Most Popular Books by Elizabeth Verdick

With gentle encouragement, this book teaches children that they can think before speaking, choose what to say and how to say it, and find positive ways to respond when others use unkind words. The importance of saying “I’m sorry” is reinforced. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Germs Are Not for Sharing/Los gérmenes no son para compartir paperback read-along (ages 4–7): Sneezes, coughs, runny noses, spills, and messes are facts of everyday life with young children. This book teaches kids what germs are, what they do, and why it’s so important to cover them up, block them from spreading, and wash them down the drain. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

The toddler years are full of growth and smiles—but also tantrums. Toddlers don’t yet have the words to express strong feelings, and they’re still learning social skills. This bilingual English-Spanish board book read-along helps little ones understand why it’s better to use an indoor voice and how to calm down and ask for help. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

With the newest paperback addition to the Best Behavior® series, children develop strategies to make waiting less frustrating and learn that patience is a virtue. Children are often waiting—for the school bus, their turn on the slide, or their birthday—and waiting can be frustrating! But learning to be patient and developing self-control will equip children with tools for success in school and in social settings. With vivid illustrations and simple strategies, this reassuring book helps children learn to delay gratification and make waiting more fun without relying on electronics. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick provides activities and ideas for children—like observing the world around them, inventing new games, and anticipating what’s to come—that can be adapted for any situation. In this addition to the best-selling Best Behavior series, children will learn how to avoid boredom and replace whining words with waiting words: “This will be worth the wait!” A section for adults includes tips and activities to foster patience in children. Best Behavior® Series The Best Behavior® series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby to preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages four to seven. Bilingual board books and paperback editions are available for select titles. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

English-Spanish bilingual read-along gives young children strategies to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. Everyone feels worried or anxious at times, and young children are no exception. Friendly and supportive, this bilingual English-Spanish book explains what worries are and how it feels to be worried, assuring children that lots of kids—and grown-ups too—feel worried. Children learn that there are many ways to help their worries go away: “Guess what? You are bigger than your worries. You can learn to make your worries smaller and smaller and smaller.” Talking about worries, moving around, keeping hands busy, breathing deeply, getting a big hug, and thinking good thoughts are all ways for children to cope with worries. A special section for adults in both languages offers activities and discussion starters for home, school, and child care. Best Behavior® Bilingual Series The Best Behavior® bilingual series uses simple words in English and Spanish and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby to preschool and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages four to seven. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Children learn boundaries and safety when using screens, and fun things to do when screens are off. As important as screens are in our lives, we all need to unplug, especially children. This reassuring picture book offers children and families a starting point for limiting screen time and making the most of the time you have with your screens and without. While screens can be helpful and fun, they are not intended for use all the time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent limits on screen time for children, and adults should take steps to ensure online safety for kids. With straightforward suggestions, children will learn valuable information about online safety, setting healthy screen-time boundaries, and the importance of screen-free time. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick offers appealing and healthy alternatives to using screens, as well as ways to stay safe and happy when online. Illustrator Marieka Heinlen’s active and vibrant illustrations of young children interacting with their caregivers and families bring the activities and suggestions for screen-free fun to life. A section for adults at the end of the book includes information on the effects of too much screen time and suggestions for establishing screen-time boundaries. Best Behavior® Series Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1–4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4–7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of select titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Teach kids that teasing animals isn’t nice, they can choose to be kind to animals, and it’s important to ask before touching someone’s pet. Pets may not have words, but they can communicate. Paying attention to an animal’s cues—a joyful bark, a scary growl, a swishing tail—can help a child understand what the animal is “saying” and what an appropriate response might be. That’s part of what this English-Spanish bilingual picture book is about. But mostly it’s about showing children how to love pets gently—because pets are for loving, after all. Kids learn that teasing isn’t nice, that they can choose to be kind to animals, and that if you want to touch someone else’s pet, there’s one important rule you should know: Ask the owner first! A special section for adults includes ideas for teaching children kindness to animals, activities, and discussion starters in both English and Spanish. Best Behavior series Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1–4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4–7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of all titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more. Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners, and the essentials of e-tiquette (politeness online). It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.

Everybody cries! In this picture book, children learn how crying can help them and ways to cope with challenging feelings. Everyone cries. Sometimes the tears are happy ones; often, though, they come from sadness or frustration. “If you’re sad or upset, the tears may come. Crying has a purpose: it lets your feelings out and shows others you might need help.” Sadness and disappointment are common, recurring emotions that children can learn to understand, handle, and grow from. With vivid illustrations and straightforward suggestions, this English-Spanish bilingual picture book provides practical advice for coping with these challenging feelings. “Remember: tears are not forever. In time, you will feel better.” A section for adults reinforces the book’s message that crying is a natural, normal response to strong feelings and includes tips and activities in both English and Spanish to help children express and handle their feelings. Best Behavior series Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1–4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4–7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of all titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Empower children to build habits and skills to deal with worry in healthy ways Everyone worries sometimes, no matter how old, how smart, or how strong. And everyone can benefit from learning how to manage their worried feelings and thoughts and feel better. Part of the Little Laugh & Learn® series, Hi, Worry. Bye, Worry! offers children simple yet effective tools to cope with and work through worry, beginning with acknowledging worry and inviting it in—for a little while. This book offers children a range of healthy, empowering worry-taming strategies: Get exercise and move their bodies. Take deep belly breaths. Make art and be creative. Talk to people they trust. Seek quiet time when they need it. Worries come, and worries go. No matter how big or small children’s worries are, this book is an empathetic resource with a lighthearted tone and humorous illustrations. Little Laugh & Learn® series Self-help, kid-style! Kids ages six to nine can tote these handy guides anywhere and boost their skills. With practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view, these books are the go-to for help with everything, from triumphing over teasing to learning to be a fantastic friend to becoming a self-confidence superstar, and more!

Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a baby-sitter means saying good-bye to Mom or Dad--and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn't forever, it's just for a while. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Part of the Toddler Tools series, Bye-Bye Time can be shared before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Kids need help learning how to manage their anger. Blending solid information and sound advice with humor and lively illustrations, these anger-management tips guide kids to understand that anger is normal and to learn they can express it in healthy ways. The book teaches them how to recognize anger in themselves and others, how to handle situations and emotions (loneliness, guilt, frustration, fear) that lead to or mask anger, and how to deal with the anger they feel. This revised edition addresses children’s exposure to increased societal violence and includes discussion and examples of anger related to texting and social media. Young readers learn that cruelty and violence are not acceptable and there are safer, more positive ways to resolve conflicts. They also discover what to do when people around them are angry, how to get help, and how to locate other resources when they need more support.

Shows the different movements of infants as they start to become mobile.

Revised classic provides a humorous take on cliques, exclusion, and real friends—updated to include online clique-tivity.? Clique: It’s a word that’s spelled funny and sounds funny, and (like a vampire) can be a pain in the neck. True friends don’t make you feel left out, but for many kids, navigating social groups is tricky (because it’s cliquey), and they end up feeling excluded. This book uses humor, fun cartoons, and kid-friendly language to explain what cliques are, why being phony is baloney, why true friends don’t exclude others online or in real life, what’s more important than popularity—and how to navigate it all. The updated edition addresses online socializing and social media. The Free Spirit Laugh & Learn® Series Realistic topics, practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view all add up to one of the most popular series young people turn to for help with school, families, siblings, and more. Kids ages 8–13 can tote these pocket-size guides anywhere and learn to slash stress, give cliques and rude people the boot, get organized, behave becomingly, and, in general, hugely boost their coping skills.

Full-color cartoons and humorous, kid-friendly text teach kids how to make smarter choices about how they behave at home and at school so they stay out of trouble, feel good about themselves and their choices, and get along better with family, friends, and teachers. Better behavior isn’t just about making adults happy: it means selfcontrol, awareness, and a positive outlook, so things go better for kids. Lighthearted yet supportive and frank, this book helps readers learn to make thoughtful, deliberate, positive behavior decisions. Behavior issues addressed include small ones, like talking or blurting out in class, as well as bigger ones, such as fighting. Don’t Behave Like You Live in a Cave is the latest addition to the award-winning Laugh & Learn™ series.

Revised classic provides a humorous take on a nerve-wracking topic—STRESS!—updated to include modern stressors such as technology and social media. Stress can make you feel anxious, awful, and afraid. It can leave you jumpy and jittery, upset and uptight. When kids show signs of stress, they need stress management tools that work. With jokes, fun illustrations, and plenty of authentic examples, this book helps kids understand what stress is—and gives tons of tips to cope. Refreshed to address modern stressors like electronic devices and social media, this updated classic helps kids deal with stress like a seasoned panic mechanic. The Free Spirit Laugh & Learn® Series Realistic topics, practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view all add up to one of the most popular series young people turn to for help with school, families, siblings, and more. Kids ages 8–13 can tote these pocket-size guides anywhere and learn to slash stress, give cliques and rude people the boot, get organized, behave becomingly, and, in general, hugely boost their coping skills.

Toddlers will look forward to bedtime with this cozy book of nighttime rituals. Ease the transition time from evening activities to bedtime with this warm and cozy get-ready-for-bed English-Spanish bilingual board book. Aided by Mom and Dad, a sister and brother enjoy a little snack, relaxing baths, time for brushing teeth, stories, lullabies, back rubs, and hugs. Cheerful, soft illustrations and reassuring text set a tone that helps toddlers feel good about the daily bedtime routine of settling down to sleep. (As the narrator explains, "I do my best growing when I'm sleeping.") In the morning, the children will yawn, stretch, and be a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, and a little bit smarter--all because of a good night's sleep. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips in English and Spanish for reinforcing the book's message. Toddler Tools(R) series Daily transitions and routines can be a struggle for any toddler, as well as parents and caregivers. These award-winning, positive books can help ease the many challenging "times" that are a part of every toddler's day. Share them before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Titles are also available in English-Spanish bilingual editions.

"This bilingual (English/Spanish) board book helps toddlers learn to manage temper tantrums. Offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Includes tips for parents and caregivers"--

Offers tips on giving up the pacifier.

An introduction to the concept of sharing.

Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. Young children learn to work together to put items in their place, make a neater space, keep a smile on their face--and make room for more fun. Delightful illustrations enhance the text. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Part of the Toddler Tools series, Clean-Up Time can be shared before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

With the newest paperback addition to the Best Behavior® series, children develop strategies to make waiting less frustrating and learn that patience is a virtue. Children are often waiting—for the school bus, their turn on the slide, or their birthday—and waiting can be frustrating! But learning to be patient and developing self-control will equip children with tools for success in school and in social settings. With vivid illustrations and simple strategies, this reassuring book helps children learn to delay gratification and make waiting more fun without relying on electronics. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick provides activities and ideas for children—like observing the world around them, inventing new games, and anticipating what's to come—that can be adapted for any situation. In this addition to the best-selling Best Behavior series, children will learn how to avoid boredom and replace whining words with waiting words: "This will be worth the wait!" A section for adults includes tips and activities to foster patience in children. Best Behavior® Series The Best Behavior® series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby to preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages four to seven. Bilingual board books and paperback editions are available for select titles. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Simple text and illustrations explain how to behave during mealtime.

Kids today are notorious for putting things off—it’s easy for homework and chores to take a backseat to playing video games, hanging out with friends, watching television, or surfing online. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach kids how to get motivated, stay motivated, and get things done. Kids learn 12 reasons why people procrastinate and 12 Procrastination Busters that can help; 20 ways to kiss procrastination good-bye; tips for avoiding setbacks like the dreaded Domino Effect; and Mighty Motivators and Fun Rewards to keep them on track. See You Later, Procrastinator! gives kids lots of ways to kick the procrastination habit and feel more in charge of their lives.

Simple text and colorful illustrations describe the process of potty training for young readers.

Simple text and illustrations demonstrate what teeth are supposed to be used for instead of biting.

Who has the most power to stop and prevent bullying? Teachers? Parents? The Principal of the Universe? No, no, and no way! When it comes to changing bullying behavior, nobody has more power than upstanders--all the people who see bullying or know it’s happening...and decide to do something about it. How strong are upstanders? Stronger than a snarling seventh grader. More powerful than a petty put-down. Able to delete Internet rumors with a single click. When BYstanders choose to act as UPstanders, they are real superheroes!

Shows the good things that toddlers can do with their feet including walking, jumping, and climbing--but not kicking.

Children learn boundaries and safety when using screens, and fun things to do when screens are off. As important as screens are in our lives, we all need to unplug, especially children. This reassuring picture book offers children and families a starting point for limiting screen time and making the most of the time you have with your screens and without. While screens can be helpful and fun, they are not intended for use all the time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent limits on screen time for children, and adults should take steps to ensure online safety for kids. With straightforward suggestions, children will learn valuable information about online safety, setting healthy screen-time boundaries, and the importance of screen-free time. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick offers appealing and healthy alternatives to using screens, as well as ways to stay safe and happy when online. Illustrator Marieka Heinlen's active and vibrant illustrations of young children interacting with their caregivers and families bring the activities and suggestions for screen-free fun to life. A section for adults at the end of the book includes information on the effects of too much screen time and suggestions for establishing screen-time boundaries. Best Behavior® Series Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1–4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4–7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of select titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Teaches toddlers what good manners are.

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What's an ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

Help autistic kids understand their unique gifts and needs and learn strategies for daily living in a neurotypical world. This positive, straightforward reference book offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Freshly updated, the content reflects changes in the understanding of ASD since the book was first released, including clarification that Asperger's syndrome is no longer a specific diagnosis and what this means for readers. The book also features new stories of young people with autism and an added chapter, "Tech Talk." Some children with ASD are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others want to be social. Some get “stuck” on things, have intense interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (“stims”). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions (“What is ASD?” “Why me?”) and provides strategies for communicating, staying safe and smart online, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, and resources. Sections for parents offer additional information. Survival Guides for Kids Helping Kids Help Themselves® Straightforward, friendly, and loaded with practical advice, the Free Spirit Survival Guides for Kids give kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. With plenty of realistic examples and bright illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.

Kids learn how to build the four Constructive Use of Time Assets: Creative Activities, Child Programs, Religious Community, and Time at Home. Stories, tips, and ideas promote healthy, constructive, relationship-strengthening interests and activities.

As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an "indoor voice" or an "outdoor voice." In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, "Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you." Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. "What happens if you're mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER." But yelling hurts people's ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. "Think before you yell, and use your words well!" Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters. The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Give young children strategies to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. Everyone feels worried at times, and young children are no exception. Friendly and reassuring, this book geared to preschool and primary children explains what worries are and how it feels to be worried. The book assures children that lots of kids—and grown-ups—feel worried, and that they can learn to make their worries "smaller and smaller and smaller." Talking about worries, moving around, keeping hands busy, breathing deeply, getting a big hug, and thinking good thoughts are all ways for children to cope with worries. The book includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters. Best Behavior® Series The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Kids learn how to build the four Constructive Use of Time Assets: Creative Activities, Child Programs, Religious Community, and Time at Home. Stories, tips, and ideas promote healthy, constructive, relationship-strengthening interests and activities.

Kids learn how to build the four Constructive Use of Time Assets: Creative Activities, Child Programs, Religious Community, and Time at Home. Stories, tips, and ideas promote healthy, constructive, relationship-strengthening interests and activities.