Sid the Mad Little Bad Little Dragon (the tale of a bully) is a children's picture
book that "happened to us" five years ago.  It wasn't contrived or planned or
even thought about, it just became the by-product of my search for enlightenment.
This project quickly took on a life of its own and was published in June of 1998.

As author and illustrators, we didn't realize that through the venue of this
simple picture book, we would be able to bring life messages to students.
When we first started being invited into the schools, back in 1998,  we thought
our visits were going to be about promoting our book.  We quickly realized that
our discussions were far more important than book sales.

During our presentations, we talk to students about writing, illustrating, and
publishing, but most importantly we talk to them about life.  While sharing the
story, we are able to explore the actions of the characters and evoke
discussion about the way we treat one another.  This is a simple story, but it
gets kids thinking . . . about their actions and the consequences of their
actions.

There is no simple solution to the problem of bullying, but certainly raising the
awareness of children at an early age is a good place to start; almost like
"philosophy for kids".  You'd be surprised what a calming effect these 
discussions have on young students.

We make them aware that:

• Life should be joyful.
• True happiness can be found by simply treating others the way that you would like to be treated.
• We are all connected . . . to each other and to our environment.
• For every action there is a reaction.
• Each one of us is profoundly special.  Recognize this in yourself, and appreciate it in others.
• You can't control the actions of anyone else, but you do have total control over what you think, say, and do.  Make sure you choose well.
• Even though we are all different, we are all the same in our hearts.
• Everyone wants to be respected and everyone wants to have a friend.
• Our only hope for the future lies with them.  If they can't get along in the school yard, what hope do we ever have for world peace?

Chris Daniels
Author