Reflections: My daughter received a Barbie doll for Christmas when she was 4. My son, age 2, pitched a fit! He wanted a doll too! We bought him a Ken doll the day after Christmas.

Benji’s Doll is a delightful illustrated book. Even though Benji has many stuffed animals, he wants a doll. Soon he receives one. Uh oh, looks like a bully Pablo is at the playground.

Turns out Pablo wasn’t a bully, he wanted to tease. Pablo shows remorse —- unusual in a children’s book.

Later Pablo gives Benji a small box. I had to smile when I saw what Benji thought might be in the box. Another unique illustration!

This is a short book, but it will lend itself to a long productive discussion about what happened. And the emotions in the book.

Many thanks to Netgalley for permitting me to read this.