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Billy Has A Birthday
Billy Has A Birthday is the first volume in The Billy Books series. The story follows Billy, a young boy who turns ten on the tenth October – 10, 10, 10 – a once in a lifetime occasion. Billy’s excitement at his ‘big’ birthday perfectly captures that of a child who is bordering on adolescence – each birthday seems so much more important than the last, and the move from single to double figures is one of the greatest of all. On Billy’s birthday he is over the moon to be given a £20 note by his granddad. No more silly children’s toys, he can finally buy what he wants. At the age of ten this seems like a huge amount of money – more than Billy has ever owned. Things take an unpleasant turn when the local bully hears about Billy’s birthday present, and forces him to give it up – or else. Billy, like many other children his ages, agrees to the bully’s demands. Billy is devastated to have lost his special birthday present, but he attempts to keep the situation a secret from his mum and granddad. He has nothing to be ashamed of but has convinced himself that the adults in his life will be cross if they find out what has happened. Like many bullied children he feels he cannot turn to anyone for help. Fortunately, luck is on Billy’s side, and his best friends little sister finds out about the bully and tells Billy’s granddad. Together they are able to hatch a plan to get the note back and to ensure the bully gets what’s coming to him! Billy Has A Birthday is a wonderful example of a story that young children can enjoy reading together with their parents. Using traditional storytelling, it is entertaining while dealing with a serious issue that affect many children as they grow up. Bullying can be a difficult subject for children to talk about, and many feel frightened or embarrassed if they fall victim to bullying. This book acts as the perfect icebreaker for adults and children to begin discussing these issues. The message in the book is clear – you can’t rid the world of bullies but you can do something about how you deal with them.
130 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2014
About the author
James Minter
38 books179 followersJames is a father to two grown-up children and a stepfather to three others. His fiction writing career started in 2009 with books aimed at the inner child in all of us—featuring very British humour. He's written an eight-book Billy Growing UP series for children aged 7 to 10. These are traditional stories that include negative behaviours but conclude with positive outcomes.
Although the main character, Billy, and his friends are fictional, Billy's dog, Jacko, is based on his family's beloved pet, which, together with their second dog, Malibu, caused chaos and trouble to the delight of his children and the consternation of himself.
Before he began writing, James spent his working life as a college lecturer and later in the computer industry. It was at a time before smartphones and tablets were invented, when computers were powered by steam and stood as tall as a bus.
The Hole Opportunity was his first creation, inspired by his inner child. A year later, The Unexpected Consequences of Iron Overload was published. It is a paranormal, romantic spoof thriller written to raise awareness of a genetic medical condition called Haemochromatosis. Book II of the Hole Trilogy, titled A Tunnel is Only a Hole on Its Side, followed next.
Currently, alongside the Billy Books series and campaigns promoting children's values, James has written Book III of the Hole Trilogy - 'Dynamite Makes a Hole.' Most recently, he completed the third book in his Eyes-Wide-Open series, 'Negotiating Personal Relationships' for Gen Z readers.
Websites:
www.thebillybooks.co.uk
www.jamesminter.com
E-mail:
james@jamesminter.com
Twitter:
@james_minter
Facebook:
facebook.com/billygrowingup/
facebook.com/author.james.minter
Although the main character, Billy, and his friends are fictional, Billy's dog, Jacko, is based on his family's beloved pet, which, together with their second dog, Malibu, caused chaos and trouble to the delight of his children and the consternation of himself.
Before he began writing, James spent his working life as a college lecturer and later in the computer industry. It was at a time before smartphones and tablets were invented, when computers were powered by steam and stood as tall as a bus.
The Hole Opportunity was his first creation, inspired by his inner child. A year later, The Unexpected Consequences of Iron Overload was published. It is a paranormal, romantic spoof thriller written to raise awareness of a genetic medical condition called Haemochromatosis. Book II of the Hole Trilogy, titled A Tunnel is Only a Hole on Its Side, followed next.
Currently, alongside the Billy Books series and campaigns promoting children's values, James has written Book III of the Hole Trilogy - 'Dynamite Makes a Hole.' Most recently, he completed the third book in his Eyes-Wide-Open series, 'Negotiating Personal Relationships' for Gen Z readers.
Websites:
www.thebillybooks.co.uk
www.jamesminter.com
E-mail:
james@jamesminter.com
Twitter:
@james_minter
Facebook:
facebook.com/billygrowingup/
facebook.com/author.james.minter
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2017
Bullying and abuse has never sit well with me, so any attempt to stop it is appreciated. James Minter has composed a series of stories about negative behaviour and positive outcomes, and Billy Has a Birthday deals with overcoming bullying.
This chapter book is intended for children 8-11 and can be used in a family or classroom situation, or the children can read it by themselves. There are even additional activities available to help engage the children. A simple, everyday situation, a boy's 10th birthday, and an average family setting should make the children feel safe while reading, and, if guided well by the educator or parent, the child who reads it might open up about being bullied or witnessing bullying, which is what is usually the most difficult thing to do - open up and ask for help. Despite keeping the story simple and using likeable illustrations, the author does not embellish the boy's fear of the bully, the complications it causes and explains the real punishment which befalls the bully himself.
In my opinion, a sensitive topic like this one should be discussed both in families and schools, and this book is a good tool to help One might claim children want more suspense from stories - such as dragons, zombies, pirates, etc. All that is well and true, but children know that is just fancy, fabrication, fantasy. It is seemingly simple books like this one that stir up real emotions because, to children, they are almost non-fiction. They will relate and react. It is up to us to be there and steer them towards positivity.
This chapter book is intended for children 8-11 and can be used in a family or classroom situation, or the children can read it by themselves. There are even additional activities available to help engage the children. A simple, everyday situation, a boy's 10th birthday, and an average family setting should make the children feel safe while reading, and, if guided well by the educator or parent, the child who reads it might open up about being bullied or witnessing bullying, which is what is usually the most difficult thing to do - open up and ask for help. Despite keeping the story simple and using likeable illustrations, the author does not embellish the boy's fear of the bully, the complications it causes and explains the real punishment which befalls the bully himself.
In my opinion, a sensitive topic like this one should be discussed both in families and schools, and this book is a good tool to help One might claim children want more suspense from stories - such as dragons, zombies, pirates, etc. All that is well and true, but children know that is just fancy, fabrication, fantasy. It is seemingly simple books like this one that stir up real emotions because, to children, they are almost non-fiction. They will relate and react. It is up to us to be there and steer them towards positivity.
October 9, 2017
As an early educator for many years, I became a huge advocate for quality children's books. My favorite ones are those that teach a life lesson in a subtle way. This book is a perfect example of how chapter books for this age group should be written.
The author did a great job of incorporating true-to-form verbiage and props (references of YouTube, Internet, etc.) that target readers of this genre, for this generation, will relate to. Though, it saddens me a bit to see elements like this needing to be incorporated into children's books, as I prefer the simplicity of the ones I grew up reading. But even many of those have been revamped to appeal to "today's kids".
Read my full review here:
http://readersreviewroom.com/books-by...
The author did a great job of incorporating true-to-form verbiage and props (references of YouTube, Internet, etc.) that target readers of this genre, for this generation, will relate to. Though, it saddens me a bit to see elements like this needing to be incorporated into children's books, as I prefer the simplicity of the ones I grew up reading. But even many of those have been revamped to appeal to "today's kids".
Read my full review here:
http://readersreviewroom.com/books-by...
June 11, 2015
Billy’s Tenth Birthday is the first volume in James Minter’s new Life Learning Series. The story follows Billy, a young boy who turns ten on the tenth October – 10, 10, 10 – a once in a lifetime occasion. Billy’s excitement at his ‘big’ birthday perfectly encapsulates that of a child who is bordering on adolescence – each birthday seems so much more important than the last, and the move from single to double figures is one of the greatest of all.
On Billy’s birthday he is over the moon to be given a £20 note by his granddad. No more silly children’s toys, he can finally buy what he wants. At the age of ten this must seem like a huge amount of money – possibly more than Billy has ever owned. The options available to him seem countless. But things take an unpleasant turn when the local bully hears about Billy’s birthday present, and forces him to give it up – or else. Billy, like many other children his ages, agrees to the bully’s demands.
Billy is devastated to have lost his special birthday present, but he attempts to keep the situation a secret from his mum and granddad. He has nothing to be ashamed of but has convinced himself that the adults in his life will be cross if they find out what has happened. Like many bullied children he feels he cannot turn to anyone for help. Fortunately, luck is on Billy’s side, and a little bird finds out about the Bully and tells Billy’s granddad. Together they are able to hatch a plan to get the note back and to ensure the bully gets what’s coming to him!
Billy’s Tenth Birthday is a wonderful example of a story that young children can enjoy reading together with their parents. The book carries Minter’s trademark wit, and is well written and accessible, but it also deals with a serious issue that will affect many children as they grow up. Bullying can be a difficult subject for children to talk about, many may feel frightened or embarrassed if they fall victim to bullying. Minter’s book acts as the perfect icebreaker for adults and children to begin discussing these issues.
The message in Minter’s book is clear – you can’t rid the world of bullies but you can do something about how you deal with them.
Review first published on Jade the Obscure
On Billy’s birthday he is over the moon to be given a £20 note by his granddad. No more silly children’s toys, he can finally buy what he wants. At the age of ten this must seem like a huge amount of money – possibly more than Billy has ever owned. The options available to him seem countless. But things take an unpleasant turn when the local bully hears about Billy’s birthday present, and forces him to give it up – or else. Billy, like many other children his ages, agrees to the bully’s demands.
Billy is devastated to have lost his special birthday present, but he attempts to keep the situation a secret from his mum and granddad. He has nothing to be ashamed of but has convinced himself that the adults in his life will be cross if they find out what has happened. Like many bullied children he feels he cannot turn to anyone for help. Fortunately, luck is on Billy’s side, and a little bird finds out about the Bully and tells Billy’s granddad. Together they are able to hatch a plan to get the note back and to ensure the bully gets what’s coming to him!
Billy’s Tenth Birthday is a wonderful example of a story that young children can enjoy reading together with their parents. The book carries Minter’s trademark wit, and is well written and accessible, but it also deals with a serious issue that will affect many children as they grow up. Bullying can be a difficult subject for children to talk about, many may feel frightened or embarrassed if they fall victim to bullying. Minter’s book acts as the perfect icebreaker for adults and children to begin discussing these issues.
The message in Minter’s book is clear – you can’t rid the world of bullies but you can do something about how you deal with them.
Review first published on Jade the Obscure
November 8, 2014
Billy's Tenth Birthday was a good, quick read to teach a child a moral lesson. The characters are realistic, often rambling as kids do, but the storyline is one that's helpful in teaching kids the proper way to handle a bully. The way Grandad and Max got Billy's 20 pound note back was clever and creative, which will entertain the kids reading or being read to.
Some parts of the book I thought were a little beyond the maturity level of the targeted age of readers of the book. I'm not sure I would have referenced smoking at all, though the author snuck in the moral that smoking is bad in that way. I also might not have gone so much into detail about juvenile court and testifying against Eddy, only because I don't thinks kids will have any idea what that means. I also might have changed a few aspects of the grammar for the younger readers, such as not using conjunctions like "I've" and "there's". Writing the entire sentence out instead would open the book up to a wider reading audience. There were minor grammar and punctuation errors, but nothing too bad.
As far as layout, I liked the double-spacing, but I might have made the font a bit bigger. The small font might be a little intimidating to younger readers.
Overall, I think the Life Lessons series are off to a good start. The lesson on bullying that this specific one taught was presented in a fun and whimsical way.
Some parts of the book I thought were a little beyond the maturity level of the targeted age of readers of the book. I'm not sure I would have referenced smoking at all, though the author snuck in the moral that smoking is bad in that way. I also might not have gone so much into detail about juvenile court and testifying against Eddy, only because I don't thinks kids will have any idea what that means. I also might have changed a few aspects of the grammar for the younger readers, such as not using conjunctions like "I've" and "there's". Writing the entire sentence out instead would open the book up to a wider reading audience. There were minor grammar and punctuation errors, but nothing too bad.
As far as layout, I liked the double-spacing, but I might have made the font a bit bigger. The small font might be a little intimidating to younger readers.
Overall, I think the Life Lessons series are off to a good start. The lesson on bullying that this specific one taught was presented in a fun and whimsical way.
June 4, 2017
Billy is turning ten, a perfect age for young readers to relate to. When Billy has to face a bully, he must face some tough issues- the bullying itself, being embarrassed, hiding it... This is a great read to teach kids how to handle these issues. It provides a great opportunity for parents and children to discuss these harsh issues kids face. The illustrations spread throughout keep it just light enough to balance the seriousness of the issues. My 10 year old said it was "cool." :)
September 30, 2017
Very cute story. I am glad Billy had people that care about him and helped him with his bullying issues.
December 9, 2014
The forward of this book introduces us to one of the more sobering issues children face:
Bullying is a big problem for children today but it is also part of learning to stand up for oneself. In this story Billy, like any other child, is looking forward to a big birthday … Disarming a bully is the better way of dealing with them. You can’t rid the world of bullies but you can do something about how you deal with them.
Our story begins with a very excited Billie who discusses his up-coming birthday with his golden retriever, Jacko. Like most ten year old boys, Billie is really looking forward to turning ‘double-figures’. I can even remember when I turned ten – there really is no going back, is there?
This is a delightful story that will appeal to many children but especially those who are aged 8 or 9 years. Billie faces some big issues that many children will relate to. However, using the kindness of his friends and his own intelligence he deals with the situations in a way that empowers and enriches his experience. This is where the most valuable lesson lies I believe.
The story is very well written and is a joy to read. The illustrations are vibrant and colourful. They really add to the essence of the story. I highly recommend it.
For more children's book reviews please go to: http://www.susandayauthor.com
December 11, 2014
Nice to read a slightly longer story about bullying, and one that occurs outside of the school gates.
There's a fair amount of back story to Billy, his party and presents to make him feel like a real person. The bullying itself is short but fairly realistic.
Apart from the bully's language I'm afraid. Would a 14 year old boy really say: "when I want your opinion I'll ask for it... My beef is with birthday boy not you.... Pull the other one old man it's got bells on... Get off me you great oaf." Not sure what young readers will make of this bully's speech. it doesn't sound right when read aloud.
The handling of the bullying is good - victim feels guilty, friends get involved, adults help, and eventually the bully is found out and punished.
There are a few errors in grammar (missing commas, apostrophes in the wrong places) but overall its well structured and a reassuring short story about coping with bullying.
A preface for adults puts it in context and there's a friendly afterword for children as well.
This would be a good class read for KS2 PSHE lessons.
With thanks to the author for the review copy.
There's a fair amount of back story to Billy, his party and presents to make him feel like a real person. The bullying itself is short but fairly realistic.
Apart from the bully's language I'm afraid. Would a 14 year old boy really say: "when I want your opinion I'll ask for it... My beef is with birthday boy not you.... Pull the other one old man it's got bells on... Get off me you great oaf." Not sure what young readers will make of this bully's speech. it doesn't sound right when read aloud.
The handling of the bullying is good - victim feels guilty, friends get involved, adults help, and eventually the bully is found out and punished.
There are a few errors in grammar (missing commas, apostrophes in the wrong places) but overall its well structured and a reassuring short story about coping with bullying.
A preface for adults puts it in context and there's a friendly afterword for children as well.
This would be a good class read for KS2 PSHE lessons.
With thanks to the author for the review copy.
December 7, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Billy has a Birthday is the first of a series of Billy Books, and each takes a look at coming of age/growing up issues and moral dilemmas. In this first story, Billy falls victim to bullying from an older boy. It is a basic tale, easy to follow, and contains lovely illustrations at each chapter change. The series commits to Values-based Education and offers alternative ways to deal with various life issues. This book is suitable for shared reading between parent and child or just the child him/herself and is aimed at KS2. A few errors in grammar become apparent as you read (missing commas, full stops in the wrong places, etc.) but on the whole it is a well-structured book. While the characters do feel somewhat stereotyped, the tale still manages to get the point across, and it does so in a light and humorous way that both children and parents can relate to.
Billy has a Birthday is the first of a series of Billy Books, and each takes a look at coming of age/growing up issues and moral dilemmas. In this first story, Billy falls victim to bullying from an older boy. It is a basic tale, easy to follow, and contains lovely illustrations at each chapter change. The series commits to Values-based Education and offers alternative ways to deal with various life issues. This book is suitable for shared reading between parent and child or just the child him/herself and is aimed at KS2. A few errors in grammar become apparent as you read (missing commas, full stops in the wrong places, etc.) but on the whole it is a well-structured book. While the characters do feel somewhat stereotyped, the tale still manages to get the point across, and it does so in a light and humorous way that both children and parents can relate to.
April 3, 2025
Coming of age for children is a traumatic time. Physical changes, personalities developments, values acquired, and conflicting information coming at them from many sources. Billy's Tenth Birthday deals with one specific issue - bullying. It's prevalent in schools, the workplace and on-line. Bullies get away with it often because people are ill equipped to deal with them. Using traditional story tell, this book is allows parents to discuss the bullying in a safe environment. This is book 1 of a series of eight each dealing with specific topics face the 8 to 11 year age range. A must read for parents and children ...
September 6, 2014
This is a beautifully written story about bullies and how a young person can deal with both bullies and bullying. It gives some very simple actions that will help the person being bullied to deal with the problem in a proactive way rather than a reactive way. Alongside the wonderful story there are lots of fabulous full colour illustrations that give that little bit extra to the book and will help engage the younger readers even more. I definitely recommend this book to every parent/ grandparent, not just those who's children are being bullied
December 1, 2016
Delightful!
I chose this rating since it was a story with a good lesson that bullies never win in the end.
I chose this rating since it was a story with a good lesson that bullies never win in the end.
January 29, 2018
A boy on his 10th birthday surrounded by family, friends, his dog Jacko, and presents! What could be better? Nothing! So it’s a total bummer when the neighborhood bully, Eddie, takes Billy’s special gift of $20 that he just received from his grandad. This story is really about bullying and not so much about birthday parties or turning 10 years old.
The story starts off light and fun with the birthday party and his grandad playing the part of a magician named The Great Magisco! Max, the sister of Billy’s best friend Ant, plays Magisco’s assistant. All the kids enjoy the magic show and afterward, Billy and Ant go for a bike ride. That’s when Eddie and his buddies make an appearance. Eddie uses the pretext of not having been invited to bully the money out of Billy.
I really like that things get a little complicated here as that’s how real life often is. Billy is embarrassed and not sure if his mom and grandad will be angry with him. Luckily someone else knows about this and comes up with a plan to trick Eddie out of his ill-gotten gains. There was none of this ‘Stand tall and stand up to that bully!’ stuff that always sounds so good in fiction but can well end up with blood and broken bones in real life.
The ending had a nice chat between Billy and his grandad and mom where the importance of involving those who can help is brought up. Billy goes on to have a great birthday while Eddie and his parents have a chat with authorities. After the tale is over, there’s a little bit about why the author chose to shape the story the way he did. I think this is a good conversation starter for parents who want to chat with their kids about bullying.
The Narration: Lola-Rose Maxwell is very pleasant to listen to. Since this story is told in the 3rd person, it worked just fine having a female narrator for a male-lead story. She kept kids and adults distinct but not all character voices had their own flair. For instance, I was expecting grandad to sound old but he didn’t particularly. I also expected Max to sound more like a little girl kid but she sounded like a tween or teen. Maxwell did a great job of being part of the story, imbuing each character with emotion. Her pacing was spot on. There were no technical issues with the recording.
I received a review copy of this book through The Audiobook Reviewer.
The story starts off light and fun with the birthday party and his grandad playing the part of a magician named The Great Magisco! Max, the sister of Billy’s best friend Ant, plays Magisco’s assistant. All the kids enjoy the magic show and afterward, Billy and Ant go for a bike ride. That’s when Eddie and his buddies make an appearance. Eddie uses the pretext of not having been invited to bully the money out of Billy.
I really like that things get a little complicated here as that’s how real life often is. Billy is embarrassed and not sure if his mom and grandad will be angry with him. Luckily someone else knows about this and comes up with a plan to trick Eddie out of his ill-gotten gains. There was none of this ‘Stand tall and stand up to that bully!’ stuff that always sounds so good in fiction but can well end up with blood and broken bones in real life.
The ending had a nice chat between Billy and his grandad and mom where the importance of involving those who can help is brought up. Billy goes on to have a great birthday while Eddie and his parents have a chat with authorities. After the tale is over, there’s a little bit about why the author chose to shape the story the way he did. I think this is a good conversation starter for parents who want to chat with their kids about bullying.
The Narration: Lola-Rose Maxwell is very pleasant to listen to. Since this story is told in the 3rd person, it worked just fine having a female narrator for a male-lead story. She kept kids and adults distinct but not all character voices had their own flair. For instance, I was expecting grandad to sound old but he didn’t particularly. I also expected Max to sound more like a little girl kid but she sounded like a tween or teen. Maxwell did a great job of being part of the story, imbuing each character with emotion. Her pacing was spot on. There were no technical issues with the recording.
I received a review copy of this book through The Audiobook Reviewer.
October 26, 2017
Billy Has a Birthday is part of James Minter’s “Billy Growing Up” series for 7 – 9 year olds. In this installment, Billy is excited for his upcoming tenth birthday party. When an older boy named Eddy Jost gets angry about not being invited to Billy’s party, he confronts Billy while he’s out riding his new birthday bike and demands Billy hand over the birthday money he got from his granddad. How will Billy handle this?
I found Billy Has a Birthday a little on the long side and I wondered if 7 – 9 year olds would lose interest before the end of the book. Additionally, I found the behavior of bully Eddy to be more than bullying, stealing money from much younger kids is on a more serious level than simple bullying in my opinion.
I didn’t find the “go back home and bring me your money” scenario Eddy used on Billy to be believable. It seemed unlikely to me that a ten year old would feel compelled to follow the bully's orders. Also, the dialogue didn’t sound realistic to me either. I had a hard time believing a “bully” would talk like Eddy did.
Overall, I wasn’t overly impressed with this book. However, I do see that this author has several books available in the Billy Growing Up series and I’d still be willing to give the series another go.
I found Billy Has a Birthday a little on the long side and I wondered if 7 – 9 year olds would lose interest before the end of the book. Additionally, I found the behavior of bully Eddy to be more than bullying, stealing money from much younger kids is on a more serious level than simple bullying in my opinion.
I didn’t find the “go back home and bring me your money” scenario Eddy used on Billy to be believable. It seemed unlikely to me that a ten year old would feel compelled to follow the bully's orders. Also, the dialogue didn’t sound realistic to me either. I had a hard time believing a “bully” would talk like Eddy did.
Overall, I wasn’t overly impressed with this book. However, I do see that this author has several books available in the Billy Growing Up series and I’d still be willing to give the series another go.
October 12, 2017
This book was loaned to me through the @kidlitexchange network. All opinions are my own.
I loved this series of four books about the adventures of Billy and his best friend Ant. They are typical 10 year olds and enjoy having fun together. What I appreciated about the books was the lessons they taught to readers. Each of the books cover different struggles children might run into as they navigate life. The books provided strong adult support which only added to the stories. The setting in England helped as well! Definitely recommend this series.
(Billy has a Birthday
Billy and Ant Fall Out
Billy is Nasty to Ant
Billy And Ant Lie)
I loved this series of four books about the adventures of Billy and his best friend Ant. They are typical 10 year olds and enjoy having fun together. What I appreciated about the books was the lessons they taught to readers. Each of the books cover different struggles children might run into as they navigate life. The books provided strong adult support which only added to the stories. The setting in England helped as well! Definitely recommend this series.
(Billy has a Birthday
Billy and Ant Fall Out
Billy is Nasty to Ant
Billy And Ant Lie)
August 30, 2017
I highly recommend this book to anyone ages 8-11, as well as their teachers, parents, and grandparents. Minter's characters leap from the page--they are so realistically portrayed. The storyline is wholesome and well-crafted, and the anti-bullying theme is so timely. After this one book, I'm a solid Billy fan, and a solid Minter fan, too
September 10, 2017
Not a bad book in the least, and I liked the topic, which is probably the real reason behind all those 5-star ratings. Wasn't particularly happy with the solution, but kids will surely enjoy the story and the charming illustrations.
September 13, 2017
Bullies Beware!
So often, children are bothered by bullies and don't know what to do. This book by James Minter is fun to read and can help kids learn an important lesson. This book would be a great tool in school anti-bullying programs.
So often, children are bothered by bullies and don't know what to do. This book by James Minter is fun to read and can help kids learn an important lesson. This book would be a great tool in school anti-bullying programs.
December 15, 2016
I enjoyed this audio book by James Minter. The subject matter was appropriate for the age group intended. Bullying is something a lot of children deal with, and this book gives a child comfort in knowing that someone is listening to their troubles, and there are ways to "beat" bullying in a positive way.
June 6, 2017
Billy has a Birthday deals with the important issue of bullying. It's perfect for children aged 7 - 10.
Very often we see bullying in a school setting, but in this first book our hero, ten year old Billy has to deal with two older boys who demand money from him. Unsure how to handle the situation, Billy gives them the birthday money he has just received from his Grandad. Luckily, Billy's friend Max tells Grandad what has happened. Together they hatch a plan to get the money back and stop the bully's.
Billy and his friends are great characters. The bullying incident comes relatively late in the book by which time we've got to know Billy well. He's ten years old, trying to be grown-up but not really there yet: it's a struggle we can probably all relate to.
My favourite character is Billy's Grandad. He's awesome; knowing just how to make Billy feel special. I especially liked that it was Grandad who foils the bully's. It's not often grandparents come out as the hero's.
A special mention should go to the illustrator, Helen Rushworth. There is a picture at the start of each chapter and I thought they were just right for the narrative.
The story gives a clear message that you should always reach out and ask for help when facing bully's. There is free activity book and some teaching notes to go with the book which will make talking about the issues raised easier either with your child individually or in a classroom setting.
A great book that deserves to do well.
Very often we see bullying in a school setting, but in this first book our hero, ten year old Billy has to deal with two older boys who demand money from him. Unsure how to handle the situation, Billy gives them the birthday money he has just received from his Grandad. Luckily, Billy's friend Max tells Grandad what has happened. Together they hatch a plan to get the money back and stop the bully's.
Billy and his friends are great characters. The bullying incident comes relatively late in the book by which time we've got to know Billy well. He's ten years old, trying to be grown-up but not really there yet: it's a struggle we can probably all relate to.
My favourite character is Billy's Grandad. He's awesome; knowing just how to make Billy feel special. I especially liked that it was Grandad who foils the bully's. It's not often grandparents come out as the hero's.
A special mention should go to the illustrator, Helen Rushworth. There is a picture at the start of each chapter and I thought they were just right for the narrative.
The story gives a clear message that you should always reach out and ask for help when facing bully's. There is free activity book and some teaching notes to go with the book which will make talking about the issues raised easier either with your child individually or in a classroom setting.
A great book that deserves to do well.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews