Mud Boy

Reach for this book when you notice your child becoming unusually withdrawn, quiet, or seemingly weighed down by social interactions at school. Mud Boy provides a powerful visual metaphor for the lingering impact of verbal bullying, showing how mean words can stick to a child like heavy, suffocating mud. It is an essential resource for parents helping a child process the shame and isolation that often accompany social aggression. Through Sam's story, children between ages 5 and 11 learn that they do not have to carry the weight of others' unkindness alone. The book beautifully models how opening up to trusted adults can begin the process of washing the mud away, restoring a child's sense of self and safety. It is a gentle but direct tool for starting difficult conversations about school life and emotional well-being.