Murielle Bourdon

This book tells children how to deal with being bullied. Tell an adult. Most children think they shouldn't do that because it's tattling but when Thomas follows Sami the magic bear's suggestion and goes to his principal with his problem, it's quickly corrected. Kids have to learn that they don't have to handle everything on their own. Sometimes they do have to tell someone else so they can get help solving their problems.

For the most part, this book is easy to read for 8-10-year-olds and the illustrations help reinforce the story. It also lets adults know what to look for in a child that may be bullied. Things like if the child is shy and alone a lot with no friends.

I did think that it was a little unrealistic that Thomas and Victor (the bully) became best friends in this story. I don't think children should be encouraged to think that would happen to them but if the kids can be nice to each other after the bullying stops, that would be a good outcome. Other than that, this is another wonderful Sami book giving a good message to children.

Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.… (more)

Laurie is a young girl who is very active. She has trouble sitting still in class after she finishes her work. She is captain of her soccer team. One day she doesn’t feel as energetic. She gets so sick she can’t go to school. Her mom takes her to the doctor and they discover she has leukemia, a blood cancer. She ends up in the hospital for a long time. Her class makes her a giant card and a gift. Sami the bear. She is so tired she just wants to give up. Can Sami help her learn to fight? Great message of never giving up. It is a lesson kids need to learn whether they are fighting an illness or fighting to learn something new.… (more)

Bullying is and always had been a problem. In this book we meet Thomas. He is very smart. For this reason he is picked on by Victor and his friends. On his ninth birthday Victor takes Thomas’s birthday hat and pushes him down. Thomas is so embarrassed that he lies to his parents. He is surprised to see his grandparents have come to celebrate his birthday. After dinner he opens their present and finds a stuffed bear named Sami. Will Sami be able to help Thomas solve his bullying problem? This is a wonderful book on the effects of bullying, why bullying might occur and the proper way to handle it. Highly recommended to all parents and lower elementary teachers.… (more)

SAMI THE MAGIC BEAR: A Trip to the Hospital! would be a good book for a child to read if they have an upcoming trip to the hospital or they have a friend in the hospital. It tells the story of Laurie who is very active and plays sports. But she gets sick with leukemia and goes to the hospital. After being in the hospital for a couple of months, she is cheered up when she gets a card and stuffed bear from her classmates. After a while Laurie gets very lonely. But when Sami the magical bear comes alive and talks to her she isn't lonely any more. Being sick was hard but she gets better and back to her old self. Having Sami with her through it all made it much easier for her.

This book explains leukemia and what it's like going to the doctor, getting tests and being in the hospital. Sami is a cute little magic bear that helps in telling the story in a way children can understand so they wouldn't be afraid if they ever have to go to the hospital. I found the illustrations helped keep my youngster's attention while reading to her.

I did receive a copy of this book from Murielle Bourdon but I am reviewing it on my own as I do with everything I read. Not because I was asked to.… (more)