Bossy Flossy - Hardcover

Paulette Bogan was a bossy child. She is the author and illustrator of Goodnight Lulu and Lulu the Big Little Chick, which won the Children's Choice Book Award. She is also the illustrator of Chicks and Salsa and Buffalo Wings, written by Aaron Reynolds. She lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs. They all think she is still bossy. But they've never told her to go to her room!

KIRKUS REVIEW
Flossy bosses everyone--even adults--until she meets the equally bossy Edward.The artwork, which incorporates crayon, watercolor, and cutouts, is immediately eye-catching and endearing. The initial double-page spread shows a large-headed, pale-skinned, carrot-topped moppet--obviously Flossy--pointing authoritatively at a colorful array of dolls and stuffed animals strewn about her bedroom. Large letters declare "Flossy was bossy." Underneath is a stack of dialogue bubbles, each colored differently and each with a different command, including "Sit up straight," "Look at me," and "Listen to me." Faces of children in school and on the playground reveal multiple ethnicities, and Edward looks to be of East Asian descent. Readers will giggle at the dubious expression on the Flossy-bossed lunch lady's face and may even gasp when Flossy tries to send her teacher to timeout. They will nod knowingly when Flossy--and later her friend/nemesis Edward--must sit in timeout themselves. Although the text is mostly accessible for beginning readers, there is some inconsistency in when to read up and down and when to read across pages--important considerations for novices. If there is an underlying lesson, it is that bossy children will tone down their ways when they meet their matches.No matter if the premise is a bit thin; the humorous art and the use of well-known phrases such as "You are not the boss of me" will encourage rereads. (Picture book. 3-6)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
PreS-Gr 1-Flossy refuses to admit that she is in fact the bossiest girl around. She is adamant that nobody pays attention or listens to her. At home, she bosses her stuffed animals, her cat, her little brother, and even her mom. At school, she bosses the other children, the lunch lady, and even her teacher. It seems as though nothing is ever going to make Flossy realize that her way is not the right way, until Edward shows up at school. Instantly, Edward becomes the bossiest, even bossing Flossy herself. It takes these two stubborn and overbearing personalities to realize that neither one of them likes being told what to do, and that in turn leads them to practice the "golden rule." Both Edward and Flossy stop bossing and instead find themselves enjoying their time together and with the other children on the playground. Full of dialogue, this story would prove difficult as a read-aloud. Still, the colorful, fun mixed-media illustrations and relatable topic will engage readers, and the dialogue might inspire a reader's theater. VERDICT Though perhaps not a must-have, this is a solid addition to most collections and may lead to discussions about treating others as you want to be treated.-Betsy Davison, Cortland Free Library, NY

SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION
May 2016 Issue
Grades K-2Flossy is bossy to her cat, her little brother, her mom, her classmates, and even her teacher. She finally meets her match when new student Edward arrives at school. "Edward was bossy to everyone" and Flossy gets mad when she gets a taste of her own medicine. After arguing and then going to time out, Edward and Flossy declare a truce and attempt to change their ways. This picture book features colorful illustrations that are artfully cut out and placed on bright backgrounds. This book would be a great read aloud for younger students, especially for teachers who might have bossy students in the group. Tracy Scaglione, Library Media Specialist, Dorsett Shoals Elementary, Douglasville, GeorgiaRecommended