Tony Ross skillfully presents the problem of bullying, managing to engage sympathy for
each side of the story
A little boy is wondering why he is bullied by his classmate Peregrine Ffrogg. He asks himself various questions: Is it because he misses his mum? Is it because he still sucks his thumb? Is it because he smells like a pike? Is it because he can't ride a bike? And the questions he asks leads him to a greater understanding of himself and the bully. He comes to the conclusion that Peregrine Ffrogg is unhappy, and jealous of him.