Ella visits the park and meets a new boy. He yells. You’re so fat! Full of anger, no joy. His anger hurts Ella and makes her feel sad. She questions herself, Is my fat tummy bad?

Ella’s Tummy addresses teasing and bullying about weight during a time when the disdain for overweight seems ever-present, and eating disorders in children are rampant. It touches on parental support for building self-esteem and how others may project their bad feelings. Finally, it’s about self-examination and independent thought.

Although a book for young children, the uncompromising artwork and verse will appeal to any age.