Billy the Bully by Sharon and Kierra Linen is a sweet story with a strong moral. Addy has a problem at school that is making her sad. Billy is bullying her. Worried about making things worse, at first Addy refuses to speak up about the problem. Encouraged by her mom that it’s okay to do so, Addy finally tells her teacher. Action is taken and all the children in the class are relieved because they, too, had been bullied by Billy. But then a tragedy occurs: Billy is seriously injured in a car accident. At first, the children are glad that Billy has received his comeuppance. However, Addy responds with something her mom has told her: sometimes children bully because they are sad inside. This does indeed turn out to be the case and, after an act of selfless kindness by Addy and her group, Billy becomes a friend.

Billy the Bully by Sharon and Kierra Linen is a well-paced, carefully plotted story that teaches in a simple way the sometimes complex lesson of dealing with bullying. I liked the clear, non-judgmental way in which this sensitive subject is handled. The accompanying pictures are bright and colorful. An interesting addition is a glossary of highlighted words: innocent, insisted, announcement, victims, nervous, and standing ovation. These are ‘new’ words for this age group, which I imagine will make for good discussion points. Whilst the story is somewhat predictable and the moral a little too obviously presented, I think Billy the Bully is a good addition to the important topic of managing bullying.

Billy is a mean bully. He’s mean to everyone in the class, but especially to Addy. This makes Addy sad as she’s a friendly girl who enjoys her friends and fellow classmates. After Billy trips Addy in the hall and is caught by the teacher, he’s taken home by his mother and they’re in an accident that puts Billy in a wheelchair, possibly for life. That makes Billy sad. Addy rises above her hurt from all Billy did and tells her friends that they need to forgive Billy and help him through this difficult time. Addy and her friends are competing for a $500 prize at the school’s talent show. They can’t wait to win and use the money to purchase new bikes for themselves. But, when they win, they have another idea of how to use the money.

Sharon and Kierra Linen’s picture book story, Billy the Bully, is a compassionate story about bullying. The authors address the difficult issues of hurt, fear, and the challenging questions of why a bully is so mean. The language is simple to help young readers follow along and improve their reading skills. At the end of the story, there’s a glossary of new words to help young readers improve their comprehension and reading skills. The plot follows Addy through her struggles with the bully and understanding why he’s so mean. There is lots of dialogue, making the story easier to read, and the bright, colorful illustrations are superb and help carry the story along. There is a powerful message in this story, one that rises above the deep scars left behind by bullies: this message is one of forgiveness and extending the hand of friendship, or what the Bible describes as turning the other cheek. Beautifully told and presented.

Billy the Bully by Sharon and Kierra Linen is a lovely children's book on a difficult topic. Indeed, it is always hard for kids to let adults know they are being bullied because they fear the bully will get worse and attack them even more often. In other words, they are afraid of retaliation. This implies most children will not seek help, will not be helped, and this can result in dreadful consequences. We all know former bullied kids and we can understand, as adults, how important this issue is. That is why this delicately illustrated book is a must-read for all children. It is positive, takes into account all sides of the argument, and even shows the reader that the victims are not only the ones being bullied.

Billy the Bully by Sharon and Kierra Linen is a gem of a book. It will guide parents when they want to broach the subject matter of bullying with their sons and daughters; it will help kids see that they can be helped if need be and that being bullied can be stopped easily. I wish I had read such an opus with my son when he was little. I will translate it into French as I read it to my grandkids, that’s for sure. We all (parents, teachers, carers generally speaking) need to address this burning issue, especially as it is also happening online where would-be-bullies feel unthreatened and all-powerful. I loved Addy’s story in which she and her friends turn into lovely friends for a poor kid, who has turned into a bully. They find it in their heart to forgive him, understand how he is feeling and why he did what he did, and help him and his family when they are in need. A true treasure of a book!

Billy the Bully is part of the Addybee 123 Collection by Sharon and Kierra Linen. Addy is a girl who is being bullied by a boy in her class. She doesn't understand why it's happening, but finally, she tells her mom what is going on. Her mom comforts her and explains that sometimes bullies lash out because they are hurting too. Addy and her friends are planning on being in the school talent show. If they win, they get a cash prize. Something unexpected happens to Billy the Bully. Addy and her friends have some tough decisions to make about how they are going to respond to the situation. Scattered throughout the text are some highlighted words that are explained in a glossary.

Billy the Bully by Sharon and Kierra Linen is a story that many kids will understand well. Bullying is something that lots of schools are targeting as a topic that needs to be addressed with their students. This is an accessible story that highlights many steps kids can take if they are the ones being bullied. What is unique about Billy the Bully is that Billy is treated as an actual person, with feelings as well. Billy does receive consequences for his actions, but Addy and her friends are also given a chance to determine how they are going to respond. Standing up for oneself is an important skill for kids to develop, but so is kindness. Billy the Bully champions both those values. The illustrations depict a diverse group of kids vividly and charmingly.

Powerful and precious little story. A “Must have” for parents and children!

A really good read for children on bullying and how to deal with it positively.

My 3yo loved Billy the Bully. It’s a wonderful story not only about bullying but selflessness and caring for those who mistreat us. I love the vocabulary section and the illustrations are bright and beautiful! I’ve enjoyed all the books from Linen and Linen Creations thus far.

Not just a book but a guide for kids to learn, on what they can do on a situation, when someone gets bullied. Very clever and fun for kids to read and conserve. My kids are looking forward for Billy the Bully part 2 ! Thanks to the writers for such magnificent book!