As children, we are no strangers to the harsh tendencies of bullying.
It can be confusing for children, especially timid children, who want to stand up for themselves but are either afraid to.
Norman Attacks: A Cautionary Tale for Rambunctious Roosters is the tale of bullies. It’s about the bravery it takes to not just ask for help, but also have the courage to stand up to bullies.
Norman Attacks is the second book in the Almarinda and Andy series of books and written by children’s book author, Kathleen S. Kennedy.
We sat down with Kathleen, once again, to get insight on this inspiration around this story.
Although a humorous story, there is a hint of seriousness that is meant to empower our little ones to be brave in situations where they feel powerless.
This children’s book about bullying is perfect for kiddos experiencing frequent bullying.
What was the inspiration for Norman Attacks?
True and funny set of circumstances involving a ginormous Rhode Island Red rooster and my children.
Daily attacks by the rooster who came to be known as Norman because of the blood-curdling Psycho screams uttered by every child who tried to run away from his instinctive attacks.
Jim is real and as a hero to all the children was able to divert the Norman attacks.
What year did you publish it?
Norman Attacks was written in 1999, published in 2009.
Tell us about the characters in this story.
Almarinda and Andy who return from Coyotes in the Kitchen, are the names of the main characters. I am a fan of juicy words and the way they expand a child’s speech and vocabulary.
Almarinda is a juicy name. I remember hearing the name as a child. Almarinda Worthington was a Welsh ancestor, and my maternal grandmother’s middle name was Almarinda. It just felt like the right name.
Andy was inspired by my Cardigan Welsh corgi, my steadfast companion with the same name.
Norman makes his debut as a leghorn chicken with an instinctive feisty nature and based on the antics of a rooster who was part of our family.
Jim, who is brilliantly captured as the valiant farmyard hero, is a juvenile version of a real person who is a perennial true friend.
Have you ever done book readings for this children’s book?
Oh, yes.
Like my readings with Coyotes in the Kitchen, this is very fun with different reactions to the final outcome.
Did you have the same artist for this book as Coyotes in the Kitchen?
Yes. Bobbi Manning, the same illustrator for Coyotes in the Kitchen had already brought Alamarinda and Andy to life and created the soul of Norman and Jim.
What is your favorite part of this story?
When Almarinda asks for help.
It’s at that point she recognizes the strength in seeking help during a tough situation.
Is there any sort of motivation or deeper message behind this book?
Stand up to the bullies in your life and be a good friend.
Do you plan on adding any more adventures to this same collection of stories?
Yes! I’ve been working on another Almarinda and Andy adventure about fear of the dark with an illuminating fairy named Mairey.
Anything else you would like for us to know?
Have compassion for the bullies in life and stand up for yourself, remember to ask for help.
Learn More About Norman Attacks or Purchase Your Own Copy!
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