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Big Mean Mike

Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Paperback
$8.99 US
10.31"W x 9.88"H x 0.21"D   | 7 oz | 60 per carton
On sale Mar 10, 2020 | 40 Pages | 978-0-7636-6813-6
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD520L
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“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.
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.

Photos

additional book photo
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About

“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.

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.