Mr. Mean

In Roger Hargreaves' "Mr. Mean," a character whose name says it all lives up to his reputation for stinginess he even gives his brother a lump of coal for Christmas. When a wizard appears, he offers to help Mr. Mean become a little nicer, setting the stage for a gentle lesson about generosity. The story unfolds in bright, simple illustrations that keep the focus on the central conflict between meanness and the desire for change. This early-reader picture book, the 19th in the Mr. Men series, presents a light-hearted conflict and a hopeful resolution for young readers.