A laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what others think — even if you’re big and tough, and your friends are fuzzy and cute.
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again — and this time brings a friend — Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies 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.
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
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.
Scott Magoon has illustrated several books for children, including If Waffles Were Like Boys by Charise Mericle Harper and Otto: The Boy Who Loved Cars by Kara LaReau. Scott Magoon lives near Boston, Massachusetts.
A laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what others think — even if you’re big and tough, and your friends are fuzzy and cute.
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again — and this time brings a friend — Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies 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.
Praise
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
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.
Scott Magoon has illustrated several books for children, including If Waffles Were Like Boys by Charise Mericle Harper and Otto: The Boy Who Loved Cars by Kara LaReau. Scott Magoon lives near Boston, Massachusetts.
