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May 23, 2013
No one “messes with” Big Mean Mike - he’s the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighbourhood! Whether he’s heading to the gym to lift weights, buying combat boots or driving around in his big mean hot rod wearing a spiked collar and leather jacket, Big Mean Mike is always conscious of his tough, bad-boy reputation. He’s very proud of that image … and that’s why he’s so embarrassed when a cute little bunny suddenly pops up in his hot rod one day. He puts the bunny down on the sidewalk and drives away. When the bunny shows up again, this time with a friend, Mike tells them to get lost. Later, he finds another bunny in his car … and then another, and then another. What is he going to do? If he’s seen with a bunch of bunnies – or even one bunny - his tough image will disappear faster than the speed of light. On the other hand, those bunnies certainly are cute! Over the next few days, as Mean Mike tries to get rid of the bunnies which keep appearing, he comes to care more for his new-found little friends and less about his image. Can he think of a way to “hang out” with his fuzzy friends and not lose face? Perhaps Mike isn’t mean and tough on the inside as his appearance would suggest? This picture book gem has a just-right ending, as well as vivid illustrations, sophisticated humour and a couple of simple messages. Firstly, just being oneself instead of being concerned about what others think is the best choice. Secondly, opposites can be friends - we don’t have to be exactly like someone else to let them into our life.