Most Popular Books by Julia Cook

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.

When RJ learns to use such skills as listening and following instructions, he has the best day of his life.

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.

Shows readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of accepting "no" and disagreeing appropriately. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he finds that rewards come his way, instead of arguments.

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!

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).

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!

RJ’s mouth is getting him into a lot of trouble. A rude comment at school earned him a detention. An insensitive remark at home earned him a scolding and made his sister cry. RJ doesn’t realize his words are wrong. He thinks he’s just offering feedback. It’s time RJ starts using a social filter when he speaks. With help from his parents, he learns he doesn’t have to verbalize every thought that pops into his head. In fact, sometimes the less said the better!

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!

Teach children to stop making excuses and blaming others when they make mistakes. Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle as he makes one excuse after another for his behavior and choices that lead to unwanted consequences. It just isn’t his fault that his brother’s game ran late, and he didn’t finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. By learning to accept responsibility he finds instead how to use mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving and to turn negatives into positives. This is the first title from award-winning author Julia Cook in the Responsible Me! series which strengthens character development and helps kids use better social skills at school and at home. 32 pages

Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches and is quick to tell everyone everything about them. Zak also 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. Parents, teachers, and Counselors can use this book to help teach kids tolerance and acceptance when meeting children living with autism spectrum disorder. Beautiful illustrations and tips added to the end of the book help kids understand the message of the story.

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!

"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.

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.

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!

Cora June is very lucky – she knows exactly what she wants! And she often gets it! But when classmate Wilson challenges Cora June’s insistence on certain things, it’s time they 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 – and relatable – story in The Leader I’ll Be book series by award-winning education and parenting expert Julia Cook.

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.

Brad has a lot of great things going on in his life – or at least that’s what he tells all of his classmates! When one student wins a contest, Brad brags about how he won an even bigger contest. When another student breaks his arm, Brad blabs about how he broke BOTH his arms AND legs. Know-it-all kids who brag incessantly need help with self-confidence and friendship skills. Show how receiving attention for the right things and letting others have a chance in the limelight can improve social skills and promote better friendships This terrific story is the first in the Communicate with Confidence series, designed to help young readers master the art of communicating.

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.

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!

Teach Kids About Nicotine Addiction and the Effect of Smoke Vapor to Their Lungs In a world where "fitting in" can be confusing for children, I Am Vape unveils the truth behind a seemingly harmless trend. This powerful picture book creatively exposes the dangers of vaping to young readers in a non-scary way that they can understand. Key Benefits: - Age-appropriate information: Written in a clear and engaging style, this book provides a factual understanding of vaping''s dangers for young minds. - Empowering children: By arming children with knowledge, this book helps them make informed decisions about their health. - Promoting prevention: This book can be used as a valuable tool in schools and homes to prevent vaping initiation and addiction. - Supporting conversations: I Am Vape provides a starting point for important conversations about substance abuse and peer pressure. With clever artwork and clear language, this book is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the health and well-being of young people.

"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.

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.

After much anticipation, Joanie Maloney finally gets her very own cell phone! Knowing that owning a cell phone requires responsibility and sound judgment, Joanie''s mom requires her to complete a Cell Phone Safety Course. "Mom, it''s a phone... it''s not a weapon!" Joanie exclaims. Along with Joanie, children will learn the six rules of cell phone usage which are designed not only to keep them safe, but also to keep them from being tempted to hurt others. By knowing the rules, children can become masters of their cell phones and avoid becoming a "Cell Phoney!"

Cletus and Bocephus are cousins, yet they are nothing alike. Extremely creative Cletus, can''t find anything in his room. He is constantly losing things and is very disorganized and messy. Bocephus, on the other hand, is the most organized, uptight person on the planet. If Bocephus ever misplaces anything... he totally freaks out! After Cletus mom refuses to let him play with Bocephus until his room is cleaned, Bocephus steps in to help out his disorganized cousin. "Cletus... There''s a home for everything. Every whatchamacallit has its spot. Let''s sort through your stuff and put it where it goes. I''m organized... Cletus you''re not!" This storybook is the first in the "Functioning Executive" book series. It highlights the importance of being organized in a creative, applicable way. It also spotlights the unique differences and strengths that live in all of us. This book will help teach children to understand, develop, and apply organization a vital executive function skill. Children who possess effective organizational skills can learn to manage not only daily responsibilities, but can also learn how to effectively plan ahead.

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.

Penny feels like she doesn''t fit in with the others, but when she meets a beautiful gold coin named Dollar, she learns how special and valuable she is with Dollar''s help.

"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.

When a friend explains to RJ the proper technique for kicking a soccer ball, RJ gets upset and stumbles for a snappy comeback. When another friend compliments RJ, he wonders what to say. It doesn''t matter if RJ is given a compliment or constructive feedback, he is never sure how to respond. With guidance from his family, RJ learns the value of properly accepting feedback from others and that, even when it is difficult to accept, feedback is information he can use to become a better person. This book is part of the BEST ME I Can Be series of books to help kids learn social skills.

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.

It has the silliest name ever - Unicorn YAK! This super-sweet slushy is made with cotton candy, topped with sprinkles, and is the most awesome treat Cora June has ever tasted! She can''t wait to have another one... and that''s the problem. When Mom promises to take Cora June to the Slushy Shack after school, Cora can''t think about anything else. She stares at the clock, impatiently counting down every second of the school day. She causes a ruckus in the classroom when her excitement spills out in the open, and she has mini-meltdowns when Mom arrives late and the line at the Slushy Shack is painfully long. Then, when Cora finally gets to the counter to order her sweet treat, she gets the crushing news: All Unicorn Yak slushies are sold out. If she wants one, she has to come back another day! Will Cora June have the strength to flex her patience muscle or will her disappointment turn into a sticky, sorry mess? Good Things Come to Those Who Wait is from The Leader I''ll Be! book series and told in author Julia Cook''s distinctive rhythmic style and delivers powerful lessons on how to practice patience, stay calm, and make good choices. A great read for children in grades Pre-K through 6. Included are tips for parents and educators to help teach the skill of patience. 31 pgs.

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!

Funny rhymes and colorful illustrations help young readers learn the social skills they need when they sit for a meal. Written from the Table’s point of view, kids are empowered and gain social competence as they learn about acceptable as well as undesirable mealtime behavior. Parents and Educators of K-6 students will enjoy the Table''s tasteful advice and guidance. Good table manners are about being respectful, kind and considerate to others and their feelings. This is the seventh book in the award-winning Building Relationships series. 32 pgs.

A Book About Good Sportmanship. "But I HATE losing! GEEEEZE!" Wendell HAS to win at everything, and if he doesn''t, he whines about it. When Wendell has one of those days where nothing seems to go his way, his mom helps him understand that everything in life doesn''t have to be a contest and losing does not make you a loser. In fact, it can make you stronger! She also points out that although it feels great to celebrate a win, winning isn''t everything, and whining about things just makes it worse. "Whiners aren''t winners, and winners never whine. You can''t win at everything all of the time!" This creative story addresses two very challenging topics: winning and whining.

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

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.

Is Dawson really awesome? He doesn’t look so awesome when he bursts into tears because he’s not first in line for a bubble gum ice cream cone. Or when he cries his eyes out because he’s behind the crowd at the gorilla habitat. Or when he pouts because he can’t be line leader at school. Or when he’s blubbering because he’s not the first one to use the bubble-blowing wand. It seems like the only thing awesome about Dawson is his ability to cry! If he can’t go first, see first or be first, he wails and whines. If Dawson really wants to be awesome, the whining and the waterworks have to stop. But is that enough to prove his awesomeness, or does he need to show a bit more patience, fairness, and empathy too? With playful rhymes and illustrations, Awesome Dawson, It Is NOT Your Turn! is an amusing tale about learning how to share and take turns. A special tips page written specifically for parents and educators offers valuable suggestions on helping children stretch their patience muscle and strengthen their self-control.

“I had it first!” “That’s not fair!” All parents and Educators know one thing – when you get more than one child in a room, there’s bound to be at least a couple of them arguing over something. Award-winning author Julia Cook tells the funny and relatable story of how her three dogs view their “siblings.” Each pooch would like to be the only dog in the family, have all the attention, and not have to share their toys or be bossed around by a stronger dog. Children in grades K-6 will learn about conflict resolution, empathy, fairness, and problem solving in addition to understanding that “fair doesn’t ever mean equal”. Kids can easily relate to the three dogs and learn to become more tolerant of and patient with their own siblings. I Want to Be the Only Dog is part of the Building Relationships series which supports social competence. This is one more resource from Julia Cook for helping kids get the social skills they need to get along with others. Tips for parents and Educators further address the issue of rivalry with siblings or peers.

Award-winning author Julia Cook reads RJ''s story about using a social filter to choose appropriate words to say. Children in Grades K-6 can listen and read along.

I''m a blueloon. I''m supposed to be a regular balloon, but I''m just not having fun like the others. I''m kinda dull, and I''m kinda flat. My string is tied up in knots. I have a case of the blues...that''s why I''m a blueloon. I''ve felt like this for weeks! Meet Blueloon a sad little balloon who is suffering from depression. With help from the wise rock, Blueloon learns what he can do to "bounce back" to being the way he used to be bright, round, and full with a very straight string! Although clinical depression is often thought of as an adult disease, it can affect children, as well. Unfortunately, children may not have the maturity to understand what is happening to them, or they may feel powerless to change their situation, so they don''t speak up about what they are going through. It is up to adults to be on the lookout for signs of trouble, and recognize when a child needs help. Finally! A book on depression that works for Blueloons of all ages!