About This Book
David Shannon's 'A Bad Case of Stripes' is a vibrant and imaginative picture book about a girl named Camilla Cream who is so worried about what others think of her that she develops a mysterious, ever-changing case of stripes. Her condition worsens dramatically, turning her into a pill, a tree, and even merging her with her room, all because she suppresses her true self and desires, like her secret love for lima beans. The story is a powerful allegory for peer pressure and the importance of individuality, culminating in Camilla's realization that embracing her authentic self is the only cure. It's a fantastic conversation starter for children aged 4-11 about self-esteem, conformity, and celebrating what makes them unique, with illustrations that are both hilarious and thought-provoking.
Brief text and lavish illustrations explain plant reproduction and the purpose of a flower and present some plants which don't seem to be flowers but are.
Scary Scenes
peril_danger
bullying
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Camilla got stripes in the first place?
2
Have you ever felt like you had to pretend to like or dislike something to fit in with friends? How did that feel?
3
What does it mean to 'be yourself'? Why is it important?
4
How did Camilla feel when her classmates teased her about her stripes? What could they have done differently?
5
What was the real cure for Camilla's stripes? What did she learn by the end of the story?
6
What are some things you love that might be different from what your friends like? Is that okay?
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