Sometimes Jokes Aren't Funny

Reach for this book when your child comes home from school feeling confused because a friend said something hurtful but followed it with, I was just kidding! It is specifically designed for children who are struggling to navigate the blurry line between playful banter and mean-spirited teasing. Through a relatable school-based story, the book validates the child's hurt feelings and provides clear language to help them identify when a joke has crossed the line into bullying. Appropriate for ages 5 to 9, this story follows Jamie as he navigates a friendship with a classmate whose humor starts to feel like an attack. Parents will appreciate how the book models healthy boundaries and encourages children to trust their instincts. It moves beyond just identifying the problem by offering practical strategies for standing up for oneself and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help, making it an essential tool for building social emotional intelligence.