Is it Because?

In this powerful and thought-provoking picture book, a young boy tries to understand why a bully named Peregrine is picking on him. Through a series of "Is it because...?" questions, the narrator wonders if Peregrine is mean because he has no friends, no toys, or perhaps because he is unhappy at home. By shifting the focus from the victim's "fault" to the bully's own potential insecurities and loneliness, Tony Ross provides a gentle yet profound look at the roots of bullying, encouraging empathy and understanding in young readers.