I'm the Boss

by Steve Metzger

Tara learns a lesson about being too bossy when everyone leaves the game after she wants everything her own way.

Genres: Dinosaurs, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

I grew up in Queens, NY in the 1950s with my “baby” sister, Lois. She is now a wonderful writer of young adult novels and nonfiction. My mother was born in Vienna, Austria, and my father came from Brooklyn – an interesting match! My best friends were Neil, Robbie, Krebs, and Paul. I’m still good friends with most of these guys. It was less hectic in those days – no computers, no emails, fewer TV channels (MANY fewer!) We had lots of fun playing ball and listening to records. I’ll never forget when the Beatles came to America – Beatlemania!
After graduating from Baruch College in NYC, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I bounced around doing odd jobs, including taxi driver, dishwasher, and hotel desk clerk. One day, while relaxing in Central Park (OK, I was unemployed), I saw a group of children from a local daycare center. It struck me that I always liked children -- perhaps I could make a career out of something I liked. Eureka! Ever since then, I’ve been involved, in one way or another, with the lives of young children.

I received my Masters in Education from Bank Street College and taught preschool kids for a bunch of years. I loved the childrens' innocence and vivid imaginations. After moving into school administration for a few years, I began working at Scholastic, where I have been ever since.

At Scholastic, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to write children’s books. The first book that I wrote was "The Dinofours: I’m Super Dino!" Twenty-seven other Dinofours’ books followed. I hope my respect and appreciation for young children shines through in my stories.

Nowadays, I’m lucky to be married to my beautiful and talented wife, Nancy (she’s also a writer). In 1998, we were blessed with a terrific daughter, Julia, who helps criticize my story ideas and lets me play with her once in a while.

And furthermore…any recollections of my life would not be complete without mentioning my grandmother, Mutti. She was an ever present source of love, appreciation, and wisdom.

Reviews

[Rylee]

This is a great book to teach young students a lesson about relationships. The main character struggles because after not getting her way she is bossy and non of her friends want to play with her. This is common especially among young students. The book it very straightforward and leaves no room for guessing which is great for student learning how to deal with these situations and relationships. It is not a very fun story but a necessity for SEL and young students.

[Dolly]

Cute story about young dinosaurs in school. This one is about bossiness, a perfect story for my oldest. The consequences of the dinosaur's actions are clearly demonstrated.

[Jenny]

Nothing fantastic about this book but it was good to discuss with my preschooler about being a good friend, being nice, interacting with other children, etc.

[Carol Nain]

He gets a lesson in not being bossy with his friends

[Alysha Gaskins]

Kids LOVED it