Author/Illustrator: John Burningham
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006
Age: 4-8
Themes: behavior, interpersonal relationships
Opening: Edwardo was an ordinary boy.
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Each time he does something a little bit bad, Edwardo is told that he is very bad and soon his behavior is awful, but when he accidentally does good things and is complimented, he becomes much, much nicer.
I like this book because: it‘s a good reminder for us all, and unfortunately we need reminders. I was really lucky to be able to attend (for free through my library) a talk called, An Open Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Close, with Dr. Steve Robbins. And in the very same vein this book addresses our biases, how easily we form them, adapt to other people‘s biases and how easily we can change them – if we make the effort. Every elementary classroom should have this book and others like it. Also, the author, one of my favorites, recently passed away, and I am rereading as much of his work as I can get a hold of. RIP, John Burningham.
Resources/Activities: do yourself a favor and read more Burningham, like The Shopping Basket, or Would You Rather, or perhaps one of the books I mention in this post about Burningham
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE
julie rowan-zoch 
I’m off to check out every book by John Burningham that my library owns or can bring in from other libraries. It would seem that this talented author is quite a talented illustrator, too! The picture of the frizzly-haired woman in the yellow dress is flat out amazing! Thanks for sharing this book.
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You will fall in love!
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I love the theme of this book. We are all need reminders from time to time — even with our pets (a lesson I’ve learned). The illustrations are amazing. Want to check out Burningham’s books. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I am a huge Burningham fan too. I suspect this would not be published now, so I am so glad it exists.
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Let’s hope the tides turn again!
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Julie, I nearly cried when I read your review. This was my son. It wasn’t until 6th grade, when he finally had a teacher who understood what was going on, that all of the teachers who came before started realizing that negative reinforcement was the wrong approach to take. It took some time for us to dig out of that emotional pit. I’ve got to find these books! Thank you!
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Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear what he has been through. It’s a sad story that still exists today. So glad you and your son have managed to overcome. Books like this are so important!
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I just read several of Burningham’s books. They all have a similar, quite distinctive quality, one that leads to questions rather than answers. Thanks for bringing them to my attention.
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So happy to have made the introduction! I hope you love Shirley too like I do! And Mr. Grumpy, and Borka, and …
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Mr. Gumpy was my favorite. My library doesn’t have many of Mr. Birmingham’s books, but we brought some with us from the UK and I got more on Better World Books. 🙂
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Borka was recently reissued here, but I have had trouble finding more too.
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What a powerful message. Maybe Grandma wasn’t so far off when she said, “If you haven’t something nice to say, say nothing at all.” I’m also unfamiliar with Burningham’s books. I’ll see if my library has any. Thanks for the introduction.
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I’m thinking we need to all read this book. And like mama said, if you can’t say anything nice, just keep your mouth shut. Words have such power. Let’s make ours the best, kindest, most helpful words.
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Criticism is beneficial if it is constructive – we know!
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