The Village Bully

In one African village, when a person does something truly hurtful,

work stops as everyone, young and old, circles around the accused.

Each one tells all the good things they remember about the person.

Every positive incident, strength and kindness is recited in detail.

The ceremony can often last several days and ends in celebration.

The ‘circle of love’ helps the person to feel and remember who he is.

In an idealistic effort to reduce damaging angry behavior… teachers, counselors and parents constantly look for ways to help children to create a world of love and kindness. The Village Bully Project seeks to introduce this loving healing tradition from another culture, to this society’s youngest citizens. The most logical setting for it is in the classroom. The project is based on the book which must be read aloud in class. Written by Maria Broom and vividly illustrated by John Malloy, this urban story/poem introduces a simple practice that can be done regularly in a classroom, a children’s group, camp or even in a family.

These are the goals of the VILLAGE BULLY PROJECT:

1. To help curb bullying and poor behavior.

2. To stimulate forgiveness and compassion in children.

3. To introduce the power behind circles of love.

Invite Maria Broom to present “The Village Bully” at your PD for teachers or in your classrooms.

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“This is beautiful! The illustrations are just perfect! I love it! Thank you for this beautiful piece of work.” – Pearl Cleage

“This book is like a cross between Maya Angelou and Dr Seuss” – a fifth grade student

“I love this book!!! I love the idea of the positive circle”. – Bridgett Dembessa

“So perfectly timed and beautifully illustrated! Adults and children need it’s message.” – Julia Karahalis

“I love this forgiveness ritual. Real human heart solution that can and will make a difference.

I love this. I LOVE this!”– Ann Hughes

“It is an incredibly vivid, touching, fantastic story!” – Mary Lee Weir/ Satya Media Group

“The 1st-4th grade teachers are excited about sharing this book with their classes.

Introducing this strategy would be an awesome addition to our toolkit!” – Renee Robinson

“How lovely and meaningful”. – Anayezuka Ahidiana

“A beautiful story. I hope teachers and parents read it more than I hope children read it!” – Michael Broom

This beautifully illustrated book, published by Otter Bay Books… is offered as a gift to each primary grade teacher as a part of The Village Bully Project. It is made possible by generous support from the Community Conferencing Center, Suzanne Pratt /Laurene Straughn Pratt Foundation, Geeta Sharma and Baltimore Homa Comunity, PW Feats, Inc, Barbara Shapiro, Jane Brown and Markim Multimedia Group.

Contact Maria Broom at Maribroom@aol.com

The Village Bully video… https://vimeo.com/106880573

PURCHASE “THE VILLAGE BULLY” HERE: $15 for one copy / $40 for three copies / $60 for five copies

$10 each for ten or more copies. Ask about the large hardback teacher’s edition for $60.