A new take on bullying

'Charlie's Birthday Wish' explores the effects of bullying from the bully's perspective

‘Charlie’s Birthday Wish’ by Rene Micka
and pictures by Scott Sauer is pictured.
Lisa Goudy/UnCut    

By Lisa Goudy

Bullying isn’t a new topic.

This month is Bullying Prevention Month. We talk about bullying a lot and it’s essential that we keep talking about it so, hopefully one day we can put an end to it. We talk about how it affects victims of bullying, but it puts a whole new spin on things when you look at something from the bully’s perspective.

Did it ever occur to you that sometimes bullies are misunderstood or that sometimes bullies feel bad about things they’ve done or said to other people? Did you ever think that kids should also understand the consequences associated with being a bully, just as bullies should understand the consequences of being bullied?

These are all themes that educator Rene Micka explores in her debut children’s book, ‘Charlie’s Birthday Wish.’ The premise of the novel is simple, but it’s written from the point of view of the bully, Charlie.

Charlie is faced with a dilemma. His birthday is approaching, but he’s been cruel to his friends and is now alone. But he doesn’t want to spend his birthday party by himself. He contemplates what he’s done and how, if at all, he can earn forgiveness from his friends.

In addition to an educational and compelling storyline, the book is written in rhyme and accompanied with wonderful, coloured pictures by Scott Sauer. It’s a book that any child is sure to enjoy.

But more than that, what this book offers is a great message for all kids. It teaches kids to be kind to other people and to learn the value of friendship and forgiveness. For adults, it also shows how we can be good role models to children and how we can teach them those important values.

These days, many kids face many different kinds of bullying (75 per cent, according to PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network). PREVNet also added that children who are bullied suffer headaches, depression and anxiety and that children who bully or have been bullied are at an increased risk of suicide.

What’s more is that children who bully are more likely to become involved with criminal activity. Not to mention that peers are present in 90 per cent of all bullying incidents.

In a world where these facts ring true, there is only one solution - we need to help kids who are being bullied or are bullies. We also need to help them foster positive relationships with one another and to encourage respect.

There are many ways that we can accomplish this - by spreading the word, by providing a support system to children and by encouraging kids to earn friendships and teach them respect.

And what a better way to teach kids important messages like that than presenting it in a children’s book, detailed in rhyme and illustrated with beautiful pictures? Micka does a great job of instilling those messages into kids’ minds and the best part is, she does it in a way that’s entertaining.


All in all, ‘Charlie’s Birthday Wish’ is a fun read that conveys important messages.

*** This review first appeared in the Oct. 14, 2015 edition of the Moose Jaw Times-Herald's weekly publication, UnCut.