By Kathryn Reed

It would be hard to imagine anyone condoning bullying. Even bullies probably would like to overcome whatever insecurity they have to be a nicer person.

What’s sad, though, is that children’s books are now being deliberately written to call attention to bullying. Maybe there has always been this intent by authors and just the marketing is different now.

Nonetheless, a book that came out this year is all about how being nice and respectful of others will bring out the tender side of people. Actually, in this case, it’s all about creating tender turkeys.

“Turkey Trouble” was written by Judy Walker. She is an educator who has seen the taunts at school as well as how love and kindness can soften bullies.

According to NoBullying.com, 160,000 students miss school each day for fear of attack or intimidation by other students.

Walker is trying to defuse the bullying by showing how being kind has more rewards than being mean.

Using royal turkeys to illustrate her point brings the message to light without being overbearing. In fact, the word bully is not found in the book.

Like many books, there is a message in here that children will likely not consciously realize they are being taught. But on some level it is bound to resonate that acting a certain way – good or bad – has consequences.