Tattlin' Madeline

by Carol Cummings

A book designed to teach young children the difference between tattling and reporting. Written in rhyme to read aloud or for guided reading, providing repeated word patterns and predictable text. One of a series of eight social skill books written by Dr. Carol Cummings.

Genres: Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Janet Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a story about a little girl named Madeline who is namecalled (verbal abuse), ostracized (social abuse) and her belongings taken from her (physical abuse.) These are categories listed by stopbullying.gov. with these examples.

When Madeline notifies adults, the children taunt her with a singsong name-calling rhyme (more verbal abuse.) Her teacher instructs her to not "tattletale" on her peers, and should only be a "reporter" if there is property damage or if someone else gets hurt. The book literally shuts down any self advocacy of a bully victim reporting the abuse of themselves to an adult.

After getting ostracized again, Madeline doesn't tell her teacher, goes off by herself, and (very unrealistically) gets approached by a child to play a few minutes later and illustrated to be literally standing on a pedestal being celebrated on the playground by the other kids.

This book teaches bullies that their victims shouldn't report them, and if they do, they can freely taunt them by chanting they are tattletales with no consequences whatsoever for their behavior. Bullying is insidious, and can quickly escalate and spread. It teaches the children that are bullied to remain silent or the ostracism can get worse. This book is liked by some teachers on social media because they don't have to deal with children telling them what is going on socially in their classroom. The ruse is that it "teaches kids to resolve conflicts on their own."

The shocking thing about the author is that she gives workshops on classroom management and this book is supposed to be a lesson in social skills.

Please, teachers, write to your school board to have this book banned from school libraries. My heart breaks for the children who commit suicide from bullying. This book literally promotes it. On the stopbullying.gov website, there are great guidelines for educators to implement in their schools for the prevention of bullying.

[Breana Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a child who loves to tattle on everyone at her school. The teacher gives her the advice to not tattle, but report. She them learns the difference between the two and everyone becomes her friend. This book is an excellent way to start a mini lesson on tattling in a classroom if that becomes an issue. The book gives examples of a tattle and a report and the definition for both words in the back.

[Alison Tripp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story that teaches kids the differeance between reporting and tattling. This is an important skill for younger kids to learn. It has fun ryhmes and bright pictures. Give the kids scenarios and have them figure out what is tattling. Does it harm you, someone or seomthing else?

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an adorable way to teach children the difference between tattling and reporting. This is a great tool for students to learn at an early age. It is also an easy read and I enjoyed the rhythm.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explains the difference between tattling and reporting. Even has a handout that you can use with your children. Very explicit, yet told in a narrative sing-songy tone. Great book!

[Kevin Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to stop tattling in a classroom!