Bonnie Blue Button is a Bully

Norman the Button #3

by Michelle Olson

Bonnie Blue Button may be tiny, but that doesn’t stop her from being a colossal bully. Having been sewn on a beautiful dress with two other dazzling buttons, she’s become arrogant and cruel to other clothing fasteners. But, when the dress is left carelessly on the floor one night, Bonnie experiences a traumatic event that leaves her scratched up and covered in drool. Now unexpectedly shunned by her fellow dress buttons, she must apologize to those she has wronged if she wants to make new friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

39 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2022

About the author

I love writing books about buttons who go on adventures. Join my launch team here https://www.belliebuttonbooks.com/launch to receive ARC's and enter to win a free book!

Reviews

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first children book of 2022 and all I can say is that I loved it!
The subject tacled by the author is very sensitive and touches a lot of people, Bonnie, a beautiful shiny blue button is mean, cruel and a real bully! Yes, this is the character we'll be following on her journey through this book.
I found the idea of using real phtographs very genuine, it made the whole thing look so real! The writing was great and the rhymes even greater!!

" If you try being nice,
you will certaily learn
that your sparkle and shine
are of little concern.

A true friend gives you support
even when things go wrong,
and unlike those dress fools,
they won't string you along"

Copy kindly provided by Michelle Olson in exchange of an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My apologies to the author, Michelle Olson, for taking so long with my review. She was very gracious to send me a pdf of her book in September and I became so wrapped up in everything personally and professionally that TODAY was the day I finally had the opportunity to sit down and read.


Bonnie Blue is a quick read of a children's book with a great audience for ages 4-8 reading audience. The book is also innovative in the fact that author uses realistic scenes that as a reader I felt I could go live in those pages. Bonnie Blue has to learn that trying to be cool doesn't mean hurting your friends feelings. I liked the rhyming scheme and that the author doesn't have big preachy paragraphs.


Goodreads review published 03/12/22

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book to review.

This book was a delight. It had me at the first page with the yarn and needles, being an avid crocheter myself. I loved the illustrations, which were really vivid to show the emotions of the buttons. And what a great choice to use buttons as a way to convey the message. They tend to be forgotten and get ugly really quick. In a time period where I have seen so much bullying and a lack of empathy, kindness, intelligence, whatever, this was the perfect way to teach children the value of yourself and friends and not to bully.

I recommend this book for parents to read this to their children.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first two Norman books and this was a nice add into that same world.
Bonnie is kind of a jerk to start with, but with any great kids book she finds her redemption.
Much cute little button characters to be had once again and I love that Norman is the one telling her story to tiny button children.
Much love to Michelle Olson for hooking me up with her latest book!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. The unique illustrations, done with photography, captured my attention much like a look and find book, and the story, written in verse, delivered a much-needed message about being the importance of being kind with our words. The emphasis of this sweet story is about how our outward appearance isn't what's important. It's what we look like on the inside that matters; kindness and love is what will make friends! I think this would be a hit whether you're snuggling with your kids before bedtime or in a classroom setting.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy the original Rainbow Fish books and also to those who enjoy the Alphabet books by Audrey Wood.

I was kindly provided an advanced copy of this book, by the author, for an honest review.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the photography and artwork in this Button book series. In this one, a sparkly blue button, Bonnie, is quite the bully. Fortunately she discovers that kindness is better!

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

28 November 2022

The Norman the Button series continues to delight me. The stories are sweet lessons in friendship, but Olson really excels at the photography. I love the art so hard! The little button beds and art on the walls! The little pull toy! So cute! All the detail brings the buttons to life. The illustrations enrich the story, as when we see Bonnie engaged with her new friends, doing things with and for them, not just saying "sorry."

Review copy provided by author

[CinderBelle615 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read. I really would love to see the illustrations in cartoon form in the future. I liked the rhyming and the moral of the story. Bonnie threw Mean Girl vibes so I think this book could even be really useful and insightful in a classroom with young teens because the rhyming could be used to teach them about poetry and the moral could engage them in thoughtful conversation about how we treat others.

[Jesa Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

September's Wheel of TBR 2022
Prompt: Read a short book

[Catherine Masterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome new book illustrating the importance of being kind. Beautiful button Bonnie puts down other buttons until she receives less than kind treatment from a dog and her old friends. A talk with Norman the Button sets Bonnie on the true path to friendship.

[Amy Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic book from the author of “Norman’s Gift” that we absolutely loved. We are going through a bit of a bully problem at school (receiving end, not the giving end) and it is really helpful to help explain to my little one that sometimes a bully is just being unkind because they think they are being cool but that isn’t a sustainable way to live your life. Just like Bonnie Blue Button! I am a HUGE fan of the artwork in these books, which is similar to the Terry Border books, making inanimate objects do day-to-day tasks. Hilarious and awesome every time!!!! As always, we love how well it flows and the verse is written very well and the book is a perfect length to capture and keep the attention of your little ones while still imparting a valuable lesson. It is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them! This is a must-read for anyone with children, or who just feels like a child.

I was given the chance to read this in advance, but my opinions are all mine (and my kids’).

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olson creatively combines different artistic techniques with the illustrations in this picture book while tackling a difficult subject about bullying. It’s great to see that the main character is able to gain understanding about her behavior and make the needed changes in her perceptions as well as in how she treats others.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you encounter a bully? Bonnie Blue Button thinks that she is better than most of the other buttons, and consistently puts them down. She may be pretty on the outside, but on the inside, she is a very ugly person. After she is chewed off the dress that she belongs to, Bonnie Blue Button is turned away by the other blue buttons. She is no longer shiny and pretty on the outside. After a conversation with another button, she goes back and makes amends to the buttons that she has insulted in the past.

This story tackles the bullying that can occur with kids. Words can hurt. I enjoyed reading through this book, and hope to share it with my kids.

[Sanja_Sanjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from the first page. Such beautiful and unique illustrations, paired with a witty and important story about bullying and inner beauty, really captivated me. This is a book you return to, if only just to discover hidden gems on every page. Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy to review and I am so happy that I did and thus discovered this wonderful and artful gem of a book.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love so much about theses books is the magic that brings the buttons to life. The illustrations, although that’s not the best term, photography mixed with illustration, bring these characters to life. From there the story, just jumps off the page because you can so easily picture what is happening. This is a simply delightful series. This new book does not disappoint. A fun book with an important story, that is well served by Michelle Olson. Such a delight.

[Andrew DiNardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable characters and timeless lessons make for an excellent read for both young, curious minds and adults who need some simple reminders like me! The use of real pictures is a great idea, in my opinion, and giving life to inanimate objects has always been a favorite of mine.

I’d be excited to read more form this author and look forward to reading this with my kids!

Advanced copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic offering from Michelle Olson! I absolutely ADORE the graphics and the story is a fantastic lesson in being kind to others begets kindness back to you. I'm always happy to read a redemption story and I love that kiddos can learn a lot from Norman the Button's stories.

Great read, great story, and all-around fun time!

[Christine Calabrese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another adorable book by Michelle Olson. In this rhyming book the author addresses the bully and how the bully is turned around to a much adorable little button. The illustrations are lovely, really, they are so beautiful..

A cute little bedtime story for the kids..

Great job Michelle!

[Sheri Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bonnie Blue Button is a Bully” is a fun, rhyming story to read aloud with the family or classroom. The artwork is innovative and kids will enjoy the realism. This simple, yet powerful story teaches kids to apologize when they’ve been mean, to appreciate themselves and others beyond appearances, and to be kind to everyone.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the message that was throughout this book. The book was rhyming and I know my first graders would like that. They get a kick out of any book that rhymes. The pictures were also very well done. I would recommend this book to others!!

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really cute. I love the photo illustrations and the message taught in rhyming verse. Neat follow-up to Norman's story!

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonnie Blue Button is a charming and impactful story about the consequences of bullying and the power of humility and redemption. Bonnie may be tiny, but her outsized arrogance and cruelty make her a relatable character for young readers learning about kindness and empathy.

The story does a fantastic job of showing how Bonnie’s unkind behavior isolates her, while her eventual downfall—both literal and figurative—teaches her a valuable lesson. The moment when Bonnie is scratched and drooled on is both funny and sobering, providing a turning point that makes her re-evaluate her actions. Her journey to make amends with those she has wronged is heartwarming and serves as an excellent conversation starter for children about the importance of apologizing and treating others with respect.

The book’s setting, with its clever use of buttons and clothing as characters, adds a whimsical charm that will captivate young readers. While the resolution is satisfying, a deeper exploration of Bonnie’s feelings during her redemption arc could have made her transformation even more compelling. Additionally, the reactions of the other buttons could have been fleshed out more to highlight the impact of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Overall, Bonnie Blue Button is a delightful read that imparts an important life lesson with humor and heart. It’s a great addition to any child’s library, encouraging empathy, accountability, and the value of friendship.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie Blue Button is a Bully! She’s mean, rude, and terribly full of herself. When she gets her comeuppance, she’s lost and confused.
The delightful Norman the Button helps her see the error of her ways. Now she has lots of friends and has learned the value of being kind to all.

I simply adore this series of children’s books. They gently teach children (and adults) powerful life lessons about values of benefit to everyone.

Bonnie Blue Button’s tale is told in verse, with innovative photography used to enhance the story. It is perfect as a read-along or for young readers to tackle on their own. Although, if you don't read it with your little one, you are missing an excellent opportunity to open discussions about bullies, kindness, and learning from our mistakes.

The book is beautiful and will make a fabulous gift for a child, grandchild, classroom, or library. Michelle Olson has another hit on her hands in this third book in the Norman the Button series. I can not wait to read it to my youngest grandkids.


I received a digital copy of the book from the author. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Maria Rivas-mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing you notice about this children’s book is just how beautifully it is illustrated. There is an exquisite detail that makes reading a joy.
The second thing is that it is in verse. Children would learn the rhymes and love the tale.

Michelle Olson is responsible for both, and it is obvious that a great deal of love went into the creation of ‘Bonnie Blue Button is a Bully’ (I do like the alliteration).

Then, of course, there is the message and the moral. Norman is back and what better way to share his wisdom with the little buttons than through storytelling.

I give this an A++ and recommend for anyone with small children in their care.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bright button scenes and soothing rhyme make this an excellent read to share. Norman tells the little buttons a bedtime story about Bonnie Blue Button. When she is bright and shiny, Bonnie acts out in pride and looks down on other less attractive buttons. The tables are turned when a dog removes her from her blue dress home and leaves her on the floor looking bedraggled and bereft. Merciful and kind treatment gives Bonnie a shiny new start. She has learned that appearances mean nothing if the inside is ugly. And what happened to that blue dress where Bonnie once lived. Read to the end and find out. Available on Amazon and a library near you.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

🧵🪡👗Enjoyable to read


Every night, the Norman button used to tell a bedtime story to the little buttons in the box.

That evening, it was the story of a sparkling button sewn onto a beautiful lace dress...

---------

Here is a beautiful animated story, pleasant to read, and which touches on the subjects of harassment and kindness.

A beautiful artistic display!

To discover.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a 40 year Kindergarten teacher also enthralled with this book's clear kindness, forgiveness, making amends messages. Artistically excellent for photographic scenes of buttons, cloth, dog.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest entry in the series. I really enjoy these books.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a sweet story and a great reminder to young readers to treat others with kindness and respect. The mixed media art was a lovely way to illustrate the book-creative and fun story.

[Tricia Hackney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My! Miss Bonnie Blue was a stinker in the beginning of this precious installment of the Norman the Button series. She's not a very friendly or likeable button - she's kinda mean. She makes fun of the other buttons. Until... She gets chomped right off her dress and is no longer gorgeous and shiney and sparkly - in fact - she is scratched scathed and covered in slobber lol
Norman and wisdom help little Miss Bonnie discover how to own up to her misdeeds, apologize and make REAL friends. I can NOT say enough wonderful things about this book (and the entire series, really) the photography and rhymes sucked me in and the little nuggets of life wisdom is simply the frosting on the cake. Hope to see my little button friends soon so that I can share them with my sweet little grandmuffin