Jeffrey the Pufferfish is an allegory on bullying and learning to accept the person that you are. I write this book in hopes that it will send a message to kids to accept themselves and never change for anyone because that won't make you happy.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/af2asta3gycc

I dedicate this story to my mom for teaching me the important things in life don't come from how thick your wallet is or the clothes that you own. And to keep true to myself and the right friends will come along.

This is Jeffrey the pufferfish. He lives in Sandy reef and doesn't have many friends

This is a school of rainbow fish and they also live in Sandy reef. All of them have colorful, smooth, and shimmery scales. The green fish, Jayden was their leader. They spend most of their time admiring themselves in the mirror.

HAHAHA!

The rainbow fish made fun of Jeffrey for being different. Pointing out his prickly scales and short stubby fins. He doesn't have their bright colors, or smooth, shinny scales. This made Jeffrey feel sad.

Jeffrey hid in the seaweed from the other fish. But then he thought, "if I change myself I would be accepted by the other fish and be happy." so he did.

I can change

He tried on a bunch of different masks and disguises but none seemed to cover up his prickly scales.

Then Jeffrey found a costume that was smooth, shiny, and brightly colored. Soon he left to greet others as a new fish.

The rainbow fish swarmed their new friend. admiring him. He felt accepted. Even though they only liked him for his appearance.

Then some of the outcasts of Sandy reef slowly swam by and the rainbow fish shouted out to them saying mean comments like: "You are too slimy! you are shaped weird! And you are too green!"

Jeffrey tried to stand up for them, But the rainbow fish turned to him. "why are you helping them?" Jayden said. The other rainbow fish joined in and said, "yeah what are you doing?" "bullying isn't right!" said Jeffrey.