School Library Journal (Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

K-Gr 1 Pokey is hurt when Biff the Beaver mocks his quills by saying they "look like a pile of toothpicks." The porcupine's friends try to cheer him up, but it is only when he looks at his reflection in a creek that he does an about-face. He finds that he likes himself just the way he is and shows off his quills by gluing glitter onto the tips. The story concludes with Biff wishing he had quills. Back matter has a "Parents' Corner" and discussion questions. The plot is simplistic and contrived. The cartoon illustrations are pleasant but do little to elevate the story. Readers may feel cheated by the abrupt ending and the relative ease with which Pokey goes from feeling down to feeling up, which rarely happens in real-life bullying situations. Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Beginning a series of small books spun off from Covey's <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, this story demonstrates the first of the seven habits, “Be Proactive: You're in Charge,” which is explained further in a “Parents' Corner.” Pokey the Porcupine, who lives in the town of 7 Oaks, is picked on at school because of the quills on his back. Though some of Pokey's friends are supportive (“You're a porcupine—you're supposed to have quills”), Pokey must learn to appreciate his unique qualities for himself. Pokey's story is a little thin, but the discussion questions may help concerned parents. Also available: <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">When I Grow Up. Ages 2–6. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Sept.)

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Covey expands his self-help empire into pleasantly illustrated picture books. In the slightly more successful Just, Pokey Porcupine learns to ignore a bully and have pride in his quills. In When, cutesy-wutesy mouse Allie imagines her future, "But first...I need to...go to school, do my chores, say my pwayers, and go to sleep." Didactic parents' notes and discussion questions are appended.