You're a Boy Not a Bull

<p>The story line follows a boy who turns into a mean angry bull when his temper gets the best of him. When he chooses to do the right thing and not act out in anger he turns back into a boy. Darlene Shortridge drew inspiration from her son Jeremiah who had quite the temper growing up. His little fists would ball up at his sides and his nose would breathe in and out in exaggerated form as Darlene would say Jeremiah you're a boy not a bull! #leavebullyingtobullsThis book is a welcome addition to any child's library and addresses bullying at home in the neighborhood and at school. Jason Webb's introductory illustrations showcase his talent. He truly brought Darlene's vision for her characters to life. The artwork is colorful full of action and attractive to children ages 4-8. Each two page spread featuring the bull acting out resolves as you turn the page and see the boy acting as a boy should. </p><p> </p><p>I’m your mom</p><p>I should know.</p><p>I was there on that day</p><p>You decided to show.</p><p>You’re a boy not a bull!</p><p> </p><p>You are angry</p><p>I can understand.</p><p>Your sister destroyed</p><p>your tower so grand.</p><p> </p><p>You ball up your fists.</p><p>Hands straight by your side.</p><p>Your face is in snarls</p><p>This I cannot abide.</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull!</p><p> </p><p>It’s only a game</p><p>You’re heard this before</p><p>Not liking to lose</p><p>You slam your door</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I hear you pacing</p><p>Toys start to fly</p><p>Your feet start stomping</p><p>I ask myself why?</p><p>You’re a boy not a bull.</p><p> </p><p>The kids at school</p><p>They call you a name</p><p>It’s not true</p><p>But it hurts just the same</p><p> </p><p>Your face turns red</p><p>You try not to cry</p><p>Instead you get angry</p><p>Your fists start to fly</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull.</p><p> </p><p>You stand at the door</p><p>Your day is all planned</p><p>Bat ball and mitt</p><p>You hold in your hand</p><p> </p><p>You have chores to do</p><p>Before you can play</p><p>You stomp and you shout</p><p>You don’t get your way</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull.</p><p> </p><p>She is sweet a button</p><p>Or so they say</p><p>You can’t see it</p><p>She gets in the way</p><p> </p><p>You no longer matter</p><p>She’s all they love</p><p>No one is looking  </p><p>You give her a shove.</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull.</p><p> </p><p>He’s your big brother</p><p>He’s supposed to care</p><p>He hits you and trips you</p><p>And pulls your hair</p><p> </p><p>You do to them</p><p>What he does to you</p><p>You are the bully</p><p>On the playground at school</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull</p><p> </p><p>Fold your clothes</p><p>Make your bed</p><p>Harder than it looks</p><p>These words fill you with dread</p><p> </p><p>You try to comply</p><p>You try to explain</p><p>Your work looks a mess</p><p>You start to complain</p><p> </p><p>You’re a boy not a bull.</p><p> </p><p>You’re worried</p><p>You’ve got a test</p><p> </p><p>You run through the house</p><p>You push and you shove</p>