
A parent would reach for this book when their child is going through a phase of bossiness, entitlement, or general rudeness toward others. It serves as a gentle but effective mirror for children who struggle to understand how their tone of voice and attitude affect the people around them. Mr. Uppity is a character who believes his wealth makes him superior to everyone else, leading him to treat others with total disrespect. The story follows Mr. Uppity as he is magically transported to the Kingdom of the Goblins, where he receives a dose of his own medicine. Through this whimsical encounter, he learns that kindness is a choice and that being 'big' on the outside doesn't excuse being small on the inside. It is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students, providing a lighthearted way to discuss manners and the importance of an apology without being overly preachy.
The book deals with class and behavior in a secular, metaphorical way. The 'punishment' for being rude is magical and humorous rather than punitive in a frightening sense. The resolution is hopeful and shows that change is possible.
A 4 or 5-year-old who is testing boundaries with 'bossy' language or a child who seems to struggle with basic social etiquette like saying please and thank you.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to use different voices for the rude Mr. Uppity and the authoritative King of the Goblins to emphasize the contrast in their communication styles. The parent likely just witnessed their child demanding something from a peer or adult without using manners, or perhaps acting 'above' others in a social setting.
Younger children (3-4) will focus on the magic and the shrinking as a funny consequence. Older children (6-7) will better grasp the social hierarchy and the irony of a rich man being humbled by small creatures.
Unlike many 'manners' books that focus on etiquette, this one focuses on the internal attitude of superiority and uses a classic fairy-tale structure (the magical encounter) to enforce a moral lesson.
Mr. Uppity is a wealthy, arrogant man who lives in a big house and is rude to everyone he meets. While walking in his garden, he encounters a goblin who transports him to a magical kingdom. There, the King of the Goblins uses magic to shrink Mr. Uppity whenever he is rude, forcing him to experience the vulnerability of those he mistreats. He eventually learns to say please and thank you to return to his normal size.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review