Big Mean Mike

A story about being confident and self-assured enough to make friends where you find them - even if they're different than you are. Big Mean Mike is the top, tough dog in the neighborhood. Everything about him just screams mean. Until the bunnies start showing up. Even though the bunnies like to do the same things Mike does, Mike knows he can't be seen with such fuzzy, cute creatures. Or can he?

I love that Mike doesn't change who he is at all to become friends with the bunnies. He's still mean. He still likes monster trucks. He just also likes these four cute, fuzzy bunnies who also like monster trucks.

Scott Magoon's digital illustrations are just tons of fun. There's all the doggy details to pick out. The layouts are nicely varied and show more add to the suspense as Mike is being haunted by the bunnies. Watch the eyebrows throughout, because they're very expressive - especially on the bunnies. The fuzzy effect on the bunnies provides a great contrast to make them stand out from their surroundings all the more. show less

Big Mean Mike went to a monster truck show and did not want anything to happen to the bunnies in the parking lot so he generously took them in inside his gym bag. They wanted to watch so Mike let them get on his lap. When everyone made fun of big, mean Mike for hanging out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies, he defended his new friends. The theme is that you should not be ashamed of who you want to hang out with and you should be generous when someone needs your help.

The pairing of Big Mean Mike and the bunnies made me smile. Kids will love the pattern as a new bunny is added to the gang each day. Good message that even meanies can have a soft side, and that you can have friends who are different from you.

A funny story about not worrying about what others think.
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again — and this time brings a friend — Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute. . . .

Bunnies can like drag racing, too. And big, mean, Mike can like cute bunnies. A story about being true to yourself and not letting other peoples' expectations of you limit your experiences.

AD520L

Super cute tale about being yourself, but making room in your "persona" for everyone. Jackson loves it!

Big Mean Mike is the meanest, toughest dog around! But suddenly cute little bunnies start showing up and hanging around despite his best efforts to get them to SCRAM! How will Big Mean Mike keep his Big Mean Image intact?