New Releases by Cheri J. Meiners

A toddler sees helpers and talks about some of the ways they can help others.

"This friendly book shares with toddlers the different phases of play in their day--from playing alone and pretending, to playing beside others, to playing together"--Page 4 of cover.

A “thoughtful book that teaches principles of effectiveness to children” from the author of the award-winning Learning to Get Along® social skills series (Sean Covey, bestselling author of The 7 Habits of Happy Kids). Through positive and motivating text, Making a Difference assures children that they are important, and that what they do matters. Boost your child’s confidence and sense of purpose as you read and affirm that their hopeful thoughts, kind words and good choices can make a difference to themselves and others. Making a Difference is a book that can help build social skills and character, teach life lessons to your children, and put them on a pathway to kindness, courtesy, respect, and purpose. Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations accompany Cheri’s purposeful storytelling as she shows us once again how children can help to make the world a better place. Back pages include discussion questions, scenarios, games and role-play activities that help adults reinforce the book’s positive message. “This invaluable resource . . . empowers children to be their best selves and challenges them to make a real world difference every day.” —Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, coauthor of Reaching Out, Joining In

"I have a place I always belong. People in my family listen and help me." A sense of belonging is a basic human need. This friendly, reassuring board book shows toddlers what it means to belong at home and in a group. "I belong with my friends, too. There''s a place for me to fit in." Children see that they have safe places where they feel loved and where they talk, play, share--and help others belong, too. Warm, realistic illustrations illuminate the text, showing children eating, playing, making music, and working together with family and friends. "Belonging feels so good! I want to help others feel good, too" Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Imagination and motivation are key to young children’s happiness and health. Thinking about dreams and goals can help children cope with challenges when they arise and view life through a hopeful lens. With this encouraging book, nurture children’s imaginations and help them enjoy taking responsibility for their choices and goals. Back matter includes advice for motivating kids and teaching about goal setting at home, at school, and in childcare. Being the Best Me!® Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® series comes the next book in this one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first seven books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, forgiveness, and goal-setting. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Showing respect, responsibility, and stewardship are social skills that even young children can relate to—because they have things they value. In both English and Spanish, this book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don’t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes a special section for adults with discussion questions, games, responsibility role plays, and tips on storing toys and staying clutter-free. Now children and adults can enjoy our most popular Learning to Get Along books in English and Spanish. The series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic emotional and social skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for all homes, childcare settings, and primary classrooms as well as special education, including settings with children on the autism spectrum. Presented in a social story format, each of the bilingual Learning to Get Along books includes a special bilingual section for adults, with discussion questions, games, activities, and tips that reinforce improving social skills.

In the quest for school success--not to mention a happy home life--kids have a lot to juggle: schoolwork, friends, activities, chores, bedrooms, electronics, lockers, and desks. Get Organized Without Losing It provides friendly, entertaining help for kids who want to manage their tasks, time, and stuff--without going overboard or being totally obsessed. Empower kids to: conquer clutter prioritize tasks master their devices (not the other way around) supercharge study skills, handle homework, and prepare for tests stop procrastinating and start enjoying less stress and more success Tips, examples, lists, and steps make it doable; jokes and cartoons make it enjoyable.

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Showing respect, responsibility, and stewardship are social skills that even young children can relate to-because they have things they value. In both English and Spanish, this boo

It''s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, t

Integrity is an important trait for children to develop—especially as they grow, learn, and have more opportunities to make choices for themselves. With this encouraging book, support children in knowing right from wrong, making positive decisions, keeping promises, and staying true to themselves. Back matter includes advice for teaching integrity at home, at school, and in childcare. Being the Best Me Series: From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

For young children, learning to forgive—when they’ve been let down or had their feelings are hurt—can take time. Help children develop their forgiveness skills and learn how to accept an apology and move on without holding grudges. At the same time, encourage children to let go of disappointment and to accept when things don’t go the way they hope. Back matter includes advice for teaching forgiveness at home, at school, and in childcare. Being the Best Me!® Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

A child who isn’t following the rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught. Now children and adults can enjoy our most popular Learning to Get Along® books in English and Spanish. The Free Spirit Learning to Get Along series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic social and emotional skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for all homes, childcare settings, and primary classrooms as well as special education, including settings with children on the autism spectrum. Presented in a social story format, each of the bilingual Learning to Get Along books includes a special section for adults in both English and Spanish, with discussion questions, games, activities, and tips that reinforce improving social skills.

Clear, simple language and realistic illustrations teach children the process of peaceful conflict resolution.

A young boy, angry about incidents at school, thinks about the different ways he can help himself cool down and work through his problems.

Resilience—the ability to recover or “bounce back” from problems, hurt, or loss—is critical for social and emotional health and helps people feel happy, capable, and in charge of their lives. Foster perseverance, patience, and resilience in children with this unique, encouraging book. Young children learn thought processes and actions that are positive, realistic, and helpful for bouncing back. The book also helps children recognize people who can support them in times of difficulty. Back matter includes advice for raising resilient children and fostering resiliency at school and in childcare. Being the Best Me!® Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Help children develop the attitudes and skills of courage and assertiveness in order to make wise choices and work through challenges. Children learn to do what they think is right and be brave, even if it’s hard. They learn to distinguish between expectations set by trusted adults and hurtful, wrong, or dangerous things adults or children might pressure them to do. The book also highlights trying new things, taking reasonable risks, and speaking up. Being the Best Me!® Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Empower children to recognize their individual worth and develop confidence in themselves, their abilities, and the choices they make. Children learn that they can speak up, expect and show respect, try new things, and believe in themselves. Confidence-building skills of accepting yourself, asking for what you need, making decisions, solving problems, and communicating are also discussed. Young children will respond to the true-to-life situations and colorful illustrations. Being the Best Me!® Series From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

A sense of optimism is a key ingredient to success in life. Guide young children to develop a positive outlook and discover how the choices they make can lead to feeling happy and capable. This friendly, encouraging book introduces preschool and primary-age children to ways of thinking and acting that will help them feel good about themselves and their lives, stay on course when things don’t go their way, and contribute to other people’s happiness, too. Being the Best Me Series: From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books come the first two books in this one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each book focuses on specific attitude or character traits—such as optimism, courage, resilience, imagination, personal power, decision-making, and work ethics. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information adults can use to reinforce the concepts children are learning. Filled with diversity, these read-aloud books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Now for Mac and Windows. Praised by parents, embraced by educators, this early childhood development book series teaches young children how to deal with their emotions, make positive choices, solve problems, resolve conflicts, resist impulsive behavior, form relationships, work cooperatively, and more. Now all 15 of the Learning to Get Along series are available in one kid-friendly software package. Teachers can choose which books to make available to each child, manage audio features, and track students'' progress. Children follow along or read on their own, using a special highlight feature to click and hear word definitions. A sequence of questions follows each book; test results are stored for teacher review in individual student files. Designed for classroom use, yet equally useful at home. User''s Guide included. Developed in association with Attainment Company. Software disc, Windows XP or higher, Mac OS 10.5 or higher, Intel processor, touch-screen and single-switch compatible.

Children today have many fears, both real and imagined. Encouraging words and supportive illustrations guide children to face their fears and know where to turn for help. Little ones also learn simple ways to help themselves. Includes a special section for adults, with ideas for supporting children when they feel afraid and a list of additional resources.

Everyone gets angry, so it’s never too early for children to learn to recognize feelings of anger, express them, and build skills for coping with anger in helpful, appropriate ways. Children learn that it is okay to feel angry—but not okay to hurt anyone with actions or words. They discover concrete skills for working through anger: self-calming, thinking, getting help from a trusted person, talking and listening, apologizing, being patient, and viewing others positively. Reassuring and supportive, the book helps preschool and primary-age children see that when they cool down and work through anger, they can feel peaceful again.

It''s never too soon to learn the difference between what''s true and what isn''t. Words and pictures help young children discover that being honest in words and actions builds trust and self-confidence. They also learn that telling the truth sometimes takes courage and tact. Includes discussion questions, skits, scenarios, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

The world is becoming more diverse, and so are the daily lives of our children. Accepting and valuing people and groups who are different from oneself and one''s immediate family is a critical social skill. Accept and Value Each Person introduces diversity and related concepts: respecting differences, being inclusive, and appreciating people just the way they are. Includes questions, activities, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

Introduce children to gratitude and philanthropy, and show them how they can contribute to their community in simple, meaningful ways.

A child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught. The Learning to Get Along® Series The Learning to Get Along series helps children learn, understand, and practice basic social and emotional skills. Real-life situations, lots of diversity, and concrete examples make these read-aloud books appropriate for home and childcare settings, schools, and special education settings. Each book ends with a section of discussion questions, games, and activities adults can use to reinforce what children have learned. All titles are available in English-Spanish bilingual editions.

It’s hard to try new things—for adults as well as children. It’s even harder to stay the course when something is more difficult than we thought it would be, or when things don’t work out the way we hoped. Yet flexibility and perseverance are essential to success in all areas of life, at all ages and stages. This book introduces children to the benefits of trying something new and the basics of stick-to-it-iveness. Includes suggestions adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught.