Hurty Feelings

Title:

Hurty Feelings

Author:

Lester, Helen

Munsinger, Lynn

Subject:

Bullying

Emotions & Feelings

Animals

Social Themes

Elephants

Hippos & Rhinos

Juvenile Fiction

Description:

A thin-skinned hippo and a bully elephant learn about feelings in this hilarious tale from the author of Hooway for Wodney Wat. Fragility was a solid piece of work. But despite her sturdy exterior, Fragility was fragile. Anything and everything hurt her feelings. In the most benign compliment, Fragility heard an insult. No one could even say she looked nice without evoking images of big, squishy cupcakes-since they are also nice-and causing Fragility to flop on the ground and weep. Fragility's friends stop speaking to her for fear of another fit, but Rudy, a very rude bully, has other ideas. In the face of real insults, will Fragility finally learn to take a compliment? This e-book includes audio narration.

Publisher:

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Date:

2014-01-14

Digital Format:

HOOPLA E BOOK

Summary

A thin-skinned hippo and a bully elephant learn about feelings in this hilarious tale from the author of Hooway for Wodney Wat .

Fragility was a solid piece of work. But despite her sturdy exterior, Fragility was fragile. Anything and everything hurt her feelings. In the most benign compliment, Fragility heard an insult. No one could even say she looked nice without evoking images of big, squishy cupcakes--since they are also nice--and causing Fragility to flop on the ground and weep. Fragility's friends stop speaking to her for fear of another fit, but Rudy, a very rude bully, has other ideas. In the face of real insults, will Fragility finally learn to take a compliment?

This e-book includes audio narration.

"The punchy story line will keep children laughing, and Munsinger's characteristic watercolor illustrations bring the tale to life, making Lester's creatures all the more entertaining and enjoyable."-- School Library Journal

"Munsinger's illustrations prop up this...tale with a brace of good cheer and well-tempered comedy."-- Kirkus Reviews

"Lester enhances the basic story about handling emotions with a satisfying slapstick humor that's beautifully extended in Munsinger's hilarious, wildly expressive illustrations."-- Booklist , ALA

Reviews (2)

Horn Book Review

Fragility the hippo dissolves into tears at the slightest provocation. She's a stalwart soccer goalie, however, and when Rudy the elephant taunts her, hoping to insult her out of the way, she replies in kind--and this time Rudy's feelings are hurt. Munsinger's humorous illustrations deflect any hint of didacticism as the two adversaries begin an unlikely but satisfying friendship. A downloadable audio version is available on the publisher's website. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Review

Fragility is a hippo and as such, she is "a solid piece of work," but her feelings are as soft as tofu. A rude comment would sink her faster than a couple pair of cement boots, but she also could read insults in a compliment: "Nice? Do you know what else is nice? Cupcakes are nice. So you're comparing me to a squishy cupcake." Boo-hoo. Such a delicate flower comes across as delightfully mirthful in Lester's tale, though not the consequences of her behavior: The other animals avoid her. Then one day--out of nowhere, really, and it's not the story's strong suit--Fragility stands up to the insults of an elephant, who threatens their ball game, without nervous collapse. Fortunately, Munsinger's illustrations prop up this teetery tale with a brace of good cheer and well-tempered comedy. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.