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danicamidlil's review
3.0
Considering the theme, this actually wasn't too preachy. The illustrations really helped bring the characters to life. It's funny to realize there aren't too many fat characters in picture books. It's nowhere near the actual ratio in the real world. This is a problem that's just starting to get attention and this will be a good book to know.
I'm a little peeved that the bully didn't get stopped until Nikki was skinny. Her size doesn't condone his behavior and I didn't feel that was made very clear.
I'm a little peeved that the bully didn't get stopped until Nikki was skinny. Her size doesn't condone his behavior and I didn't feel that was made very clear.
sorman0110's review
4.0
This book really shows the idea that younger kids model adults they are around such as teachers, family, etc. The young girl in the book, Nikki, does a great job of explaining how she eats away her feelings. However, she wants to change her habits, once she sees her overweight teacher doing the same. C. 2008, genre-realistic fiction
rakishabpl's review
4.0
This is a sweet and insightful yet hopeful book about an obese little girl who sets out to lose weight with her plus-size teacher. The cherubic cheeks and expressive eyes of little Nikki immediately draws you in, makes you want to love her like a cuddly teddy bear. But it is those same characteristics that make my throat tighten with tears as she describes eating away her pain when a classmate makes fun of her. As a plus-size woman, I feel little Nikki's pain and understand her struggle. I want to hug her and tell her that she'll be okay, but the truth is that she does need to lose weight and eat healthier. This book says it gently and directly without preachiness.
bkwrm127's review
5.0
A fabulous book for children (and adults) who struggle with being overweight. In a gentle way, it tells the story of Nikki who is inspired by her teacher to begin exercising and eating healthy.
veganemelda's review
1.0
Ugh. I can't even focus my thoughts on this, I have so many conflicting yet mostly negative feelings about this.
tashrow's review
4.0
Nikki is a girl who eats to feel better. She even sneaks potato chips during class when she is teased. Her new teacher, Mrs. Patterson is also heavy and Nikki sees her sneaking a cookie from her purse during the day too. When Nikki goes to the doctor later, she is told to not eat any more junk food. Her mother agrees, but on the way home buys them some doughnuts. When they return from Christmas break, Mrs. Patterson has changed. She isn't sneaking food, she's drinking water and she spends her early mornings walking. Nikki joins Mrs. Patterson on her walks in the mornings and starts to watch what she is eating too.
This picture book perfectly captures the issues of family and youth obesity. I appreciated that Nikki has good friends. She is not a loner, not disliked, but she is teased by one boy in her class. The depiction of using food as a mood stabilizer is also well done. There is no miraculous weight loss here, which is also a good thing. Rather there is a change in attitude and lifestyle. Bates' illustrations are filled with doughnuts and potato chips at first and then transition to vegetables and the green of the outdoors.
This book is ideal for classroom use when speaking about good nutrition. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
This picture book perfectly captures the issues of family and youth obesity. I appreciated that Nikki has good friends. She is not a loner, not disliked, but she is teased by one boy in her class. The depiction of using food as a mood stabilizer is also well done. There is no miraculous weight loss here, which is also a good thing. Rather there is a change in attitude and lifestyle. Bates' illustrations are filled with doughnuts and potato chips at first and then transition to vegetables and the green of the outdoors.
This book is ideal for classroom use when speaking about good nutrition. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
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