Loukoumi and the Schoolyard Bully
In Loukoumi And The Schoolyard Bully, Loukoumi is about to have a baby brother. When her friends discuss what to name him, schoolyard bully, Igor the alligator, ridicules Loukoumi's name, which Loukoumi explains means "sweet" in Greek and is a type of jelly candy with powdered sugar on top. During the course of the day, through several common interactions, Igor realizes that he and Loukoumi are more alike than he thought. In the end, he learns that
bullying is not cool, and although Loukoumi's name is different,
everyone is really all the same.
Also appearing in the book is the new character of Oinkerella the pig, which was inspired by Caila Tsamutalis, the 10 year-old winner of the Loukoumi Illustration Contest.
"The Loukoumi book series has long been a friend to children, opening their eyes to the world around them. This time, it provides comfort and assurance to kids who are frightened and bewildered by bullying. A worthy subject. We at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are honored to be beneficiaries of such a noble project."
-Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The book includes an audio download of the story narrated by Nia Vardalos, Oscar nominated screenwriter and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and author of the bestselling book Instant Mom. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman voices the role of the schoolyard bully, Igor the alligator.
Other character voices, reprising their roles from past Loukoumi audio books, include Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis as Marika the monkey,
Grammy Winner Gloria Gaynor as Fistiki the Cat, Days of Our Lives star John Aniston as Loukoumi's Daddy, Tony Nominee Constantine Maroulis as Gus the bear, Actor Frank Dicopoulos as Dean the dog and CBS News anchor Alexis Christoforous as Loukoumi.
