Bud

Book excerpt: Bud is a boy in Grade Two starting the year at a new school. When he experiences kids "budding in line" he becomes increasingly uncomfortable and upset. When he hears, "Don't bud!" he thinks they are yelling, "Don't, Bud!" and directing their anger at him. Soon he becomes very unhappy at school. Even after his parents explain that what the kids are saying is not directed at him, he is still upset. When his teacher learns the reason for his unhappiness, there is a discussion with his classmates about what to do. They decide to put up posters and write a short play as part of a "no budding" campaign. Then their music teacher writes a song about "budding in" which Bud's class performs. Soon kids in the school start behaving more politely in line. Bud feels relieved. He is happy to be at school once again and enjoys playing with his friends.