Fridays with Irene: review of Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal

Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal
By: Jeanie Franz Ransom
Illustrated by: Jackie Urbanovic
Magination Press, 2008
Ages 3 to 8

This is a cute and enchanting book with an important message for kids. Most kids don't think much about tattling. They seem to always be tattling about someone. But is it really that harmful?

The author shows the reader in a humour way that tattling is really not necessary. As parents and teachers know first hand, kids can, and do, tattle about their friends, peers, and even siblings so that they look superior to the other kids.

Other times, kids tattle to get back at another kid. For instance, if someone tattles about one kid, that kid will tattle on that kid, and the chain could continue for a long time if it isn't stopped by some adult. Tattling can cause a lot of bad feelings between kids. It can also cause low self-esteem in some kids and really hurt how they view themselves.

So, parents and teachers must take steps to eliminate, or at least alleviate, tattling as much as possible. The book will help kids learn when telling someone something is appropriate and when it is merely squealing. It is important for kids to know the difference between squealing and telling the truth about something.

In addition, at the end of the book, there is a note for parents and teachers about how to deal with kids who are tattlers. The illustrations are very cute and the message is presented in a
humourous fashion, one that will engage the young reader.

Rating: 4 Roses

Reviewed by Irene S. Roth.

Irene Roth writes fiction and nonfiction for teens and tweens. Irene also writes academically and holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy. In addition, she writes reviews for Blogcritics Magazine, Booksneeze, Tynsdale Publishers, The Muse, and is review editor for Humane Medicine International. She has written over 200 reviews, articles, and stories, both online and in print. Irene is a members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), CBI Clubhouse, and the Children's Writer's Coaching Club. Visit her websites at:
http://adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com,
http://irenesroth.wordpress.com,
http://rothsbookreviews.wordpress.com,
http://irenesbookreviewsmyblog.wordpress.com