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Big Mean Mike
A laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what others think — even if you’re big and tough, and your friends are fuzzy and cute.
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again — and this time brings a friend — Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute. . . . From best-selling author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Scott Magoon comes a comical lesson about how keeping up your image is not nearly as fun as being your own quirky self.
Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He has a big, mean car that he likes to drive around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows that Mike is big and mean, and that’s just the way he likes it. But one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike can’t believe it! Before anyone can see, he puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up again — and this time brings a friend — Mike tells them both to get lost. Big mean dogs do not hang out with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute. . . . From best-selling author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Scott Magoon comes a comical lesson about how keeping up your image is not nearly as fun as being your own quirky self.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2012
7 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Knudsen
68 books391 followersI'm the New York Times best-selling author of more than 50 books for young readers for all ages, including the award-winning picture book Library Lion, which was selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 Best Children's Books of All Time. My other books include the picture book Marilyn's Monster (NPR's Best Books of 2015) and the novels The Dragon of Trelian (VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers) and Evil Librarian (YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults; Sid Fleischman Humor Award Winner). My newest book is LUIGI, THE SPIDER WHO WANTED TO BE A KITTEN (a new picture book with the wonderful Kevin Hawkes, published 3/5/2024). Next up will be INTO THE WILD MAGIC, a new middle grade fantasy novel coming August 2025.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 6, 2012
When I first read Big Mean Mike, I was a bit put off by his gruffness. But if you take a true look at Mike’s heart, courage, and message—you will see a warm, inspiring surprise behind his shades, leather jacket and spikes.
One day Big Mean Mike finds four of the most adorable bunnies hanging out in his big mean muscle machine of a car. Instantly Mike fears being seen surrounded by such cuteness. What will people think? Will his reputation be tarnished forever by fluffy bunny cuteness? Haha…. What will the biggest, meanest, toughest dog in the neighborhood do? Can he stand up for his new friends and let the talk of him “going soft” go?
A BIG wonder of a tale with bright, colorful, full page illustrations that pull readers in and along for the ride. Mike and those adorable bunnies hop, rev, and grrr….to life with every turn of the page.
A tale that inspires kids to stand up and be yourself no matter what people think or say.
”He still did everything in his own big, mean way.”
September 19, 2012
A story about being confident and self-assured enough to make friends where you find them - even if they're different than you are. Big Mean Mike is the top, tough dog in the neighborhood. Everything about him just screams mean. Until the bunnies start showing up. Even though the bunnies like to do the same things Mike does, Mike knows he can't be seen with such fuzzy, cute creatures. Or can he?
I love that Mike doesn't change who he is at all to become friends with the bunnies. He's still mean. He still likes monster trucks. He just also likes these four cute, fuzzy bunnies who also like monster trucks.
Scott Magoon's digital illustrations are just tons of fun. There's all the doggy details to pick out. The layouts are nicely varied and add to the suspense as Mike is being haunted by the bunnies. Watch the eyebrows throughout, because they're very expressive - especially on the bunnies. The fuzzy effect on the bunnies provides a great contrast to make them stand out from their surroundings all the more.
I love that Mike doesn't change who he is at all to become friends with the bunnies. He's still mean. He still likes monster trucks. He just also likes these four cute, fuzzy bunnies who also like monster trucks.
Scott Magoon's digital illustrations are just tons of fun. There's all the doggy details to pick out. The layouts are nicely varied and add to the suspense as Mike is being haunted by the bunnies. Watch the eyebrows throughout, because they're very expressive - especially on the bunnies. The fuzzy effect on the bunnies provides a great contrast to make them stand out from their surroundings all the more.
October 22, 2020
A fun and OK book that appearances aren't everything, that underneath all the meanish attitude there is a guy who likes cute. Meet Mean Mike. A big strong dog that loves to be tough, doesn't care about people (or um, other animals). But then one day he finds a bunny in his car... and another... and another. And that leads to some delightful and hilarious scenes in which he rethinks about being tough and how he looks to people. I was so happy with the ending though I also had a laugh at seeing the bunnies wear black sunglasses. :P
I did feel terribly sorry for the book and at times wasn't sure if I wanted to hold it. The book is from the library and there are rips in it, one even not fixed, and there are strange spots here and there that feel very icky (had to hold them as they were on the places I had to hold the book, ewww).
I did feel terribly sorry for the book and at times wasn't sure if I wanted to hold it. The book is from the library and there are rips in it, one even not fixed, and there are strange spots here and there that feel very icky (had to hold them as they were on the places I had to hold the book, ewww).
September 5, 2012
Mike was the toughest and biggest dog in the neighborhood. He prided himself on his spiked collar and his combat boots but best of all was his big mean car. Just after getting a new pair of boots, Mike got a big surprise. There in his car trunk was a little white fuzzy bunny rabbit. Mike just knew that he couldn’t be seen with such a cute little creature because it would damage his reputation, so he set the bunny down and headed off in his car. But things weren’t that simple to solve. The next day he found two little white bunnies in his glove compartment. The next day there were three bunnies on his hood. Mike stopped driving his car until he needed to use it to get to the Monster Truck Show. He checked everywhere for the bunnies and thought he was safe. What is a big tough dog going to do with FOUR bunnies at a Monster Truck Show? You will have to read it to see!
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
December 9, 2014
This book is just plain MEAN and AWESOME and ADORABLE!!! Big Mean Mike has a rough and tough imagine and cute fluffy bunnies play no part in his Big and Mean life. Each day another bunnies appears in his car so he stopped using his car until one day he gets tickets to the Monster Truck show and it is too far to walk...and guess who greets him at car....4 adorable bunnies! Not happy at all Big Mean Mike decides to drive to the Monster Truck show, ignoring the adorable bunnies. When he gets to the parking lot of the Monster Truck Show he leaves the bunnies in the car...but with all the other mean dogs around...he worried that the adorable bunnies would get hurt, so he puts them in a gym bag take them to watch the Monster Truck Show...and the rest is history.
This is a great book and being your own person. Can Big Mean Mike still keep his rough imagine and still hang out with adorable bunnies...you'll have to read the book!!! I thought it was great, silly and fun while it teaches a good message! :D
This is a great book and being your own person. Can Big Mean Mike still keep his rough imagine and still hang out with adorable bunnies...you'll have to read the book!!! I thought it was great, silly and fun while it teaches a good message! :D
January 4, 2013
This boldly illustrated picture book would pair up well with The Story of Ferdinand. Like Ferdinand, Big Mean Mike chooses not to be defined by his size. Even though big mean dogs are not supposed to hang out with tiny, cute bunnies, Big Mean Mike makes a different choice. When confronted by the other big mean dogs he says "I don't care what you think. I'm Big Mean Mike! I can hang out with whoever I want! I like these bunnies. They know how to have a good time."
This is a story about standing up for yourself and not being afraid to be different. Although the big mean cars and the big gruff dogs will be especially appealing to young boy readers, this is a story for anyone who cheers for individuality.
This is a story about standing up for yourself and not being afraid to be different. Although the big mean cars and the big gruff dogs will be especially appealing to young boy readers, this is a story for anyone who cheers for individuality.
August 22, 2012
My son absolutely who is almost 6yrs old loved this book, he really enjoyed sounding out the character's voice as he read the book and literally giggled for 5 minutes straight at the bunnies in sun glasses. Michelle did a wonderful job, again, entertaining children while teaching a little life lesson along the way. This is the third book we have by Michelle Knudsen and as long as she keeps writing it won't be the last.
September 19, 2012
Age: K - 2nd grade
He's big. He's mean. And he has very, very pointy claws. He likes to work out at the gym, wear intimidating clothing, and he loves going to monster truck shows. Mike is no one to mess with--until he encounters several cute white bunnies that can't seem to leave him alone. Will he risk his image to cuddle with these fuzzy bunnies?
If the big, burly, body building guys that walk cute, teensy-weensy dogs had a story, it would be this one.
He's big. He's mean. And he has very, very pointy claws. He likes to work out at the gym, wear intimidating clothing, and he loves going to monster truck shows. Mike is no one to mess with--until he encounters several cute white bunnies that can't seem to leave him alone. Will he risk his image to cuddle with these fuzzy bunnies?
If the big, burly, body building guys that walk cute, teensy-weensy dogs had a story, it would be this one.
September 2, 2012
Just not for me! I don't like the message of "you can still be mean as long as you like cute bunnies." He doesn't really learn, grow, or change at all in the story. It's just a mean dog finding some friends, but continuing to be mean. He gets bullied by other men dogs and bullies back and wins. Again, what was learned? If someone says something mean to you, just be mean right back? Hmmmm
November 2, 2012
This book has cute fuzzy little bunnies in it! I love cute fuzzy little bunnies! It also has a good message about being true to yourself and not being concerned about what others thinks...and also that sharing things with others can be better than being alone...and did I mention the cute, fuzzy bunnies? :-)
June 12, 2012
Mike puts quite a bit of effort into maintaining his image as a tough guy, so when cute little fuzzy bunnies come into his life he worries what might happen to his tough image. In the end, Mike shows that he is tough enough to be himself.
August 23, 2012
Adorable book! The story demonstrates that you shouldn't worry about what others think, as long as you're comfortable with yourself, and that you shouldn't judge others on appearance....fluffy bunnies for example (that growl!).
August 21, 2012
4.5--the kids love this one. Very cute!
August 1, 2012
Lots of fun, great word usage, and a mice message about friendship.
August 17, 2012
Very funny!
August 18, 2012
This is a fantastic story about friendship and not worrying about what other people think of you. The art is adorable (bunnies in sunglasses anyone?)and there is plenty of humor for kids and adults.
August 30, 2012
Nobody can resist cute little bunnies! Not even Big Mean Mike!
December 9, 2014
Cute book about not worrying about what people think - even if you're big and tough and your friends are adorable little bunnies.
September 11, 2012
Adorable! Big, mean Mike with his spiked collar and combat boots has a reputation to uphold. But he starts discovering cute, tiny, fuzzy bunnies in the trunk of his big, mean car!
November 5, 2012
I loved the cute fluffy little bunnies in this.
February 2, 2013
SO adorable.
August 11, 2012
LOL. This is a hip, funny story about a very unusual friendship.
September 19, 2012
Hilarious!! Can't wait to read this in Pre-K Storytime.
December 12, 2018
Big Mean Mike is a dog who is the toughest and drives a big mean car. He loves his image as a tough guy. One day a bunny is in his car. He tries to chase away the bunny because he wants to be tough and is concerned about others' thought about hanging around with bunnies. However, the number of bunnies increases day by day. In the end, four bunnies become his best friends forever.
Big mean Mike represented a stereotyped male character who is obsessed with its identity as a tough and mean guy. On the other hand, bunnies represent little and fuzzy critters who have contrary features of being mean and harsh. It was interesting for me to read socially constructed images of an animal character. The theme of the book may be related to identity and self-confidence. Big mean Mike first refused to be a friend with bunnies, but later he became their friend even though they have different characters. However, what I don't like was the lack of concerns of environment. I do not know why but there is black exhaust smoke coming from big Mean Mike’s car in every illustration. He needs to check an air-filter or the engine of his car to protect the environment.
Big mean Mike represented a stereotyped male character who is obsessed with its identity as a tough and mean guy. On the other hand, bunnies represent little and fuzzy critters who have contrary features of being mean and harsh. It was interesting for me to read socially constructed images of an animal character. The theme of the book may be related to identity and self-confidence. Big mean Mike first refused to be a friend with bunnies, but later he became their friend even though they have different characters. However, what I don't like was the lack of concerns of environment. I do not know why but there is black exhaust smoke coming from big Mean Mike’s car in every illustration. He needs to check an air-filter or the engine of his car to protect the environment.
February 7, 2018
I got a kick out of this one. The bunnies are just too cute and fluffy! And I like how Mike is big and mean, and the bunnies are tiny and cute, but they are still friends. No one had to change anything about themselves other than admitting that they liked being friends - a nice change from some of the other friendship picture books I've read recently where one character is noticeably changing themselves and their wants to accommodate the other's.
I'd most likely use this one for a storytime on dogs, bunnies, trucks, or friends. I'd say drink lots of water, because Mike's big growly voice might leave you a little scratchy! Still, silly voices are always a plus :)
I'd most likely use this one for a storytime on dogs, bunnies, trucks, or friends. I'd say drink lots of water, because Mike's big growly voice might leave you a little scratchy! Still, silly voices are always a plus :)
September 20, 2021
"Big Mean Mike was the toughest dog in the neighborhood." HIs bark, teeth, collar, and car let everyone know he was big and tough. But then he finds a fuzzy bunny in his trunk, and then two more in his glove compartment, and then three sitting on his hood! He tells them to scram, but then a few days later there are four, and it almost makes Mike admit they are kind of cute. Then he worries they won't be safe alone, so he takes them into the monster truck show... and they kind of have fun together! but then some big dogs spot them and make fun. But then a bunny growls and gives Mike the support he needs to stand up for them and himself.
December 22, 2021
Big Mean Mike is one of the meanest and toughest dogs around. Fuzzy bunnies start showing up in his car and multplying. He can't have this! He starts leaving them behind telling them to leave him alone. One day, he has no choice. He's at the car show with other big, mean dogs. He can't let them see his bunnies so he hides them in his gym bag. Well before we know it, he has the adorable bunnies out watching the show with him. When the other dogs start to make fun of him, the bunnies stand up for Mike, and then Mike stands up for the bunnies. A lifelong friendship forms.
March 12, 2018
I think that this is a good book on making friends. A dog who is very well known for being big and mean owns the town and always goes riding around. One day a bunny tries to befriend him in his car, but the bunny was kicked out. The next time they met, the bunny brought his other bunny friend and the big mean dog, Mike, was certainly confused because it is not right for a mean dog to be friends with little bunnies.
September 12, 2017
I received this book as a First Read. The story is cute and had me laughing out loud. It raises issues that can be discussed with children about friendship, self-esteem, and peer pressure. The illustrations are phenomenal. Big Mean Mike, the cars, and other dogs have a lot of character and the bunnies are beyond adorable and will warm the iciest heart.
October 24, 2019
I loved this book with its fun, playful story and bold illustrations. Bonus points for the imaginative, understated deconstruction of toxic masculinity. And who can resist adorable, persistent bunnies?
I gave this book to my baby nibling for his 1st birthday, and his 10y/o big sibling loved reading it to him!
I gave this book to my baby nibling for his 1st birthday, and his 10y/o big sibling loved reading it to him!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews