Big Mean Mike

by Michelle Knudsen, Scott Magoon (Illustrator)

Overview

“It’s rare to find a book that will appeal to both the lovers of monster trucks and the kids who go into raptures at the sight of a fuzzy little critter; this is that book.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood, and everyone knows it. So when a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up one day, Mike tells it to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But the bunny keeps returning with more friends . . . and they sure are cute. From best-selling author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Scott Magoon comes a comical lesson about how keeping up your image is not nearly as fun as being your own quirky self.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763668136
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	03/10/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	328,334
Product dimensions:	10.31(w) x 9.88(h) x 0.21(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Michelle Knudsen is the New York Times best-selling author of Library Lion, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes; Argus, illustrated by Andréa Wesson; Big Mean Mike, illustrated by Scott Magoon; and Marilyn’s Monster, illustrated by Matt Phelan, as well as the Trelian middle-grade fantasy trilogy and the Evil Librarian YA horror-comedy trilogy. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is terrified of spiders.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

It’s rare to find a book that will appeal to both the lovers of monster trucks and the kids who go into raptures at the sight of a fuzzy little critter; this is that book.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Knudsen offers an uncompromisingly macho version of the defend-your-friends theme, and its cultural references (combat boots, gym membership) and the inherent humor in seeing the bunnies charm their way into Mike’s heart will keep readers attentive—and laughing.
—Publishers Weekly

Even the toughest readers will crumble under the appeal of these bunnies.
—Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

It’s rare to find a book that will appeal to both the lovers of monster trucks and the kids who go into raptures at the sight of a fuzzy little critter; this is that book.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

Knudsen offers an uncompromisingly macho version of the defend-your-friends theme, and its cultural references (combat boots, gym membership) and the inherent humor in seeing the bunnies charm their way into Mike’s heart will keep readers attentive—and laughing.
—Publishers Weekly

Even the toughest readers will crumble under the appeal of these bunnies.
—Kirkus Reviews

Readers will fall for the adorable bunnies and cheer Mike’s new devotion to them. Share this doggedly worthy read-aloud during your favorite friendship-themed storyhours for a lot of growls and laughs.
—School Library Journal

Colorful illustrations are both appropriately tough and tender. Mean and cute not only do mix; they match in delightful ways.
—Library Media Connection

The eternal struggle between tough and tender gets a workout in this adorable book.
—Booklist

From the Publisher

Big Mean Mike, a dog whose spiked collar and leather jacket signal that he’s a serious tough guy, is mystified when wee, innocent, fuzzy bunnies start appearing in his big, mean car. He’s forced to appear in public with them and must endure the scorn of his friends: “Didn’t figure you for the cute and cuddly type,” one jeers. But Big Mean Mike rises to the occasion without losing any of his meanness: “I can hang out with whoever I want! I like these bunnies.... And they’re adorable! Any of you got a problem with that?” Magoon’s (Chopsticks) blocky Mike and his souped-up ride are appropriately dynamic: Mike’s toothy snarl is often front and center, and his muscle car has orange flames and an exhaust system that belches smoke. Knudsen (Argus) offers an uncompromisingly macho version of the defend-your-friends theme, and its cultural references (combat boots, gym membership) and the inherent humor in seeing the bunnies charm their way into Mike’s heart will keep readers attentive—and laughing. Ages 4–8. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

K-Gr 2—Big Mean Mike is a dog whose image is not supposed to include fuzzy bunny friends. As the toughest canine in the neighborhood, he wears silver spikes and combat boots and drives a big mean car that makes a lot of mean noises. One afternoon he finds a fluffy bunny in his car and leaves the sad rabbit on the sidewalk eating dust as he peels away. The persistent animal keeps returning with friends until the day of the Monster Truck Show when there are four incredibly endearing bunnies gazing at him. Dropping his macho image for just a moment, Mike gives in to their sweet, pleading faces and takes them in to watch the show. Knudsen has created a tough guy with a soft heart who ultimately chooses his friends despite what others may think and still manages to be himself. Magoon's bunnies are digitally rendered with soft, fuzzy edges but are just as tough on the inside as Mike is on the outside when they growl at the crossbones-adorned bullies picking on their large companion for hanging out with uncool friends. Readers will fall for the adorable bunnies and cheer Mike's new devotion to them. Share this doggedly worthy read-aloud during your favorite friendship-themed storyhours for a lot of growls and laughs.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

School Library Journal

A warning: This book may make you like cute bunnies. Big Mean Mike likes monster-truck shows. This is puzzling, because he's bigger than some of the trucks. Big Mean Mike wears combat boots he bought at a store called Big Boots. Mike, it's worth noting, is a dog, with a spiked collar. Mike should never own a bunny, but small, cute bunnies keep appearing in his sports car. One shows up in his trunk. Another shows up in his glove compartment. To Knudsen's credit, this is never explained. Magoon has made the bunnies exactly as adorable as they need to be. They're never cloying, but they're fuzzy and round, and readers will feel embarrassed for Mike when he has to carry them past his friends, who are wearing muscle shirts and the occasional eye patch. The small details may be the real reason to buy the book. The grille of Mike's car looks like the teeth of a shark. One of the toughest dogs has a cat's skull and crossbones on his shirt, along with the words "HERE, KITTY, KITTY." And every young reader will spot the Batmobile at the edge of a parking lot. When Mike finally learns to love his bunnies, the illustrations have set up the moment perfectly. They look like they belong together. Even the toughest readers will crumble under the appeal of these bunnies. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews