Children's Author Sally O. Lee Discusses Bullying

I received a copy of Sally O. Lee's children's book Stop It! for review on my children's book blog. It's about a little boy named George who likes to bully both his sister Anabel, and her cat Lulubell. One day, Anabel gets fed up with George's antics and screams, "Stop it!" at the top of her lungs. She then helps George to redirect his attentions to more positive play.

Sally O. Lee was kind enough to follow up with me about the topic of bullying.

What is your background?

I have a BA in Studio Art/Art History from Colby College in Waterville. I also studied afterwards at The Art Institute of Boston and the New York Studio School.

How did you get involved in writing children's books?

My mother and I wrote one together about 10 years ago. I had so much fun, I tried it on my own. I have been painting for years and I was nice to try something different.

Have you written any other books?

Stop it! is my 22nd book.

Do you have plans for more?

Yes, I do.

What was the inspiration behind Stop It!?

I know what it is like to be bullied and there has been so much about it in the press lately, and people still seem puzzled about how to deal with it. I thought it was time to write a book about it and what the "bullee" can do to defend him/herself.

Why is this book so important today?

For the reasons above.

How do George's actions define him as a bully?

His actions are aggressive and thoughtless but he thinks they are justified because he feels his needs aren't being met and he can act accordingly.

What are other examples of bullying?

Verbal, emotional.

What can children learn from this book?

I want kids to learn that no matter what their circumstances may be, that they have resources within themselves to fight back even if they are short, tall, skinny, large, rich, poor, disabled.....

How should parents and educators use it?

They should teach and support their kids and help them use their own resources. Ultimately, you have to do this in life anyway.

What's your advice to children feeling bullied?

Fight back with what you have. (btw, I am not condoning violence). There are other ways.

What's your advice to parents of the bullied?

Support your kids, don't look the other way, listen to them.

What's your advice to parents of the bully?

This is tricky, usually they are bullies themselves, so it is a repeated pattern.

What do you say to kids feeling the need to bully others?

They shouldn't do it. They should find out why they feel the need to do it. Usually is it justifying an unjustified action. And they are usually the more powerful person. So they should recognize that. You shouldn't pick on someone smaller than you in any respect.

What are some other good resources about bullying?

I think there are books about it.

Why did you choose to illustrate your own story?

Illustrations help to show the problem and solution. Plus I love to illustrate.

How long does it take to create one illustration? a book?

Illustrations can take from 1/2 hour to many hours. Books can take 3 months or 3 years.

What advice do you have for children who want to become writers and/or illustrators?

Just do it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it, even if they are a friend.

Where can readers find out more about you?

You can visit my web site, www.leepublishing.net.

How can readers contact you?

info@leepublishing.net

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I hope that my books are educational, entertaining, and enjoyed.

Thank you so much for your time!