
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a short fuse or finds themselves easily triggered by the teasing of others. It is an excellent resource for children who are naturally high energy or physically strong but are working on developing a 'gentle' side. Clovis is a bull who has inherited his grandmother's delicate china shop, a place where his old rivals from the football field come to mock his new, refined lifestyle. Through his journey, the book models mindfulness techniques and the power of honoring a loved one's legacy through self-control. This story is perfect for ages 4 to 8, providing a relatable hero who proves that true strength lies in keeping your cool even when others are trying to heat it up. It normalizes the feeling of anger while offering a beautiful, concrete path toward grace and forgiveness.
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Sign in to write a reviewRisk of delicate items being broken and some social intimidation/bullying.
The book touches on the death of a grandparent (Granny), which is handled through the loving legacy of her shop and her words. It is secular and focuses on the emotional connection rather than the mechanics of grief. The approach is realistic regarding social friction (bullying) and hopeful in its resolution.
An elementary student who is 'big for their age' or physically imposing and feels they are always expected to be the 'tough one.' It is also perfect for a child who feels ashamed of their temper and needs a hero who shares that struggle.
Read the 'heckling' scene beforehand. It provides a great opportunity to discuss what 'provocation' looks like in the real world. No heavy context is needed, but mentioning that Clovis misses his Granny helps ground his motivations. A parent might choose this after witnessing their child lash out physically when teased or seeing their child struggle to use 'their words' when a sibling or peer purposefully ruins their play.
Younger children (4-5) will enjoy the slapstick tension of a bull in a china shop. Older children (7-8) will better appreciate the nuance of the Gazelles' insecurity and the difficult choice Clovis makes to offer tea instead of a tackle.
Unlike many 'anger' books that focus solely on breathing, this one focuses on 'Grace.' It frames emotional regulation as a sophisticated, admirable skill rather than just a way to stay out of trouble.
Clovis, a former football-playing bull, has traded the turf for teacups to run his late Granny's china shop. He uses tea, music, and a specific mantra to maintain his composure. When his former rivals, the Gazelles, arrive to heckle him and create chaos, Clovis must decide between his old aggressive instincts and the 'grace' his grandmother championed.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.