My thoughts: Great illustrations and unique story-telling help convey a message that needs to be repeated often – bullying is not cool. But friendship is way cooler. And you learn that you can find and make friends in the most unexpected places.The illustrations might be a little scary for really young kids but has something of 'Where the Wild Things are' in a toned down kind of way - both in color (since bright color is not something you will see in this book - mostly muds and shadows!) and in dialog (almost none). That toned-downness fits this book though and I did enjoy reading - the pictures - in this book.
 
My kids thoughts: 
My little girl: She said that this book is different, loved how they all became friends towards the end, did not like the fact that there were mainly boys in this book. When I mentioned that I think I did see a girl, she replied saying that the girl was not given enough of a role! She gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars mainly because of the ‘girl’ factor mentioned here.
My little boy:”I loved the concept of using pictures mainly to tell the story. (he loves cartooning). The book was awesome; and how the little boy figured out how to get the mean boy not to bully him anymore; how he dodged the wave – it was pure genius! I give this book 10 out of 5 stars.”
 
Rating: B+
Reading Level: 7 years and up
Reread Level: 4/5 

Disclaimer:Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital review copy of the books above. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on the books were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read the books.