The Peanut Butter and Jelly Hotdog by Ivy Exum is about a young girl who eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on a hot dog bun, and how a bully makes fun of her. Upset and confused the girl’s friends rally to her defense, but in a non-violent way. No yelling, no warfare. Just compassion, thoughtfulness, and kindness.
What makes this story so amazing is Ivy is only 5-years-old. At such a tender age she chose a topic of growing concern in the schools (bullying) and a positive way to handle it. Her simplistic solution reveals a child’s hope for kindness to prevail – and that is what makes this story so special.
Review
The story is straightforward, told from the innocence of a little girl. Michelle loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But when a bully starts to bother her about her unusual sandwich, she doesn’t ponder the reason why the bully is attacking her, nor does she explain why she eats her special sandwich. Rather than choosing the path of violence, anger, and retaliation she finds a positive solution, defusing a volatile situation and possibly softening the heart of the bully.
Mrs. P (aka Kathy Kinney), offers a special reading “webisode” of Ivy’s story, filled with beautiful illustrations from artist Robin E. Kaplan of Portland, Oregon. My hats off to a wonderful story, and a bright and insightful little lady.
Thank you, Ivy, for sharing, and thank you Mrs. P for giving Ivy’s story to the world. This is one lesson every child, no matter how young or old, should read.
Mrs. P’s Magic Library
Each year, Mrs. P offers a contest for young writers. The “Be A Famous Writer” contest offers the chance for writers between the ages of 4 to 13 to have their story illustrated and read by Mrs. P online. From time to time, as with all contests and competitions, a special star shines out from the crowd. In 2010, it was 5-year-old Ivy Exum and her ‘Peanut Butter and Jelly Hotdog.’
The Winners of the 2010 contest were Briana Beebe, 8, of Centennial, Colorado. She won top honors in the 4- to 8-year-old category for “Mountain Dog,” the story of a beloved pet that disappears during a family’s move to a new home.
Bill Wang, 12, from West Linn, Oregon, won in the 9- to 13-year-old age group for “Lucky the Bamboo Chopper.” the fable of a young panda bear who learns an important life lesson.
In Mrs. P’s Magic Library read the recent contest winners by clicking on the blue ribbon on the floor by Mrs. P’s feet. To read other past contest winners click the stuffed toys on the floor. You can also visit the book shelf and choose one of many great stories.
Take a magical stroll through the wonderful books Mrs. P offers in her Magic Library, enjoy just the videos (sans the magic) from the Video Library or download them from iTunes. You may also enjoy listening to chats with Kathy Kinney, and Mrs. P, from our Podcast archive.
If you are not familiar with Mrs. P and the wonderful role she plays, let me enlighten you. Since its launch in Portland in 2008, MrsP.com has become one of the Internet’s most popular and trusted websites for children. Kathy Kinney, wishing to use her experience and success for more than just another Hollywood role, takes Mrs. P to schools, libraries and hospitals across the country to spread her message of the joys of reading with quirky and unexpected humor.
Mrs. P Resources
- Magic Library – Videos and a lot of magical fun
- Video Library – No Magic, Just Fun!
- Be a Famous Writer Contest – for writers ages 4 to 13.
- Mrs P on iTunes
Confession
When I am having a long day, or a Monday, I like to go to the Mrs. P video library and watch/listen to the beginning of a story. Mrs. P’s introduction stories always makes me laugh. Thank you Mrs. P.
Unruly Guides Podcasts with Mrs. P and Kathy Kinney
- Interview with Kathy Kinney
- A Visit from Mrs. P on her book “Mrs. P’s Four Favorite Fairy Tales & Funny Stories.”
- Kathy’s “Giving Thanks” Special Podcast
About Suzanne Fyhrie Parrott