Stagestruck is about a little boy named Tommy who wants to audition for Peter Rabbit in his class's upcoming play. Tommy, however, talks too much in class and so the teacher gives him the role of Mopsy, a background bunny. Though Tommy is sad that he did not receive the role of Peter, he still wants to do a great job in the show. Tommy remembers what his tap dance teacher's lesson about reacting on stage. Tommy does a very good job reacting-in fact too good. He steals the show from Peter. His mother makes Tommy apologize to his friend and his teacher, but on the inside he cannot wait till he is on stage again.
I think this is a good book to read to students about to be in a school play. For one, I think it's great that Tommy found a way to express himself on stage event though he was not the main character. However, he went over the top and took attention away from the main play. I think the main message of this book is to be aware of your stage presence and to pay attention to others on stage. All roles are important and should work together in creating a wonderful show. ( )

This book is about a young boy named Tommy who wants to get the part of Peter Rabbit in his class’ production of Peter Rabbit. However, Tommy does not get the part and is instead Mopsy. Tommy still finds a way into the spotlight on show night, and is forever “stagestruck.”
I liked the illustrations of this book, and I could definitely see similarities to other books. However, I was not as impressed with this book. Tommy does not seem sorry for his actions, only seeming to apologize when his mother requires him too. Because everyone laughs and claps for Mopsy, Tommy does not feel like he has done anything wrong. This isn’t really something that I would want to share with my class because I feel like the message could be taken in a very different context. Tommy did not receive the part he wanted, acted inappropriately in his part, and received laughs and applause. It seems to me that Tommy was encouraged for behaving poorly, and I do not think that it a positive message to send young children. ( )

A bit long and complex - it might have worked better if presented as a memoir, and maybe in a 'beginning chapters' format. In a picture-book, one expects either honest humor, or a clear message. The message here seems to be something like 'be respectful of others, and at the same time be true to yourself' - but I don't know for sure if 4-5 year-old children can get that. But older children would, and maybe with discussion the little ones would, too. And the characters were cute, especially Jeannie.

I agree with the reviewer that gave it 2.75 stars - it's almost but not quite 'I liked it' and yet it's certainly more than 'it was ok.' :) ( )

Some interesting lessons here about stage presence, not getting what you want, and repercussions of "stealing the show." ( )

I liked this book because it was something that really could happen, but other then that I did not really care for it. What I did not like was at the end Tommy only felt bad because his mother told him too. As teacher's we are supposed to teach our students empathy and Tommy was only worried about himself. ( )