A Bad Case of Stripes

This was another one of my childhood favorites that I found myself enjoying as a young adult when I went back to reread it. Camilla Cream is a realistic character: she worries about what other people think. Children find this book visually appealing because of the silly yet vivid illustrations. While the concept of getting a sickness that turns your entire body into rainbow stripes is fiction, children can relate to times that they have been sick. The plot is well paced and draws suspense, as the reader anticipates whether or not Camilla will be cured. However, the main reason I love this book is because of its message to not be afraid to be yourself. At the end of the story, Camilla realizes she doesn't need other people's approval, show more and decides to eat her favorite lima beans. I think that this is an incredibly important message to send to kids, especially at a young age, because children should be encouraged to be themselves and not conform to how others think they should act. show less

This is a cute, silly picture book that addresses a pretty important message. Camilla Cream is the main character and she loves lima beans. Except, she pretends she doesn't like lima beans because her friends don't like them, and she wants to fit in. One day, Camilla wakes up covered in stripes from head to toe. She doesn't know what is wrong with her, but the doctor says she should be able to still go to school. At school, Camilla's classmates tease her and call out colors and designs, which then appear on her skin. Camilla is sent home from school, and she undergoes many more bizarre transformations: turning into a pill, and even turning her into her bedroom. Doctors are puzzled and don't know how to help. Then, an old lady shows up show more and feeds Camilla lima beans. At first, Camilla doesn't want to eat them (because her friends would make fun of her) but she gives in and eats them, and turns back into her normal self. Camilla learns to be herself, and eat lima beans because she likes them-- even if her friends think she is weird. show less

I absolutely loved A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon! It’s one of those books that you can read over and over again and still find something new to appreciate. The story follows a little girl named Camilla Cream, who is so worried about what others think of her that she ends up getting a mysterious illness that causes her to turn into whatever she’s surrounded by be it stripes, polka dots, you name it! It’s such a unique concept that keeps you hooked from the first page.
What I love most about the book is how it handles the themes of self-acceptance and peer pressure. Camilla starts out trying to please everyone around her, but she soon learns that being true to herself is the only way to feel better. The illustrations are show more bright and full of energy, and they really bring the wild transformations Camilla goes through to life.
I think what makes this book stand out is how it manages to be both entertaining and meaningful without being preachy. It’s a fun, quirky story with a heartwarming message about embracing who you are. As someone who has struggled with self-doubt at times, this book really resonates with me, and I think it’s perfect for kids (and adults!) who need a reminder that they don’t have to change for others. show less

A Bad Case of Stripes explores themes of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and the importance of being true to oneself through the story of Camilia, the main character. Although Camilla loves lima beans, her desire to fit in leads to a bizarre condition where her skin changes based on others' opinions. As the condition worsens, Camilia ultimately learns to embrace her true self by eating lima beans, symbolizing her journey toward acceptance.

David Shannon uses relatable storytelling techniques and vibrant illustrations to reflect Camilia's emotional journey. The changing colors, stripes, and patterns represent how external pressure can affect one's identity. This children's book connects with young readers by addressing their desire to show more fit in while encouraging them to celebrate their uniqueness with happiness and self-confidence.

I remember reading this book as a kid; I liked the constant use of colors and patterns. But now, as a 20-year-old, it was strange to revisit a book I used to read years ago because of how I was able to pick up on things that I didn't quite piece together (or even remember the storyline), such as the overall message to be true to yourself even if others may think you're "weird" for liking a particular food or something you wore to school. show less

Camilla is worried about what others will think about her if she eats her Lima beans, which she loves, in front of them. When she doesn't eat the Lima beans, strange things begin to happen to her. Her first day of school, she is covered in stripes. Then she continues to be covered in more strange different patterns, getting diagnosed by different doctors, but never getting better. Finally, a lady says she should eat Lima beans, and that is what makes her better.

The idea from this story that you shouldn't worry so much about what other people might think about what you is relevant for all ages of people. I know I can use a reminder that I shouldn't base my choices on how I think people will view me. The story really illustrates well that show more even if you do try to change yourself to please others, that there can be uncontrollable or unchangeable factors that people will see anyway. I loved the message and the illustrations were wonderful as well. show less

I adore this book! I love the illustrations, the message, the plot, the characters...everything. Camilla Cream is very concerned with what people think of her, and even refuses to eat her very favorite food - lima beans - because she's afraid of what people will say. On the first day of school, she looks in the mirror and finds rainbow stripes covering her skin. When the kids see her, they shout out other patterns they'd like to see. Eventually, she's a horrific mess and the principal sends her home to be poked and prodded by various doctors and experts, though every "cure" just makes it worse. Finally, after a huge fuss, a sweet little old lady shows up with an unexpectedly obvious solution.

This book is about Camilla Cream who worries a lot about what people think of her and is so concerned about fitting in that she neglects her own identity. It shows children that it is important to be true to oneself and to celebrate the uniqueness rather than conforming to others expectations. The illustrations are expressive and perfectly capture Camillas emotions. The artwork adds depth to the storytelling, making it engaging. Overall, this is a very cute book. It would be perfect for upper elementary as it's a bit long and younger elementary may get restless.