The Bad Case of Stripes

The Bad Case of Stripes
By: David Shannon
Copyright: 1998
Pages:32
Reading Level: 4-8

The story of the Bad Case of Stripes starts on her first day of school. She can't decide what to wear, worried about all the people she needs to please. Suddenly she looks in the mirror and see she is covered from head to toe in stripes. Her mother runs in and tells her to get into bed, and decides she isn't going to school. She is relieved because she didn't have any idea what to wear when she was covered in stripes. The next day the doctor comes and finds she has nothing wrong, and suggests she go to school. At school it only gets worst as the children yell out different shapes her skin changes colors faster than tv channels. So they call the doctor again, and he bring specialist who give her all sorts of pills to take. That night she took the pills and woke up as one giant one. Then the news breaks out and word spreads of the color, and shape shifting girl. So her house is flooded with reporters, which makes her all the more embarrassed. They then try every other time or remedy, psychologist, nutritionist, gurus, and old medicine men. She starts sprouting roots, and feathers and even gets a tail. It gets the worst when a therapist tells her "to become one with your room." She forms into the walls and dressers and bed. The story ends with an old lady who knocks on the door. She looks around and tells her she has the worst case of stripes she has ever seen. Then the old lady offers her some green Lima beans. At first Camilla is still worried that people will laugh, and says she doesn't want any. But then she realizes eating Lima beans is nothing compared to her current state. So she finally cries "The truth is...I really love Lima beans." The old lady pops a few in her mouth and instantly Camilla is cured. From then on, Camilla eats Lima beans when ever she wants, and never has a "touch of stripes again."

Recommended to: Children who are concerned about appearances, or afraid to be themselves.
Problems: Camilla portrays the all American girl, who has the perfect family. So this might be controversial for some people.
My reaction: This was actually my first time reading the Bad Case of Stripes, and it was a very fun book. I loved the message it tells. It wasn't my favorite book I have read, but I don't have anything I didn't like. Maybe its just I can't relate as well.