Book Summary: A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
By Lily | Published 17 July 2023 | Book titles and covers are affiliate links.
A Bad Case of Stripes is a delightful children's book written and illustrated by David Shannon. The picture book follows the story of Camilla Cream, a little girl who is so concerned with fitting in with her peers on her first day of school that she develops a bad case of stripes.
The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and teaches an important lesson about the value of being true to oneself. Read on for a summary of this enchanting story and how parents can use this book to talk about important themes of identity and peer pressure .
What is A Bad Case of Stripes about?
The story begins with Camilla Cream, a young girl who is very concerned about what her classmates will think of her and her long furry tail on the first day of school. She is so worried about fitting in that she won't even eat her favorite food, lima beans, for fear of being teased. The next day, Camilla wakes up with a bad case of the stripes. She is covered in bright, rainbow stripes that change color with her every thought and emotion.
Camilla's parents take her to see a wise old woman who is an environmental therapist. The therapist tells Camilla that she needs to be true to herself and stop worrying about what other people think. But Camilla is so concerned about fitting in with her classmates that she can't seem to get rid of her crazy stripes.
The next day at school, Camilla's classmates are astonished by her new appearance. They make fun of her and call her a freak, and Camilla is devastated. She tries to hide her stripes by wearing different outfits, but her stripes always manage to show through. Eventually, Camilla's stripes turn into a checkerboard pattern, and she goes to the nurse's office feeling sick and defeated.
At the nurse's office, Camilla meets a little old lady who offers her a good poke. The poke helps Camilla release all of the things that have been weighing her down, and her stripes disappear. Camilla is overjoyed to be back to her normal self, and she realizes that being true to oneself is much more important than fitting in with others.
At the end of the story, Camilla's classmates see her in a new light. They realize that they were wrong to judge her based on her appearance and that it's important to accept people for who they are. Camilla is happy to have found her own skin again, and she knows that she will never be afraid to be herself again.
Why Parents Will Love A Bad Case of Stripes
A Bad Case of Stripes is a great book for parents to read to their children because it teaches important lessons about the issue of identity and peer pressure. The book is a short story, making it perfect for young children with a reading level of 4-8. The vivid artwork, bright colors, and checkerboard pattern make it a visually appealing book that children will love.
A Bad Case of Stripes is a great book for parents to read to their children. The story is engaging and the artwork is vivid and colorful, making it a visually appealing book that children will love. The reading level is appropriate for both early readers and young students, and the story is short enough to hold the attention of even the most restless child.
The Learning Themes of A Bad Case of Stripes
​Developing a Self-Identity
One of the great things about "A Bad Case of Stripes" is that it deals with the issue of identity in a way that is both relatable and accessible to young readers. Children often struggle with peer pressure and the eye of conformity, and this book provides a valuable lesson about the importance of being true to oneself.
Handling Peer Pressure
The book also explores the theme of peer pressure and how it can impact children. When Camilla's classmates are quick to judge her when she develops her bad case of stripes, she feels pressure to be like everyone else.
This pressure to conform can be overwhelming for children and is a common issue that many young students face. A Bad Case of Stripes offers a relatable example that children can learn from and embrace their true selves and not be afraid to be different.
Expressing One's Emotions
The book also teaches children about the value of personal connection. Camilla's stripes represent her physical state, and they change with her emotions. This is a great way to teach children about the connection between our thoughts and our physical bodies, and it can help them learn to identify and manage their own emotions.
A Teaching Moment for Parents
Parents can use A Bad Case of Stripes as a tool to read the book and discuss the themes of identity and peer pressure. They can also encourage their children to make a personal connection to the story by asking them how they feel when they are faced with peer pressure or how they embrace their own unique qualities.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, A Bad Case of Stripes is a great book for parents to teach important lessons about identity and peer pressure. The book's message of embracing one's true self is a timeless one that children will benefit from learning. The book was published by Blue Sky Press in 1998 and has since become a beloved classic.