creates across the playground. She rules the school yard until one boy stands up and asks "Why?" Why is she ruling us? Especially since she is so small. The wind is taken out of Marlene's sails and she realizes that having power over people do not make friends.
The best part is that Marlene does slip back into her mean streak every once in a while. It is more believable than if she suddenly became perfect. Plus it is a good teaching moment for kids that even if people change they can still make mistakes and hurt you. Marlene backslides but still tries to be good most of the time.
It is a good book to add to the anti-bully pile. I would check it out of the library rather than run out and buy it though.
December 11, 2015
Cute illustrations, but Marlene's change was too forced IMO.
February 27, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of celebrity-written picture books, but....this one is really great! Jane Lynch does a fantastic job in the rhythm and rhyme of the story. It isn't just simple rhyming couplets. In addition to the wonderful style, the story is also a good one. Of course, we have Marlene is the bully of the class and has everyone afraid of her. Finally, one person stands up and makes the case that the class shouldn't be afraid of her. Once the other students refuse to let themselves be bothered by her, Marlene loses her power and breaks out of her bully routine. Marlene has to become a different person so she chooses to be nice, most of the time.
Most of the time. That is something else I like about this book. Marlene still slips up and has some meanness come out, but she keeps trying and for the most part is doing a good job being nice.
This is definitely one you'll want for your collection and it will pair wonderfully with The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill.
Most of the time. That is something else I like about this book. Marlene still slips up and has some meanness come out, but she keeps trying and for the most part is doing a good job being nice.
This is definitely one you'll want for your collection and it will pair wonderfully with The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill.
April 22, 2015
This is a rhyming book about bullying. Marlene, Queen of Mean was really hiding behind a mask. Inside, she just wanted to be liked and a part of a group. Once her meanness breaks, her old self only comes out, once in awhile, in very small ways.
November 26, 2019
I only read it because Jane Lynch said that she used to be a bully and she came out with this hilarious book. I actually like the rhymes and the cute illustrations depicting mean Marlene with her big bow and no bark.
Read
December 11, 2014Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
Marlene is the self-appointed Queen of the playground. And everywhere else for that matter. Known for her cruel ways, Marlene has all the children afraid of her, that is until Freddy stands up to her. Soon, Marlene finds that her mean ways aren't making her friends or enemies.
I guess it was inevitable that Jane Lynch, who has made a living out of playing the bully, would write a book about bullying. Just like it was no surprise when Julianna Moore wrote about redheads. As with any celebrity children's book, I go into these things with a good deal of skepticism. It's not that I don't think these celebrities can't write for children, after all we creative types have a tendency to be good at many different creative things. It's that I imagine they don't hear a whole lot of no's. This is how I imagine these things go down:
Celebrity: (while doing an interview) And one day I hope to write a children's book because I love kids.
Editor/Publisher: OMG! Who is his/her publicist? Call them up. Tell them we will sign their book.
Random Logical Publishing Person: But what is the book about?
Editor/Publisher: Doesn't matter. We need that book. A conservative print run of 200,000 books should be good.
Random Logical Publishing Person: What if they can't write?
Editor/Publisher: We will hire a ghost writer or maybe some people with degrees and they can do most of the writing and vetting.
Random Logical Publishing Person: ummmm....
Editor/Publisher: Look. I hate it too, but this will sell. And if we keep publishing a few celebrity books every year, then we can afford to publish the really good books by authors no one knows...yet. It's a devil's bargain.
Random Logical Publishing Person: Sigh. Should I call them or you?
Now, I do work in publishing, but I work for an academic publisher which means it is a completely different ballgame over here. To be fair, I'm sure the conversation is much more nuanced than this.
Where's the review you ask? It is simply this, I am surprised that two psychologists helped write this book because Marlene, the Queen of Mean, very magically stops being mean, and simply because someone finally stood up to her. I stood up to my bully once. I got punched in the stomach and she continued to bully people. Another bully was brazen in his attempts to humiliate me, even in front of adults, and his parents seemed to encourage it. What did I get when I told the other kids that he was just a bully and a liar? Another punch to the gut. Literally. Some kids may grow out of their bullying ways, some only do it to one child and then learn their lesson, and some are psychotic sadists that will continue to bully people in oh so subtle ways for the rest of their lives.
There were some nice lines in the rhyming text and the illustrations are engaging, but the story just felt too neat and tidy. If only we could all deal with our bullies this way and then watch as they magically transform into nicer people. I like the message of not letting bullies steal your power, but felt like it could have been presented very differently.
Marlene is the self-appointed Queen of the playground. And everywhere else for that matter. Known for her cruel ways, Marlene has all the children afraid of her, that is until Freddy stands up to her. Soon, Marlene finds that her mean ways aren't making her friends or enemies.
I guess it was inevitable that Jane Lynch, who has made a living out of playing the bully, would write a book about bullying. Just like it was no surprise when Julianna Moore wrote about redheads. As with any celebrity children's book, I go into these things with a good deal of skepticism. It's not that I don't think these celebrities can't write for children, after all we creative types have a tendency to be good at many different creative things. It's that I imagine they don't hear a whole lot of no's. This is how I imagine these things go down:
Celebrity: (while doing an interview) And one day I hope to write a children's book because I love kids.
Editor/Publisher: OMG! Who is his/her publicist? Call them up. Tell them we will sign their book.
Random Logical Publishing Person: But what is the book about?
Editor/Publisher: Doesn't matter. We need that book. A conservative print run of 200,000 books should be good.
Random Logical Publishing Person: What if they can't write?
Editor/Publisher: We will hire a ghost writer or maybe some people with degrees and they can do most of the writing and vetting.
Random Logical Publishing Person: ummmm....
Editor/Publisher: Look. I hate it too, but this will sell. And if we keep publishing a few celebrity books every year, then we can afford to publish the really good books by authors no one knows...yet. It's a devil's bargain.
Random Logical Publishing Person: Sigh. Should I call them or you?
Now, I do work in publishing, but I work for an academic publisher which means it is a completely different ballgame over here. To be fair, I'm sure the conversation is much more nuanced than this.
Where's the review you ask? It is simply this, I am surprised that two psychologists helped write this book because Marlene, the Queen of Mean, very magically stops being mean, and simply because someone finally stood up to her. I stood up to my bully once. I got punched in the stomach and she continued to bully people. Another bully was brazen in his attempts to humiliate me, even in front of adults, and his parents seemed to encourage it. What did I get when I told the other kids that he was just a bully and a liar? Another punch to the gut. Literally. Some kids may grow out of their bullying ways, some only do it to one child and then learn their lesson, and some are psychotic sadists that will continue to bully people in oh so subtle ways for the rest of their lives.
There were some nice lines in the rhyming text and the illustrations are engaging, but the story just felt too neat and tidy. If only we could all deal with our bullies this way and then watch as they magically transform into nicer people. I like the message of not letting bullies steal your power, but felt like it could have been presented very differently.
February 15, 2017
I like the anti bully message, but it's not my favorite to read. Mateo and Sonia like it though, and as always Sonia is very away of how all the characters are feeling. I'm hoping this encourages her empathy.
September 8, 2014
All of her classmates cringe whenever Marlene is around. After all, she bullies them on the playground, in class, and even on their way to the bathroom. There seems to be no place safe for them to go. But as this story, told in rhyming text that is fun to read aloud, shows, there is much more--and less--to Marlene than meets the eye. Once Big Freddy calls her out and reveals the truth, Marlene is forced start acting nicer to everyone around her. With its lively and cartoonish illustrations, this picture book offers a place to begin conversations about bullying and standing up for oneself. Since I'm not usually a fan of books written by celebrities, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by this one.
August 6, 2016
Lynch, Embry, and Mikesell present reads with a look at the actions (and eventual comeuppance) of a school yard bully named Marlene. Told in rhyme, the story feels is humorous, but feels unrealistic and shallow during the resolution of Big Freddy convincing the other children to stand up to Marlene. The pastel watercolor illustrations by Tricia Tusa are attractively created, but the details that give Marlene her personality are strangely missing from the other children, making them appear interchangeable. Books on bullying are needed in schools and libraries, but this one will only be missed by Jane Lynch fans. Ages 6-10.
Read
November 11, 20141.Marlene, the class bully, rules the school until Freddy stands up to her and asks why? Freddy is the first person to stand up to her, soon all the other students realize that Marlene is not so scary after all, she is just a bully. After Marlene continues to try and be wary to the other students she eventually breaks down and decides to be nicer to the other students and becomes friends with her classmates.
2. After reading this book, I would have the children make a poster describing what makes a good friends and what makes a bad friends.
3. Lynch, J., & Embry, L. (2014). Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean. New York: Random House.
2. After reading this book, I would have the children make a poster describing what makes a good friends and what makes a bad friends.
3. Lynch, J., & Embry, L. (2014). Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean. New York: Random House.
October 21, 2014
A rhyming text depicting, Marlene the Queen of mean. The text and illustrations detailing being mean are spot on. How Marlene loses her meanness is weird. The efforts of Marlene to have better behavior show her making strides which is very normal.
I especially liked the text: "We cringe and we cower
and give her our power
because we all think
she's in charge!"
Haven't we all done this at one time or another?
I especially liked the text: "We cringe and we cower
and give her our power
because we all think
she's in charge!"
Haven't we all done this at one time or another?
November 27, 2014
A rhyming profile of a playground bully who reforms her ways when her victims stand up to her.
This one is just okay for me; it's hard to take it very seriously when it's written in such a sing songy rhyme pattern.
For such an important topic and the fact that a child psychologist was part of the creative team producing this book I was surprised/let down that the back matter was nonexistent. I was looking for something along the lines of a word to parents/educators with tips on how to talk about and tackle bullying.
The artwork is lovely. PreK-2.
This one is just okay for me; it's hard to take it very seriously when it's written in such a sing songy rhyme pattern.
For such an important topic and the fact that a child psychologist was part of the creative team producing this book I was surprised/let down that the back matter was nonexistent. I was looking for something along the lines of a word to parents/educators with tips on how to talk about and tackle bullying.
The artwork is lovely. PreK-2.
August 4, 2015
Rhyming picture book about a bully who learns to change her spots. I actually identified with Marlene-even though I was more apt to be the bullied rather than the bully growing up-because it is so hard to make positive changes in our lives. This was a special breath of fresh air for me coming off The Princess and the Presents, in which I found the heroine's changes highly unlikely.
July 5, 2017
Marlene, though not very big or scary, bullies students until Freddy asks "Why? ... We cringe and we cower and give her our power because we all think she's in charge!" And when the kids start to stand up to her, she no longer has that power ... "She's just a bully." Marlene's "meanness - it broke into one hundred and twenty three pieces."
Even a bully can have a change of heart. I love the quote about giving a bully the "power". It's such an important message for kids.
Even a bully can have a change of heart. I love the quote about giving a bully the "power". It's such an important message for kids.
February 12, 2015
Mean Marlene has been the bully even though she is not very big until one day Big Freddy realizes she’s not that scary. While the message is there the story lacks depth and the rhymes seemed forced such as “do” to “loo” (what kid knows the word loo?) The depiction of Marlene doesn’t seem to fit with the story even though the illustrations are done by the amazing Tricia Tusa. Stick with Alexis O’Neill’s The Recess Queen.
October 2, 2014
Marlene finds out being mean isn't the way to win friends when someone let's her know she isn't scary, just a bully. She decides to change, but has some backslides. I like that this is included as change takes time and we all fall back to bad habits some time. There is some rhyming in the story, which flows well.
January 9, 2015
A great rhyming story about bullies
My 5 year old & I both enjoy the ebb and the flow like a Dr. Seuss book. The moral of the story is to not give bullies power over you. I always say people act like they do because someone or more are enabling the behavior. I know this will be a family favorite for our family. BTW: Love Jane Lynch!
My 5 year old & I both enjoy the ebb and the flow like a Dr. Seuss book. The moral of the story is to not give bullies power over you. I always say people act like they do because someone or more are enabling the behavior. I know this will be a family favorite for our family. BTW: Love Jane Lynch!
March 15, 2015
Written by the actress of the TV show Glee, Jane Lynch and a child psychologist, and a writing teacher, this title has a strong message, "stand up to bullies." The story is simplistic yet would work well in a guidance lesson. The fun ink and water color illustrations, and rollicking verse keep the story from being too preachy.
September 30, 2015
Good rhyming and cadence really add a lot to a picture book, and this one has both. I also appreciate the messages that we don't have to let bullies have power, that bullies can change, and that sometimes change takes time. Well done.
September 21, 2014
We find out in ballad style how Marlene changes - or at least makes progress - in changing her bullyish ways. Cartoonish illustrations amply portray Marlene's 'deeds'.
I like that it is realistic in that change is difficult, and we don't always change completely overnight!
I like that it is realistic in that change is difficult, and we don't always change completely overnight!
November 12, 2014
I know there are many books on bullying and many teachers think there can never be enough. I guess my frustration with this one is it seems to be so easily resolved, but if it serves for even one "Mean Marlene" to try to change, I guess it will have served it's purpose.
September 5, 2015
This is a fun rhyming story about a little girl who is a mean bully at school. When someone finally stands up to her, they realize she's not so scary after all. Can she become a nice girl? The illustrations are awesome and I think this will be fun book to share with my students.
February 24, 2016
Oh Marlene, Marlene the Queen of Mean. She kicked and pinched her way to being the queen of the bullies until someone called her out on her behavior. It took a while but she became a much nicer kid. For kids ages 3 - 7.
August 30, 2016
Marlene, Marlene, don't be so mean!
The message is clear, don't let bullies steal your power. This book is an excellent tool to generate a conversation about bullies and how to handle them.
The message is clear, don't let bullies steal your power. This book is an excellent tool to generate a conversation about bullies and how to handle them.
August 13, 2016
ARC supplied by publisher via Edelweiss
July 2, 2014
Effective picture book on bullying. THIS REVIEW COMES FROM READING AN ADVANCED READER'S COPY. THAS TO THE RANDOM HOUSE REPS AT ALA14.
July 3, 2014
Cute story - good for open circle conversations. Like that one child stood up to her and helped her change. Would pair it with Recess Queen for a unit on bullies.
DRC via Edelweiss
DRC via Edelweiss
August 9, 2014
Written with the help of a PHD
October 8, 2014
Jane Lynch does a good job with this one. Could definitely be used as a character Ed teaching book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews