A Gift for Johnny Know-It-All

Barbara M. Buetter conducts creative-writing workshops for children and
is the author of Simple Puppets from Everyday Materials.

Johnny Graham is a Grade 4 student with big ears and a big mouth. His
nosiness and his runaway tongue often get him into trouble, but it’s
his taunting of smelly Bennie Snell that changes his life. Bennie
responds to Johnny’s insult by breaking his nose. Among the story’s
many surprising turns of events, the two eventually become friends. In
the process, Johnny begins to mature and to reach a better understanding
of himself and his needs.

This book features lively prose, convincing dialogue, and wonderful
descriptions. The author creates empathy for her annoying but lovable
hero by perfectly capturing the frustrations of being halfway between
childhood and adulthood. Complemented by lighthearted black-and-white
illustrations, A Gift for Johnny Know-It-All is the amusing story of a
young boy’s need for acceptance and the opportunity he is given to
make changes. Highly recommended.