This is A. Blob

by L.A. Kefalos

This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully. This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that there may be more to A. Blob than meets the eye.

Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help

20 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[LaughingLeopardPress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike many other books for children on the topic of bullying, this book looks at bullying from the perspective of the bullied and the bully. The behavior of the bully, A. Blob, is never excused, but children are able to learn that sometimes bullying comes from a place of pain and that both the bully and the bullied need help if bullying is ever going to end. The bully is a purple blob and not associated with a gender or a race so that children can insert their own experiences into the story. The illustrations are beautifully done, as well. Overall, an easy read for early readers and a great prompt for opening discussions on the topic of bullying for younger children.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully illustrated story of bullying being done by A. Blob, a big purple blob with a mean streak. First in a series on bullying from Kefalos and Laughing Leopard Press, it leaves us with a hint that not all bullies want to be. A perfect read for today's children (4-8 years of age) given the near epidemic acts of cruelty prevailing our country. The ending is almost a question and one that should be discussed with your children. Hope the next installment comes out soon!! Illustrated by Yuriy Fialko.