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Zubby, home

When biting happens

A short cartoon about a crowded rug and the words "I need space", starring your child. Watch it together on a calm day.

Try a story beginning

An example story beginning for this moment. It is not a cartoon of your own story.

Cartoons are made with AI. You preview each one before your child sees it. Automatic checks can miss things.

Illustration, made with AI: a girl sits squeezed between two friends and a block house on a nursery rug while her teacher makes room beside her, and a glowing firefly sits inside a ribbon ring showing a little circle of space.
Illustration, made with AI

Let's imagine

Example, made with AI

Mia (3) sits on the nursery rug, squeezed between two friends and a block house. Her face scrunches. She leans towards a friend's sleeve with her mouth open, and her teacher slides gently between them. "I won't let you bite. It's crowded in here." The teacher makes room. "You can say, I need space." Mia says it in a small voice. Her friend shuffles over.

The characters in this example are made up. Your child can be the hero, with or without a photo.

What happens in the story

In the example above:

  • Mia is squeezed on the rug and her face scrunches.
  • Her teacher steps between the two children before anyone is hurt and says plainly: no biting.
  • The teacher names the crowded feeling, makes room, and offers words: "I need space."
  • Nobody is blamed. In this example, the teacher stays beside Mia.
Try a story beginning

Talk-after card

Here are three gentle questions to talk about after this example. Best watched together, then followed by a chat or a game.

  1. Where was Mia sitting? What was it like there?
  2. What did her teacher do? What words did Mia use?
  3. When it feels crowded, what would you like to do or say? You can tell me or show me.

Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.

What a cartoon can and can't do

  • Safety comes first. A cartoon can't keep anyone from getting hurt. The grown-ups nearby do that.
  • This cartoon doesn't say why a child bites or what it means. Your child's teacher knows the group, and your child's doctor knows your child.
  • Zubby isn't for the middle of a hard moment. Watch together on a calm day.
  • Each Zubby cartoon is made to be talked about together. It can't do the work of routine, patience or your child's doctor.
  • If you are worried about your child's sleep, eating, fears or behaviour, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.