Books by Melanie Richardson Dundy

Kids who are being bullied feel very alone. This book lets them know they are not alone.Kids need to know how to deal with bullies. This book gives them tools.Kids need to know:Bullies like to bully. They don''t care if it makes you feel bad.Teasing and hurting others makes bullies feel cool (which they are not), and makes them feel courageous (but everyone knows they are cowards).Bullies think others will be impressed by their actions (which nobody worth knowing will be), and bullies want power over you (which they cannot have unless you hand that power over to them).Their goal is to get a reaction out of you (so don''t react).

Sometimes it is just easier to understand things when they are seen through the eyes of sweet little puppies.Through the actions of the Park Puppies, children realize that friendship and social interaction with other kids who, at first glance, appear to be different, enriches their lives and enhances their experiences.The Park Puppies help children to accept, respect, understand, and celebrate differences in others. Kids realize people are more alike than they are different, and, in the end, everyone wants the same things; to be loved and accepted, have friends, and be happy.The puppies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the pups are shy, some come from other countries, some are just happy little dogs, some have disabilities, one has been mistreated, one has been homeless, some have been adopted, one is grieving the loss of a friend. The pups are dealing with real issues to which children can relate.Raising the next generation to be kind, open-minded, and compassionate toward others will help lead to a bright future. 

The fun begins when a little red bucket hat is blown out to sea by an unexpected gust of wind. The little hat faces a wild adventure, encountering many unforgettable sea creatures that make the young reader smile and giggle. Our hat also encounters a scary octopus from which it must escape. These encounters build the little hat's confidence and change its outlook on life. The story is full of words and sounds that are fun to say and encourage young readers to want to read the story (or have it read to them) over and over. Little Bucket Beach Hat is written in verse and has a surprise ending. Beautiful full-color, original illustrations on every page.Playful/humorous picture book for young children.