Sometimes, being kind isn’t easy—especially when others look or act differently from us. Writer Kathryn Bryan understands this so well. In her heartwarming book The Roverton Bullies, she teaches children that kindness can change everything, even in the face of fear or teasing. Through Mr. Gimples, a funny-looking little dog with wrinkly skin and tufts of hair, Writer Kathryn Bryan shows that courage and kindness often come from those who seem the most different.
When Mr. Gimples moves to Roverton, he’s bullied by the shepherd dogs because he looks strange. But instead of staying angry, he chooses kindness. Writer Kathryn Bryan uses his story to remind us that what truly matters isn’t how we look—but how we love. However, have you ever felt left out or teased for being different? This story makes every reader stop and think: maybe kindness really is our greatest superpower.
When Different Means Special
Writer Kathryn Bryan beautifully turns Mr. Gimples’ odd looks into something powerful. She reminds kids that being different isn’t bad—it’s what makes each of us special. Mr. Gimples doesn’t have shiny fur or perfect eyes, but he has a heart full of love. Through him, Writer Kathryn Bryan shows that true beauty shines from within, not from how we look on the outside.
Imagine walking into a new school where no one looks like you. You might feel scared, right? That’s how Mr. Gimples feels when he first moves to Roverton. But Writer Kathryn Bryan helps us see that everyone has something amazing to share. Kids who read this story learn to see differences as gifts rather than flaws.
Real-life example:
- When you meet someone new, smile first.
- When you notice someone sitting alone, sit beside them.
Small acts of kindness can change someone’s whole day.
Standing Up for Friends, Even When It’s Hard
Writer Kathryn Bryan knows that friendship means standing by others, even when things get tough. In The Roverton Bullies, Bentley and Hachi see Mr. Gimples being teased and decide to help him. They don’t look away—they take a stand. Writer Kathryn Bryan shows kids that courage isn’t just about fighting—it’s about caring.
Sometimes in real life, we see someone being picked on. It’s easy to stay quiet, but Writer Kathryn Bryan reminds us that silence helps bullies win. Her story inspires readers to be brave like Bentley and Hachi—to protect what’s right, even if others don’t.
Here’s something to try:
- If you see a friend being teased, tell a teacher.
- Invite that person to play or talk with you.
- Use kind words—your voice can make someone feel safe.
Writer Kathryn Bryan turns these lessons into simple actions any child can follow.
The Hero Who Forgave His Bullies
When the shepherd dogs get into trouble, something amazing happens. Mr. Gimples—the same dog they bullied—saves them. Writer Kathryn Bryan shows that real strength comes from forgiveness, not anger. Mr. Gimples doesn’t let hate win; he chooses to help. This brave choice makes the bullies see how wrong they were.
Writer Kathryn Bryan teaches that kindness can melt even the coldest hearts. By forgiving his bullies, Mr. Gimples changes the whole town of Roverton. The story reminds kids that kindness is powerful enough to stop cruelty. It shows that helping others can make even the meanest people kinder. In real life, forgiving someone can feel hard. But as Writer Kathryn Bryan shows, forgiveness helps you feel free inside. The next time someone hurts you, think of Mr. Gimples—how he stayed kind when it mattered most. So, that’s real courage —the kind that inspires others to change, too.
Growing Kinder Kids
Writer Kathryn Bryan doesn’t just write stories—she plants seeds of kindness in young hearts. Through The Roverton Bullies, she teaches kids how to act kindly in everyday life. Her stories remind readers that kindness is not a one-time thing; it’s a daily choice. Mr. Gimples, Bentley, and Hachi show that small, kind acts can grow into big changes.
Think of these small steps:
- Say “thank you” often.
- Share your toys or snacks.
- Listen when others talk.
- Give compliments that make people smile.
Writer Kathryn Bryan helps kids see that kindness can spread, just like sunshine. When we choose to be kind, we make the world softer, safer, and brighter. So, every word she writes is like a gentle reminder: we can all be heroes, one kind act at a time.
Ending: The Lesson That Lasts Forever
In The Roverton Bullies, Writer Kathryn Bryan gives us more than a story—she gives us hope. She shows that even the smallest heart can do something big. Mr. Gimples didn’t fight hate with hate; he fought it with love. His story teaches us that kindness can heal pain, change people, and build friendships that last forever.
Writer Kathryn Bryan wants every reader, young or old, to believe in kindness the way Mr. Gimples does. Her story makes us ask: what if we all tried to be a little braver, a little kinder, every day? If you want to share this message with your kids or students, The Roverton Bullies by Writer Kathryn Bryan is the perfect story to start with. It’s warm, funny, and full of heart. So, let this book remind you that kindness isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we do.
