Between Friends: Setting Boundaries

As an elementary counselor, I've been looking for a resource to introduce young children to the concept of "boundaries." This is perfect! Children will love the dinosaur characters and every child everywhere will be able to relate to the dilemma Buddy Rocks finds himself in with Tyrant Rex! Rex wrecks things wherever he goes, and when he comes over to play in Buddy's room, Buddy doesn't have the courage to stand up to him and speak his mind. After his things get destroyed, he goes to his mom for help. She encourages him to "set a boundary." Buddy does, and finds he not only develops a safer relationship with Rex, but he likes himself better, too! The book is an effective tool for use with bullies (and anyone who may carelessly trample on the rights and feelings of others) and VICTIMS, AS WELL. I would like to see the author write a second book geared toward middle and upper elementary. This book would deal with the trickier concept of setting a boundary with a friend who is TOO NICE, or possessive.

This book is wonderful to help kids learn positive ways to deal with conflict. When Buddy the dinosaur's friend Rex continues to "wreck" everything Buddy learns to set a boundary. He tells Rex that this is not OK, but that he wants to be friends if Rex can respect his stuff. I'm using this book this summer with a group of kids with emotional and physical needs to help teach them to stand up for themselves and also teach respect and a bit of diplomacy. It is a shame this is out of print.