David Shannon’s A Bad Case of the Stripes is an energetic, vivid tale that tackles the fear of standing out and the pressures of conformity. Camilla Cream, who loves lima beans but refuses to eat them to avoid judgment from her classmates, wakes up one day covered in colorful stripes. Her condition worsens as she changes patterns and textures, from stars and stripes to even sprouting roots, fur, and feathers. No doctors or healers can help until Camilla learns that being true to herself is the only cure.
What makes A Bad Case of the Stripes so captivating is its striking, over-the-top illustrations. Shannon’s surreal art brings the bizarre transformations to life, offering both humor and a touch of spookiness. From a girl adorned with a rainbow of patterns to her ultimate merging into her room’s décor, the visuals demand attention and speak volumes about the chaos that conformity can cause.
At its heart, this story is an empowering reminder for readers to embrace their individuality—something many children (and adults) can relate to. The way Shannon balances his quirky, larger-than-life images with a meaningful message makes this book not only entertaining but also memorable.
Questions to ask while reading:
- Why do you think Camilla changes colors and patterns?
- How does Camilla’s attitude change throughout the story?
- When Camilla returns to her normal self, the old woman remarks that she “knew the real you was in there somewhere.” What do you think she meant by that?
A Bad Case of the Stripes on Amazon