Taking Care of Crumley

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

The theme of this first-person narrative picture book is bullying. Cyril, the victim, lashes back at his adversaries, Ugly Augie and his Goons, with the help of his girlfriend, Maggie. She hatches the ideas; he activates them. Her final solution, an offering of money mushed with poison ivy, frightens off the bullies but backfires when Cyril and Maggie are both hoist by their own petard. The book’s worthwhile theme is marred by an awkward plot, harsh dialogue, and poor characterization. Unattractive, repetitive, and garish illustrations do nothing to enhance its appeal.