A Little Bit of Respect

by Claire Alexander

In this follow-up to the  A Little Bit Different and A Little Bit of Courage , the Ploofers are back for a heartwarming exploration of self-awareness and respect.

The Ploofers are visiting a new island and are excited to meet the residents. But when one islander singles out Little One as an adorable cutie pie, Little One isn't happy and becomes frustrated with the way he is being treated.  Will Little One learn to be assertive and stand up for himself? 

With simple, striking illustrations and a cutaway cover design that adds tactile interest, A Little Bit of Respect picks up right where A Little Bit of Courage left off. With a subtle yet powerful message about the importance of self-respect and respecting others, this book will resonate with children and adults alike.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Claire was born in Bath, Wiltshire and moved to Kent when she was six. she has always loved drawing from an early age and remembers being asked by her school mates to draw rabbits for them! After school she studied Fine Art at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury where she achieved a BA degree in Painting. She moved to London in 1995 and stumbled through many different jobs until she studied children's illustration at Putney School of Art. Here Claire produced her first dummy book for Small Florence, which was then published and started her dream career as an author illustrator.

In 2007 Claire wrote her own course on writing and illustrating picture books which she has been teaching ever since, and now at the House of Illustration. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.

Claire's new title 'The Best Bit of Daddy's Day' will be published in June 2016.

'Monkey and the Little One' was shortlisted for the 2015 Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.

'Back to Front and Upside Down' won the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Associataion. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

'Lucy and the Bully' won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Young People and 'Small Florence' was short listed for the 2010 Mad About Books Stockport Schools' Book Award.

Reviews

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 5 out of 5]

5★
“Here are the Ploofers on an adventure.
They’ve spotted a new place to explore.”

This is an unusual approach to respect. What may seem friendly to you might be intrusively personal to someone else.

A happy Ploofer with its joyful rainbow cloud

The Ploofers spot a group of curly characters having a picnic and decide to visit. When they arrive, they are admired and complimented on their little baby clouds – rainbows!

“YOU are so CUTE! Coochie, coochie, coo! . . .
OW!”

The curly characters like the “cute way” the Ploofers walk, “widdle waddle, widdle, waddle.”

At this point, I was starting to cringe a little. Then the Ploofers wander away into the trees, but the others think they are playing Hide and Seek. Well, no.

“Found you! . . .
But I don’t want to play hide and seek.”

So this Ploofer was told it obviously needed a nap because it looked sleepy, weepy“. Now I was getting uncomfortable and so were the Ploofers. Their ‘cute’ rainbow clouds were becoming decidedly angry.

“And I am NOT a cutie pie. . . KICK!
Ouch!”

Aha! The Ploofer isn’t being very respectful either, as it turns out. What it thought was a small pebble, is, in fact, somebody else, a somebody who makes its presence known. Have a look at that ‘smoky’ cloud!

“Poo! . . .
Excuse me! I do not like being kicked!”

I had to love the smelly little cloud! The Ploofer apologises, saying it was cross, but as WE all know, being cross may be a reason, but it’s no excuse. The new friend suggests they go together to tell the curly creatures how they feel. They don’t like being called small.

“I may be small, but I still need a little bit of respect.”

Apologies all around. How simple! Would they like to join the curly creatures for the picnic? Of course. But even when we know better, we all need reminding about our behaviour.

“Oh my! That little pebble is SO . . .
WAIT! Don’t say it!”

Note the angry little red dots beginning to escape the new friend. Of course the curly creature says “CUTE!” because how could it not?

“Oops!”

And thus the new friend shows that it can make a BIG impression when it needs to.

This was such fun and a reminder even to us grown-ups that we all need to find ways to compliment each other without getting too personal.

I remember Sally Field, the actress, saying she hated that she was always called cute. Someone brought that up a couple of years ago, and she said at her age now, she kind of liked it! Sometimes, you can’t win.

Great concept to have no genders, no ages, no obvious animal characteristics to skew the message. It can be tailored to anyone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Knows for the copy for review.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ploofers are back! And I’m so conflicted.

The Ploofers take their rainbow cloud on an adventure and meet some new beings, whose names I don’t currently know. While they’re visiting, one of their new acquaintances doesn’t respect Little One’s boundaries, doing things like squishing their cheeks and constantly saying how cute they are.

This makes Little One uncomfortable and angry. I loved how expressive Little One was, their usual rainbow ploof transforming into red squiggly lines.



I was disappointed that Toasty, who was the first to recognise the beauty of the SHOOF! and was by Little One’s side as they overcame their fear of doing a new thing, was nowhere to be seen when Little One’s boundaries were being violated. I would have gotten over this because even Toasty can’t be everywhere and given what I know of them, they would have been there supporting Little One if they’d known what was happening and the impact it was having on them.

I was so excited when I started this book. I was entirely on board for the Ploofers to tackle consent. I loved that Little One had the confidence to set boundaries for themselves and the courage to speak up when they were crossed. They had every right to expect their boundaries to be respected and it looked as though all would be well.

The one who had made Little One uncomfortable listened when Little One explained how their behaviour made them feel. They validated Little One and apologised to them.

Then everything that was good about this book and its message was undone in the final three pages and now I have red squiggly lines above my head too.

I’m sure this is not the message that was intended but one of my takeaways, after all of the good that preceded it, was that even if you’re brave enough to stand up for yourself and set clear boundaries with someone, your voice ultimately means nothing. They’re just as likely to give you lip service and go do it to someone else. This is not okay!

If this book had finished just a little bit sooner, when the air had been cleared and everyone was sitting down for a nice picnic, this review would have been entirely different. I wish it was.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Happy Yak, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the opportunity to read this picture book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ploofers have returned in a new heart-warming book that explores self-awareness and respect.

They are visiting a new island and are looking forward to meeting and mingling with its occupants. Everything seems to be going well until one islander targets Little One and calls him cutie pie. He is not amused.

"Someone keeps calling me cute, and cutie pie, and sleepy weepy, and I don"t like it."

Those words make Little One feel small and insignificant and makes him angry and frustrated. He knows he must somehow face these feelings head on but how can he do it?

With help from a friend he confronts the islander who is making him feel very uncomfortable.

"Well, I don't like it when you call me cute. It makes me feel small. I may be small but I still need a little bit of respect."
Will Little One's assertion and standing up for himself pay off and will he get an apology?

The illustrations are extremely well done and the cutaway cover design adds a wonderful tactile touch. I love the fun surprise at the end. It made me laugh. Great ending to a great book!


Both young and old can benefit from the life lesson taught in this story. It is important to have self-respect and respect others as you go through life. I highly recommend this book.

[Hailey Hconroybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4-year-old twins LOVED this book! The Ploofers are exploring a new island when they come across Little One. One of the Ploofers thinks he is adorable and keeps going on about what a cutie pie he is. Little One grows angrier and angrier which is shown by red squiggles emerging. He kicks a pebble who he realizes is alive. The pebble reacts with a sort of fart cloud/noise. The two talk and pebble gives Little One the confidence to confront the offending Ploofer and tell her how he doesn’t like being called pet names.

My kids were howling laughing at the sound effects and “puffs” in this book. They also loved the colorful illustrations of the Ploofers. At the end of the story, we talked about how they sometimes felt frustrated when people called them adorable or cute. This is a wonderful book that can help teach children to stand up for themselves when they feel disrespected.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the latest installment the Ploofers are off to explore a new island they find and are excited to meet new people. However, when the islanders single out Little One and say things and do things he doesn't like he gets very upset. Thankfully, he finds another friend who helps him have the courage to let his new friends know how he feels.

I did wonder at the start of the book whether the book was going to be about respecting someone else's body or the words we use as one of the islanders grabs hold of Little One's Cheeks and calls him cutie pie. This might be a point to discuss further when you read to children. How would they feel if someone they didn't know came over and touched their cheek?

There's several points in this book that are good for discussing respect and consent. They're important topics to discuss and this book would be a great way to be able to approach this subject in a gentle way but still convey an important message.

I particularly liked the message of sharing a problem with someone and them coming with you for support when you want to tackle the thing that's upsetting you.

The illustrations of Little One when he's angry and upset are superb. The violent, red fuzz that bursts from him is such a powerful picture against what is usually a pastel palette. Cleverly done and gives you a real feel for the intensity of the emotion felt by Little One. Again, another great discussion point opportunity around what can make you feel 'red'.

The only bit that I wasn't sure about was the ending where the little pebble friend is called cute. It feels like the islander didn't really learn the lesson of respecting how others feel and although Little One is angry on the one page as you turn to the last page he appears to be chuckling.

I know this was meant as a comical little twist but the rest of the book is juxtaposed to this with its more serious tone of respect. However, this detail wouldn't stop me from sharing this book with children and I'd use the ending as a teaching point to ask children how they would have tackled the situation in a different way. You could 'hot seat' as either the islander, Little One or pebble.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading this book, I have learned that it is actually the sequel to another book called A Little Bit of Courage. I'm wondering if it might have been better to read that one first, because I was a little confused about who these characters are and what to expect. The characters, the Ploofers, begin an adventure in a new land and the people who live there begin to call one of the characters a "cutie pie" which offends them and they learn to stand up for themselves. I think the message of the story is meant to be that we need to be respectful in what we call others and that when someone calls us something that makes us feel uncomfortable, it is important to be firm and clear with what we expect from others in order to feel respected. It reminds me a bit of consent and verbal or sexual harassment in a way that children would understand. I don't love that the story ends with the "adult" character calling someone else cute because I would prefer that the character learned from the previous interaction rather than sending the message that we can just keep on calling people things that might upset them until we finally learn from our mistakes.

I think this book has an important message, and I could see it in a classroom library or family bookshelf for children in the 3-9 age range. I would recommend this book to adults who want to teach concepts like consent, respect and standing up for yourself. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book and would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Caoilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to both NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak, for an ARC e-copy of this book for review.


A new story following The Ploofers' from the book "A Little Bit Different". In this volume the small creatures known as Ploofers' are visiting a new island and getting to know the natives. Only things do not go so smoothly, as often happens when we meet someone new they have to learn each others likes and dislikes.

In this installment we see that Alexander has tried to show what it is like when people call us words we don't like. Perhaps this can be an attempt to show children what it can be like to call someone by the wrong pronoun. Or just the wrong words in general. (I for one, as a grown woman, hate to be called a girl)

Though I commend Alexander on this book the ending did seem abrupt. Why stop the book there when the new character repeats the same word. Should it not be made clear again that this is not ok?! I felt like the moral of the story ended up being, "there is no point in correcting people about things you don't like to be called because they will just keep doing it anyway."

Loved the art just as I did with the last book, I just think the ending could have been clearer.

[Sany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ploofers go to explore a new place they have found. Joyful and excited, they start their adventure.

All goes well until someone, attracted by the Ploofers' characteristics, starts commenting on their looks or even their behaviour.

Although the comments were not made with malicious intent, the Ploofer in question was very upset. He did not understand how he could be treated like this, with so little respect and consideration.

A Little bit of respect is a children's book to explain to children the important concept of respect.

But also and not least, A Little bit of respect talks about how to express our emotions. How to let others know when we don't like or are bothered by something.

The illustrations are simple but very beautiful and eye-catching. Not only do they capture the reader's attention, but they manage to convey the message and content of the book accurately.

The text is brief and precise, but the drawings are so well thought out that the book can be understood even without reading the text.

I liked it very much. I think it is an essential story with which to instil important values in children from an early age. Ideal to read before bedtime.

[Daniele Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale with a focus on respecting others, being assertive and standing up for yourself.

Ploofers are these adorable little round creatures that are the main characters in this tale. One little ploofer faces some challenges when he meets new people and dislikes how one of the is treating him. His frustration grows until he learns to use his voice to share his feelings in a respectful but assertive way. This is an empowering message for children about sharing their opinions and not allowing people to treat them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

This story was entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Mental health is such a critical part of childhood that often gets overlooked. Incorporating social and emotional education into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street]

This book does an excellent job providing a narrative for what many children will experience but maybe not have words to describe: be belittled or babied. The Ploofers do not appreciate being called "cute" and "cutie pie." One of the Ploofers has to put a stop to it by saying "I don't like it when you call me cute. It makes me feel small. I may be small but I still need a little bit of respect." It's a good example on advocating for yourself, and thankfully the problem is resolved. It's a pretty simple narrative here but I think effective for young children.

A Little Bit of Respect is, I think, a bit more successful than the others in this series. I will note that if you haven't read the others it's right to feel a little confused that there is no real introduction to the Ploofers. It's mostly okay since I think the kids reading this won't care.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoops. Last time I met with this series I called the little baby Ploofers "cute" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). But here I get a slap on the wrist, as one of the little critters gets annoyed at all the "cutie pie" and belittling language and demeaning baby talk it's on the wrong end of. It's a slightly unusual tack for a young reader to take, but probably is a most valuable lesson in respecting others and talking to them like equals. There is less of the unusual biology of the Ploofers here, but there are new creatures for returning readers, and still the simple charm of the earlier lessons. And they still are cute.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be back with the ploofers again. In this book, a baby ploofer was upset, because some of the adults kept calling it cutie pie, and other names that it did not like. The ploofer was eventually able to tell the adults about its feelings, so that they could respect it, and not upset it any more. This is a good message for children, so that they know they can tell people if they do not like the way they are speaking to them. The illustrations in the book are quirky and cute. I thought the book was great!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book the watercolor effect the simple drawings are fantastic. We have a little gray I think it’s a cloud and they are being called cute and they really do not like it. In a bit of a snit they and went off and someone else who is mistaken for something they’re not says hey it’s OK to say something to people talking to you in ways you don’t like, just like I did. At first I was a little curious where this book was going but in the end it becomes a great message that’s easy for kids to learn and understand. The illustrations also help hit all points of the message perfectly.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc inmexchanhe for my honest review.

I haven't read the other books in this collection but I'm going to now! I loved the depiction of the ploofer getting upset and how its frustration in turn impacted others like a butterfly effect. Most importantly, I love how it was able to address the issue with clear communication. This is a great message for kiddos and adults alike and is essential to enable kids to be emotionally intelligent and concise. Highly recommend!

[Auro Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of A Little Bit Of Respect in exchange of my honest opinion.

A Little Bit Of Respect is the perfect book for small kids to see how to stand up for themselves when something or someone is bothering them but in a very respectful manner.

It's such a short story but fill up with spot on advices and tips that I wished I had read it when I was younger!

[Nici · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you get hurt, sometimes the other person does not even know that they hurt you. It can be a difficult task to tell them because you have to be aware of your own feelings and on top of that you have to open up and share them,
Still difficult for most adults and of cause also for children.

This sweet little book with wonderful illustrations teaches small children this important skill.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ryley Menges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clearly showcases a dilemma common to kids and adults alike: how to stand up for yourself. I love how author Claire Alexander embodies a way to stand up for yourself calmly and kindly while ensuring that your boundaries are expected.

It's an important lesson that the Ploofers manage to convey, encouraging all ages and types of readers.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and direct. This book provides a way for readers to learn that it's okay to have our feelings and what to do about those feelings in a productive way. The use of puffs of colorful clouds to convey emotions is unique and a great visual that can be used when talking with younger children about emotions.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟💫
Well this book was adorable and cute though the characters may not like me saying that.
Clever way to teach manners, self-respect, and how to not make assumptions on what one may think people may like to be viewed. A tad dramatic though as I find it could have been done in a different way versus using size as a factor.
Great for kids and adults too...

[Jared White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the reviewer who said the last couple of pages kind of negate the message that was trying to be conveyed. I guess that one being still has more to learn. Still, it is very cute and could be used to have a good discussion (including the fact that the one person didn't learn their lesson).

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica]

Another cute, simple picture book from Claire Alexander. This is perfect for read alouds. It teaches children about respect and boundary setting.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* great book to teach kids about respecting others and how to be respected themselves, would buy.

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cover and illustrations. The meaning and story is wonderful and worthy of a class discussion.

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The illustrations are great but I am not sure on the story itself…

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute story about the Ploofers and learning to stand up for yourself in the best way possible ❤️.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

More cuteness than content.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rock teaches a Ploofer (a creature with rainbows coming out of its head when happy) how to say what they need - respect.

From touches to nicknames, it is perfectly all right to say what you don't like, and what you want, no matter how small (or young) you might be.

*Many thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak, and Claire Alexander (the author) for an electronic advanced copy.*