Harvey Learns About Bullies
A Bedtime Story about Kindness, Courage, and Asking for Help
This story helps young children understand bullying in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It teaches children that unkind behavior is never okay, that everyone deserves to feel safe, and that asking trusted adults for help is a strong and healthy choice.
Key Messages:
- Bullying can hurt feelings and make others feel left out or scared.
- Kindness and inclusion matter.
- Children should tell a trusted adult if someone is being mean repeatedly.
- Being a helper and a friend can make a big difference.
- Harvey learns that being brave does not mean handling problems alone.
THE STORY
Harvey loved recess.
It was his favorite part of the school day. He loved running fast across the playground, climbing the play structure, and laughing with his friends.
One sunny afternoon, Harvey grabbed a red ball and ran toward the field.
“Want to play?” he asked.
Lila the lamb smiled. “Yes!”
Don the donkey trotted over too. “Me too!”
But before they could start, Rex the big dog stomped across the grass.
“You can’t play with us,” Rex barked loudly at Don. “You run too slow.”
Don’s long ears drooped.
Harvey felt a funny feeling in his tummy.
“That wasn’t nice,” Harvey thought.
Don quietly stepped back and looked down at the ground.
Harvey wasn’t sure what to do.
Rex grabbed the ball and laughed. “Come on, Harvey. Let’s play without him.”
Harvey looked at Don again.
He remembered something his mom always said:
“Kind friends make space for others.”
Harvey took a deep breath.
“I want Don to play too,” Harvey said softly.
Rex rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
But Harvey walked over to Don anyway.
“Do you still want to play with us?” Harvey asked.
Don nodded a little.
Soon, Lila joined them too.
The game was slower than Harvey usually liked. Sometimes Don tripped over his long legs. Sometimes the ball rolled the wrong way.
But everyone laughed anyway.
And after a while, Harvey noticed something important.
Don was really good at kicking the ball far across the field.
“WOW!” Harvey barked. “That was amazing!”
Don smiled so big his whole face lit up.
The next day at recess, Rex started again.
“You’re too slow,” he said.
This time Harvey noticed Don looked sad right away.
Harvey didn’t like seeing his friend hurt.
So Harvey walked over to Ms. Bloom, the playground teacher.
“Rex keeps saying mean things to Don,” Harvey explained. “And it hurts his feelings.”
Ms. Bloom nodded kindly.
“Thank you for telling me, Harvey,” she said. “That was the right thing to do.”
Later, Ms. Bloom talked with Rex privately.
She reminded him that school is a place where everyone should feel safe, included, and respected.
The next day, Rex surprised everyone.
He walked over slowly and looked at Don.
“Do you want to play kickball with us?” he asked quietly.
Don smiled.
“Yes.”
Harvey smiled too.
Sometimes friends make mistakes.
Sometimes people say unkind things.
But people can learn to do better.
And Harvey learned something important:
Being brave is not about being the loudest or strongest.
Sometimes being brave means being kind, speaking up, and helping someone feel they belong.
That night, Harvey curled up under his blanket feeling warm and peaceful inside.
He was proud that he helped a friend.
And even prouder that he asked for help when he needed it.
The End.
TALK ABOUT IT
- How do you think Don felt when Rex said mean things?
- What did Harvey do that was kind?
- Who are trusted adults you can talk to if someone is being mean?
- How can you help someone who feels left out?
- Have you ever helped a friend feel included?
A Note for Parents and Caregivers
Young children are still learning how to manage emotions, solve conflicts, and interact respectfully with others. This story introduces bullying in a calm, non-scary way while reinforcing healthy social skills and emotional safety.
It’s important to note that bullying isn’t only pushing or hitting. Using hurtful words is also bullying. Excluding someone from the group is another form of bullying.
Children benefit from practicing simple responses such as:
- “Please stop.”
- “That’s not kind.”
- “You can play with us.”
- “I’m going to tell an adult.”
Remind children that asking adults for help is not tattling when someone is being hurt repeatedly or made to feel unsafe. Encouraging empathy, inclusion, and emotional courage helps children build healthy friendships and strong decision-making skills.
Simple Stories. Strong Science. Healthier Kids.