Billy Gets Bullied: Bullying: 1 (Billy Growing Up)

Suitable for boy and girls aged 7 to 9-years-oldBilly Gets Bullied is the first volume in The Billy Growing Up series. The story follows Billy a young boy who turns ten on the tenth October - 10 10 10 - a once in a lifetime occasion. Billys excitement at his big birthday perfectly captures that of a child who is bordering on adolescence - each birthday seems so much more important than the last and the move from single to double figures is one of the greatest of all.On Billys birthday he is over the moon to be given a £20 note by his granddad. No more silly childrens toys he can finally buy what he wants. At the age of ten this seems like a huge amount of money - more than Billy has ever owned. Things take an unpleasant turn when the local bully hears about Billys birthday present and forces him to give it up - or else.Billy like many other children his ages agrees to the bullys demands. Billy is devastated to have lost his special birthday present but he attempts to keep the situation a secret from his mum and granddad. He has nothing to be ashamed of but has convinced himself that the adults in his life will be cross if they find out what has happened. Like many bullied children he feels he cannot turn to anyone for help. Fortunately luck is on Billys side and his best friends little sister finds out about the bully and tells Billys granddad. Together they are able to hatch a plan to get the note back and to ensure the bully gets whats coming to him!Billy Gets Bullied is a wonderful example of a story that young children can enjoy reading together with their parents. Using traditional storytelling it is entertaining while dealing with a serious issue that affects many children as they grow up. Bullying can be a difficult subject for children to talk about and many feel frightened or embarrassed if they fall victim to bullying. This book acts as the perfect icebreaker for adults and children to begin discussing these issues. The message in the book is clear - you cant rid the world of bullies but you can do something about how you deal with them.