Best Selling Books by Julia Cook

‘NO’ is RJ’s least favorite word . . . and he tries his best to convince his dad, his mom, and his teacher to turn “No” into “Maybe” or “We’ll see” or “Later” or “I’ll think about it.” Author Julia Cook helps K-6 readers laugh and learn along with RJ as he understands the benefits of demonstrating the social skills of accepting “No” for an answer and disagreeing appropriately. Tips for parents and educators on how to teach and encourage kids to use these skills are included in the book. I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO! is another in the BEST ME I Can Be! series of books from the Boys Town Press that teach children social skills.

RJ''s mouth is getting him into a lot of trouble. A rude comment at school earned him a detention, and an incensitive remark at home earned him a scholding and made his sister cry. It''s time RJ starts using a social filter when he speaks. He soon realizes he doesn''t have to verbalize every thought that pops into his head. In fact, the less said the better!

Spunky, spirited Decibella loves to be loud. Maybe that’s why her name is Decibella? She shouts every time she answers a question, offers an opinion, shares a thought, or makes a request. It doesn’t matter if she’s sitting in a classroom, browsing for books in the library, ordering food in a restaurant, or watching a movie in the theater. Her voice volume is always on full blast. Decibella is so loud, she’s hurting ears, startling wait staff, disrupting classmates, and annoying moviegoers. She doesn’t realize different environments and situations sometimes demand a softer, quieter voice. That is until a caring teacher introduces her to the silly-sounding word “Slurpadoodle” and the five volumes of voice (Whisper, 6-inch, Table Talk, Strong Speaker, and Outside). With a little practice, patience, and persistence, can Decibella become a voice volume expert? Or will her volume be permanently stuck on shout? A special page written specifically for parents and educators offers insightful and practical strategies to help children understand when and how to have a proper voice volume. Fans of the original story will find more inclusive, empathetic, and empowering dialogue and situations in this revised second edition!

Decibella is a loud talker. A really loud talker. She’s so loud, she’s hurting ears, startling wait staff, disrupting classmates, and annoying moviegoers. She doesn’t realize different environments and situations sometimes demand a softer, quieter voice. That is until a caring teacher introduces her to the silly-sounding word “Slurpadoodle” and the five volumes of voice (Whisper, 6-inch, Table Talk, Strong Speaker, and Outside).

Teaching children the concepts of personal space. Louis is back! And this time, he''s learning all about personal space. When Louis, the world''s self-proclaimed space expert, is invited to Personal Space Camp by the school principal, he soon learns that personal space really isn''t about lunar landings, Saturn''s rings, or space ice cream. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, Personal Space Camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person''s physical boundaries. Told from Louis'' perspective, this story is a must have resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

The rules keep getting in the way of Noodle''s fun. Rules for this, rules for that. There are so many rules! Can Noodle be convinced that rules are meant to help, not harm him?

Kindergarten represents a big jump into the unknown that, while exciting, can also cause nervous anticipation for everyone involved. The good news is that it doesn''t have to be scary! Today''s complex, technology-driven world is changing rapidly. As it does, what our children need to know when they enter kindergarten is changing as well, requiring a new and improved set of school-readiness skills called "QI Skills" (pronounced key) that will give them the foundation and confidence to succeed. In this fun and engaging story, bestselling authors Julia Cook and Laura A. Jana bring to life for children, parents and educators the important connection that exists between everyday behaviors and the development of valuable, 21st century life-skills during early childhood. This book includes creative, practical tips to help readers implement these skills at home and in the classroom. Follow Roo as he figures out how to use and apply his amazing QI Skills: ME, WE, WHY, WILL, WIGGLE, WOBBLE and WHAT IF! I love to move around and explore, so my favorite skill is WIGGLE I can jump into things, and reach for the stars, and bend and stretch and jiggle! With a backpack full of "super cool" skills and a head full of questions, Roo is excited to jump into kindergarten, and your children will be too!

With his mother’s help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn’t listen or pay attention to directions from her, his school principal, teachers, or even his friends. Author Julia Cook’s book shows RJ as well as all K-6 readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life! This book is the first in the BEST ME I Can Be! series to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. The book includes tips for parents and educators on how to effectively teach listening and following instructions skills to kids.

Being a verb is hard! Especially for Louis, who can''t seem to control himself when he gets the urge to move at the wrong time and situation. My knees start itching. My toes start twitching. My skin gets jumpy. Others get grumpy. Louis'' mom comes to the rescue by teaching him techniques to help keep his inner itching, twitching and jumping to be a verb in check. A positive resource for anyone dealing with ADHD or challenged by someone who has ADHD.

Teaching children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting. Louis always interrupts! All of his thoughts are very important to him, and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue and then they push on his teeth, right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts). His mouth is a volcano! But when others begin to interrupt Louis, he learns how to respectfully wait for his turn to talk. My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to help them manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. Told from Louis'' perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.

"There goes Lester. Watch him fester. His ears start to fizz. He gets mad as a griz. His face turns red. He''s a Soda Pop Head. You just never know when Lester will blow. His cap will go flying. If it hits you, you''ll be crying, so you''d better stay away from Lester today!" His real name is Lester, but everyone calls him "Soda Pop Head." Most of the time he''s pretty happy, but when things seem to be unfair his ears gets hot, his face turns red and he blows his top! Lester''s dad comes to his rescue by teaching him a few techniques to "loosen the top" and cool down before his fizz takes control. Soda Pop Head will help your child control his/her anger while helping them manage stress. It''s a must for the home or classroom.

"But Mom, it''s just a game." Meet Jasper! A young boy who is totally absorbed with playing video games... "With my game controller in my hands, I''m the boss of my whole world! I can be who I want and do as I please. I can get the highest score. I get all the chances that I need. If I make a mistake it''s ok. Everyone thinks I''m ''it on a stick!'' And the bad stuff all goes away." Video game addiction is on the rise, but it can be prevented. This creative story book teaches both kids and adults how to switch out their game controller for a "life controller." Video gaming is becoming a part of our culture, and we must be strategic in creating a healthy gaming balance.

Teach Kids About Growth Mindset and Trying Something New What happens when one little raindrop finds the courage to let go? Way up in the sky, Hopp the raindrop is scared of change. Hopp loves playing with his friends, riding on clouds, and being happy with his safe, predictable life. But he soon learns that staying where he is limits the impact he can have on those around him. "You have so many gifts to share with the world, so many dreams to live. Take a chance little man, let go of this cloud. Discover the ways you can give." Don''t Be Afraid to Drop is a book for anyone who is at a transitional point in their life. From the kindergartener heading to school, to an adult nearing retirement, and everyone in between, this creative analogy provides all who read it with a positive perspective on change, taking risks, and giving back. There''s so much good that can happen when we step beyond our comfort zones and try something new!

If Brown can learn to use all of the friendship skills he learns from the others pencils, he will make friends. This first book in the Building Relationship series focuses on relationship-building skills for children. Included are tips for parents and teachers on how to help children who feel left out and have trouble making friends.

It doesn''t matter is RJ hears compliments or constructive feedback, he is never sure how to respond. With guidance from his family, RJ learns why feedback, even when it''s difficult to accept, is information he can use to become a better person.

Bully B.E.A.N.S. teaches children how to speak up when it comes to bullying. Bullying continues to be an ongoing problem for children everywhere. Children from every race, culture, and socioeconomic group are susceptible to bullies. Most children are unprepared for how to handle it when bullying happens to them or someone they know. Bully B.E.A.N.S. helps children identify bullying, and offers clear and impactful action strategies for both targets and bystanders. Maxine liked to pick on kids... especially Winston. Winston is the smartest kid in our whole school. Maxine made him do all of her homework and give her all of his lunch money. Maxine liked to make Winston cry... then she''d call him a crybaby. "If you don''t do exactly what I tell you to, I''ll knock you into next week!" Nobody liked the way Maxine treated Winston, but we were too afraid to do anything about it. Written by bestselling author Julia Cook, Bully B.E.A.N.S. reminds children of the power of their voice and how to use it effectively when standing up against bullying. Bullies Everywhere Are Now Stopped!

Grief is like a snowflake. Each snowflake is different and everyone shows grief differently. After the death of his father, Little Tree begins to learn how to cope with his feelings and start the healing process. With the help and support of his family and friends, Little Tree learns to cope by discovering what is really important in life, and realizing his father''s memory will carry on. Best-selling author, Julia Cook, and a lovable cast of trees, offers a warm approach to the difficult subject of death and dying.

Cora June knows exactly what she wants! And she often gets it! But when classmate Wilson challenges Cora June, they''ll need to learn how to compromise! With help from their teacher, Cora June and Wilson are introduced to different ways to compromise – and even encouraged to come up with some on their own! Will these two leaders-in-the-making learn this very important skill? Find out in the next hilarious story in The Leader I’ll Be book series by award-winning education and parenting expert Julia Cook.

Zak has autism, so he sometimes responds to the world around him in unconventional ways. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, tolerance and understanding.

"My stomach feels like it''s tied up in a knot. My knees lock up, and my face feels hot. You know what I mean? I''m Wilma Jean, The Worry Machine." Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability. This fun and humorous book addresses the problem of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It offers creative strategies for parents and teachers to use that can lessen the severity of anxiety. The goal of the book is to give children the tools needed to feel more in control of their anxiety. For those worries that are not in anyone''s control (i.e. the weather) a worry hat is introduced. A fun read for Wilmas of all ages! Includes a note to parents and educators with tips on dealing with an anxious child.

A Book that Helps Kids Learn the Difference Between Tattling and Telling No one likes "Josh the Tattler" because he tattles way too much. He tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog! But one night Josh wakes up to find that his tongue is very long, yellow, covered in bright purple spots, and Itchy, Itchy, Scratchy, Scratchy... Will a bad case of Tattle Tongue teach him a lesson? A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue gives teachers and counselors a humorous, cleverly creative way to address the time-consuming tattling-related issues that often sap classroom energy and thwart teaching opportunities. Parents who "battle the tattle" at home, on the playground, in the grocery store, or anywhere else can use this book to both entertain and enlighten their children about "The Tattle Rules." Every adult who desires to help children understand the differences between tattling and the need to warn others about important matters needs this book!

Whether we’ve been the subject of a rumor or the one spreading a rumor about someone else, most of us have been involved with rumors somehow. But how many people really stop to think about the damaging effects? Fortunately, award-winning author Julia Cook does, and cleverly brings this serious subject to light in an entertaining and funny, but cautionary, tale about the importance of NOT starting or spreading rumors. Told through the eyes of the rumor marble, the story describes how a simple misunderstanding starts a chain reaction that can’t be undone. K-6 students will laugh as they read this story and are reminded that it’s much easier to prevent a train – or a rolling rumor marble – from starting to roll forward than trying to stop one!

When faced with danger you must DO something. The teacher at the Ant Hill School wants her students to be prepared - for everything! One day, she teaches her students what to do if a "dangerous someone" is in their school. "I''ll be your shepherd, and you''re all my sheep, so you must do what I say. Pretend there''s a wolf in our building, and we MUST stay out of his way!" "We need a great plan of action in case we start to get scared. The ALICE Plan will work the best, to help us be prepared." Unfortunately, in the world we now live in, we must ask the essential question: What are the options for survival if we find ourselves in a violent intruder event? I''m Not Scared...I''m Prepared! will enhance the ALICE concepts and make them applicable to children of all ages in a non-fearful way. By using this book, children can develop a better understanding of what needs to be done if they ever encounter a "dangerous someone."

Encourage financial literacy in kids of all ages with this fun and engaging picture book from bestselling children''s author Julia Cook and financial expert Garrett Gunderson! Who better to teach kids about money than MONEY himself? As readers follow along in this delightful, easy-to-understand picture book, they''ll learn: how to earn money how to save money how to spend money (wisely) and the most important thing: how to give it away to help others! Kids will also be introduced to the different forms money can take like cash, cards, and even crypto! Additional fun facts and money tips in the back , make this book a great classroom resource, teaching tool for curious kids, or first finance book for aspiring entrepreneurs!

From the bestselling author of Bubble Gum Brain and My Mouth is a Volcano, comes a hilarious story about learning to be present wherever we are...and what can happen when we''re not. These are my feet and this is me. Sometimes I''m not where I''m supposed to be. My brain gets crowded. There''s so much going on. I do three things at once, and get two of them wrong! "Be where your feet are," I hear people say. "Do one thing at a time. It''s a much better way." Each day, there are so many things to think about. Getting ready for school, turning in homework, taking a math test, band solo tryouts, soccer practice...and it''s a long way from your head to your feet. Be Where Your Feet Are! reinforces the concepts of mindfulness and being present in a way children will remember, while showing how good life can be when we learn to appreciate the world and people around us.

Meet Ricky! A cute little boy that just can''t seem to figure out that stealing is wrong: When I see something that I really want, I think, "Hey, that could be mine!" So I look both ways, reach out my hand, and take it at just the right time. If I ever get caught, I just pretend that it wasn''t me that took it. A quick little lie is just what I need, and lying helps me get through it! Taking things that I want to have at times can be very tricky. But there''s no way that I can help myself, because all of my fingers are sticky! Ricky learns first-hand what it feels like to have something stolen from him. Then he uses the "GOOD" inside of himself to overtake the "BAD" and returns the items that he took from others. Finally, a book that confronts the issue of stealing and offers a strategy to curb the desire to steal! Through a fun and whimsical story, children will learn the concept of ownership and how it feels when someone doesn''t respect what is yours. This book uses empathy in a powerful way to teach children that stealing is wrong.

A Picture Book About Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion. From best-selling author, Julia Cook, comes a book that teaches children the many ways they can make the world a kinder place by being the "i" in "Kind." Join the fun as "K_nd" goes on an adventure to find his missing "i." Along the way, he meets a diverse group of children who learn what it means to share their kindness through everyday actions both big and small. Whether helping someone who''s hurting, pitching in to protect our planet, allowing others to go first, or learning to share, this engaging story will spark conversations at home and in the classroom about the concepts of kindness, empathy, and compassion. Featuring beautiful illustrations and Cook''s signature rhyming style, this book will encourage children to bring kindness along wherever they go!

From bestselling author Julia Cook, comes a story about the challenging (and fun) changes a military family goes through when a parent is deployed. "I think I''m pretty lucky because I''m part of a military family. It makes me really proud to know my parents are working to keep our country safe. I get to do stuff other kids don''t. My life is kinda unique. I''ve tried on night vision goggles, and I''ve looked inside a Humvee." Life is full of unique opportunities and challenges for military families. They live in different places, shop on military bases, and have to navigate changes in how they operate as a family when a parent is deployed. In Deployment: One of Our Pieces is Missing, our family must learn to stretch and adapt as they find their new normal while Dad is gone. And once home again, they work through a mix of emotions as he settles back into the family frame. With tips for adults to help children process their questions and feelings, this book serves to honor the sacrifices our military families make each day by equipping them with an approachable way to discuss the highs and lows of deployment.

Readers of every age will chuckle over the silly antics of three dogs that are siblings. Each pooch is tired of the other and wants to be the only dog. With help, they are reminded that siblings provide lifelong lessons in tolerance, patience, sharing, friendship and conflict resolution.

Bertha Billingsworth (BB for short) is basically a happy person...until she has to take a test. To her, the word test stands for Terrible Every Single Time, because that''s how she does on them...TERRIBLE! "Whenever I see or hear the word test... The hair on the back of my neck stands up. My face turns as red as a beet. I start to sweat, my stomach aches, and I can''t control my feet! What if I get every answer wrong? And I don''t get any right. I just know I''ll get a bad grade on this test, so I don''t even want to try!" BB''s teacher comes to the rescue by inviting her to become a member of the Anti-Test Anxiety Society. She tells BB that TEST stands for Think Each Situation Through! She also ends up teaching BB the Dynamic Dozen (12 amazing test taking strategies), and convinces her to use her "GET TO" brain instead of her "HAVE TO" brain. Now when BB takes a test, she is calm and focused and thanks to her teacher, the Terrible now stands for Terrific!

A PICTURE BOOK ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE "The path you will take is steep and bumpy. There are no shortcuts. To make it to the top, you''ll need to use your BOUNCE BACK SUPERPOWERS." Charlie has wanted to be a rescue dog since he was a puppy. But getting his certification as an official Rescue Dog requires a climb to the very top of the tallest mountain! With the help of his friends, Charlie sets out on a big adventure. Soon enough, obstacles begin to show up that test his determination. Charlie learns six Bounce Back Superpowers that allow him to overcome challenges and stay on the path. Through this story, readers will learn ways to: - approach difficulties with calm resolve - think creatively about possible solutions - break problems into manageable steps - take a "paws" now and then to recharge before moving forward With friendship, encouragement, and wisdom, the next new Rescue Dog might just grow up before your eyes - and have an immediate opportunity to make a difference.

Brad is a "one-upper." Any time someone makes a comment, he chimes in with his own story…but it''s always more extreme. In this imaginative story, young readers learn how to avoid being a "one-upper" and instead be a "pull-upper."

It just isn''t Noodle''s fault that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. Or that he didn''t finish his homework. Luckily he learns not to blame others, but instead to take responsibility for his actions.

Everything in Noodle''s life stinks, or so he thinks. Noodle''s attitude, or "baditude," is alienating everyone around him. Can he let go of his angst and try to find the brighter side of life? With help, Noodle learns how to turn his baditude into gratitude!

BECOMING is better than BEING. I have Bubble Gum Brain. I like to chew on my thoughts, flex, bend and stretch my brain, and expand the way I think! I make great mistakes that help me learn. I have Brick Brain. With me, things are the way they are...and they''re probably not going to change much. I am the way I am...and that''s just how it is. Meet Bubble Gum Brain and Brick Brain: two kids with two VERY different mindsets. Bubble Gum Brain likes to have fun adventures, learn new things, and doesn''t worry about making great mistakes. Brick Brain is convinced that things are just fine the way they are and there''s not much he can do to change them, so why try? When Bubble Gum Brain shows Brick Brain how to peel off his wrapper, Brick Brain begins to realize just how much more fun school...and life... can be! This creative story teaches children (and adults) the valuable lesson that becoming is better than being, which can open the door to a whole new world of possibilities! Ready, Get Mindset...GROW!!

Otis used to have the "perfect" family. That all changed when his parents told him that they were getting a D...D...D... The "D" Word he can''t even say it! At first Otis blames himself. With the help of his Gram, Otis discovers the reasons why people get divorced. He also learns about the Three C''s of Divorce: - I didn''t CAUSE it - I can''t CONTROL it, so - I''m going to have to learn to COPE with it! This book offers both children and adults the tools and insights that are needed to effectively deal with the difficult challenges that a family goes through when parents get divorced.

Teaching Children Health and Hygiene. Boogie the booger teaches little pickers and flickers the healthy way to blow their nose using a Booger Ghost. Boogie knows that most people think that he''s gross, and some people even call him a snot. But he doesn''t feel bad because he does great things! He keeps us from getting sick! He''s a true defender and JUST asking for just a little respectu003c/pu003e

Multi-talented Brown is the luckiest pencil in the box! In this fun, creative story, Brown learns that in order to make and keep friends, he needs to know how to be a good friend. And to be a good friend, Brown must find a way to share his many talents with others. At first, that seems hard to Brown. But he soon realizes that to be a good friend, all he has to do is be himself! Making Friends Is an Art! is part of the popular Building Relationships series written by award-winning author Julia Cook. This is a wonderful story for teaching kids of all ages how to practice the true art of friendship and getting along with others. Educators, counselors and parents will love reading the second edition of this very popular story with children which features fewer words and more positive, empowering messaging. Brown and his friends learn to recognize their talents by being true to themselves. Making Friends Is an Art! is the recipient of the prestigious Mom''s Choice Award. Tips for educators and parents are located at the end of the story to help further address the importance of being a good friend.

HOPE is our children''s window for a better tomorrow. In terms of resilience and well-being, hope is a critically important predictor of success. This creative story from the best-selling author of My Mouth is a Volcano!, and Bubble Gum Brain, reminds children that dark clouds can be temporary and asking for help is always okay. We all have times when we need to borrow a little hope from someone else. u003cpu003eu003cemu003eWhen your clouds get too dark, and too heavy to push away, Reach out and ask, "Can I borrow some light?" "I''m having a really bad day." It''s always okay to admit to yourself, "I just can''t do it today. Everyone needs somebody sometimes, to help them find their way." Sometimes the dark clouds overhead seem too heavy and you feel like giving up. Little candle knows all about this. Bad grades, blasted on social media, worried about making the team, and wondering who her real friends are so many hard things to deal with! All she can see is darkness. But her story begins to change when someone notices she needs a boost of hope. As little candle is reminded she has purpose and her own unique gifts, and that she isn''t the only one with dark clouds, her dim light begins to shine brighter. This hopeful story emphasizes for children (and adults) the many different ways to ask for help, and their ability to be a hope builder for others, too.