New Releases by Julia Cook

Provides educators with real-world tools to reconnect with students and rediscover the joy of teaching If teaching no longer feels like the calling it once was, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who Julia Cook wrote this book for. Teach Kids, Not Content is a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest guide for educators who want to reignite their passion for teaching by focusing on what really matters: the kids. Drawing from decades of classroom and counseling experience, Julia delivers real-world strategies for building relationships, boosting mental wellness, and creating learning experiences that stick. She reminds us that the content we teach can never be more important than the children we teach it to. Packed with relatable stories, research-informed insights, and laugh-out-loud moments, this book encourages teachers to reframe challenges as opportunities for connection and creativity. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, disengaged students, or shifting expectations, Julia’s approach offers practical tools to transform your classroom—and your outlook. Revealing why emotional connection is the key to lasting learning and teacher fulfillment, Teach Kids, Not Content: Shares powerful strategies to help teachers reconnect with students and rebuild classroom energy and engagement Explains how to create emotionally positive learning environments that make lessons meaningful and memorable Offers hands-on methods for managing stress, maintaining mental health, implementing behavior strategies, and finding sustainable joy in teaching Includes authentic classroom stories that model empathy, humor, and hope in everyday situations Ideal for K-12 educators, school counselors, and education majors, Teach Kids, Not Content is perfect for teacher preparation, classroom management, and social-emotional learning courses. It’s also an inspiring resource for in-service training and professional development programs focused on educator well-being and student engagement.

Why is ZoZo Bunny crying all alone in the corner? That’s what curious and caring Pudgy the Penguin wants to know. When ZoZo goes to school or any place where she’s away from her mom, she feels nervous and scared. She has separation anxiety and doesn’t know how to make herself feel safe or more secure. Fortunately for ZoZo, Pudgy is there to offer comfort, reassurance, and some of his very special Lucky Buttons! Pudgy’s bag is bursting with buttons of every shape, size, and color: huge ones and tiny ones; square ones and oval ones; silver and gold ones; and green and blue ones. But these are no ordinary buttons. Each one holds a bit of magic and a special meaning. There are buttons to remind ZoZo to say, “Please,” and buttons to remind her to say, “Excuse me.” There are buttons to help her be patient, and buttons to help her play fair. Best of all, there is a lucky button that, when squeezed tight, will reassure ZoZo that her loved ones are always close to her heart. Will the encouragement of a friend and the comfort of a button be enough to help ZoZo realize she can be brave, courageous, and kind even when she’s off on her own? The Lucky Button is a sweet and touching tale about finding a sense of security and connection during times of transition and separation. It also teaches young learners about colors, shapes, and numbers. A special page with tips to help little ones struggling with separation anxiety, especially at school, is included for parents and educators. This is the debut title in award-winning author Julia Cook’s Best START children’s series, a collection of stories that are infused with early mathematics and awesome people skills. A former teacher and school counselor, Julia’s captivating storybooks help young readers learn to use social skills and develop healthy relationships. She has received the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award, and her books have been honored by The National Parenting Center and Mom’s Choice Awards. She is the author of multiple storybook series, including Awesome Dawson, Socially Skilled Kids, Leader I’ll Be!, Building Relationships, Communicate with Confidence, BEST Me I Can Be!, and Responsible Me!

Dawson feels lots of emotions and knows each one has an important job, including keeping him safe, resilient, and prepared. But what happens when his emotions take their jobs too seriously? Will Dawson still be able to manage them, or will they run wild in awkward and reckless ways? A trip to Dawson’s happiest place – the zoo – is the ultimate test. The anticipation of feeding the giraffes, riding the train, and eating snow cones overwhelms his body with excitement. But that feeling quickly gives way to sadness when he isn’t allowed to ride the carousel, or what he calls the round and round. His sadness then becomes rage when he learns that refusing to eat all his carrot sticks means he won’t get to have any cotton candy. As his loving, but firm, mom leads him away from the snack shack, Dawson experiences another big emotion – worry. What if he leans too far over the side of the train and falls into Gorilla Land? The momma gorilla might not give him back! From joy and sadness to anger and worry, this zoo trip brings out lots of big emotions. So Mom gently reminds him that even though all his feelings are natural and important, he’s still the boss and his emotions work for him. That’s when Dawson reimagines his day. What if he gives his special squishy a big squeeze to release some of his happy energy? What if he gets to ride the round and round on his next visit? What if he eats all his carrots so he can indulge in cotton candy? And what if he keeps himself safe on the train, so he stays safe from the gorillas? Bestselling author Julia Cook and renowned play therapist Dr. Rebeca Chow team up in this colorful, empowering story that reminds young readers they can make their emotions work for them in healthy and positive ways, even during distressing and difficult situations. A special page written by Dr. Chow, who is a clinical counselor and registered play therapist, offers practical strategies parents and educators can use to teach children how to take charge of all their emotions.

The number one reason child sexual abuse victims don’t tell is that they are afraid they won’t be believed. This book addresses the most often misunderstood piece in the puzzle of the sexual victimization of children, and that is acquaintance molestation. The Kid Trapper offers counselors, parents, teachers, and children a safe and non-threatening way to address this painful issue. In a non-offensive manner, it takes the extremely sensitive issue of child-molestation and presents it in a way that gives the victim power and strength. Can be used to teach children and adults to recognize and prevent traps set by acquaintance molesters. It can also be used as a diagnostic and therapy tool helping to relieve blame and guilt for both child and parent. Includes the following: - Important statistics - How to spot a child molester - Traps often used by predators - What you would hear from a sexual predator

Eli is a young boy who finds out that he has cancer. Not knowing how to feel, his doctor tells him… “There is a ‘CAN’ in cancer, so when your life seems kinda rough,ufeff breathe in and out and clear your head and think about better stuff.” This creatively written book of hope follows Eli’s journey through the eyes of a patient, parents, siblings, teachers, health care providers, and friends. A must read for all who are searching for their “CAN” in cancer.

For all of us that love watching volleyball but have a tendency to get a little too involved in the game. For those of us that cross the line between supportive fan and obnoxious spectator. This book will serve as a gentle and hilarious reminder that… Coaches Coach, Officials Officiate, Players Play, and Parents Parent (cheer, hug, encourage, help transport, feed). Written by an experienced volleyball mom and USA Volleyball, this book is designed to make the volleyball court a much more enjoyable place for us all to be. Includes tips from USA Volleyball for parents, coaches, players, and officials.

When Dawson is told to turn off the TV and go to bed, he huffs and puffs and kicks the couch. When Dawson is told to put his shoes on for school, he shouts and pouts. When Dawson sees his best friend, he gets so excited, he leaps in the air and comes crashing down on him. And when Dawson spills paint on his most-favorite shirt, he panics and gasps for breath. Dawson has lots of strong emotions – anger, sadness, excitement, and worry – and each one feels gigantic. Can Dawson’s caring adults help him find a way to harness those emotions in a safe, healthy way? Or will his feelings be the boss of him?

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.

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.

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.

It has the silliest name ever Unicorn YAK! This supersweet 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 minimeltdowns 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 PreK through 6. Included are tips for parents and educators to help teach the skill of patience.

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!

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!

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.

Cora June is back, and this time she’s learning a thing or two about doing the right thing – even when no one is looking! When Cora June half-heartedly cleans her room by taking a shortcut, Mom is quick to ask her about her integrity. Not really knowing what it means, Cora June assumes it’s probably hidden under her bed, or in her closet. She continues to school, where she cheats on a spelling test. “Impossible” is a hard word to spell, can you blame her? During her test, she finds that integrity pops up again. Again, it’s probably under her bed. Right? When Cora June learns what integrity means, she realizes that she can’t find hers! Fortunately, her mom is there to help her put the “I” (the “ME!”) in integrity. Follow Cora June as she learns about her integrity, and see if she can use it to right what she did wrong. Another hit for award-winning author and parenting expert Julia Cook, this book is part of The Leader I’ll Be series and will teach children in grades K through 5 the importance of self-reliance. Integrity is a collection of virtues such as honesty, honor, courage, authenticity, respect, responsibility, and restraint – included at the end of the story are tips for parents and educators to help reinforce these values.

Control your wiggles and be the BOSS of your ants. In I Have Ants in My Pants, Julia Cook helps normalize the feeling many kids have when they struggle to control their wiggles and provides strategies for improving impulse control. Some children just can''t sit still no matter how hard they try. And Louis is no exception. He accidentally kicks his friend during story time. He can''t stand still in the lunch line. And he wiggles in his seat at the movie theater. Everyone keeps telling him he has ants in his pants, but Louis doesn''t see any ants! Louis'' mom explains that this means he wiggles a lot, and she teaches him a special tool, the Wiggle Dance. Wiggle and jiggle. Jump up and down. Shake your hands and turn around. Take a deep breath. Scrunch up your nose. Wobble your knees and wiggle your toes. With a little practice and a few helpful tools, Louis learns that he can calm his wiggles and become the boss of the ants in his pants!

Noodle''s really done it this time! What should have been a friendly competition among classmates turns sour after Noodle cheats his way to victory. He says he didn''t really want to cheat but everyone has to once in a while, so what''s the harm? Will Noodle get burned by his own deception, or will he muster the courage to confess to his trickery? Young readers will learn a valuable lesson about the cost of cheating while enjoying a few laughs.

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.

In this heartfelt story from the bestselling author of My Mouth is a Volcano!, Foster meets new friends and a kind foster mom who help him navigate the fears and feelings associated with going into foster care. Foster has lived with his mom and "sometimes dad" all of his life...until now. And like so many others entering foster care, he has more questions than answers and so many new feelings to deal with. "I don''t know what''s going to happen to me. Will I end up being like Zeke? Will I have a new forever mom? Can I visit my mom once a week?" "I have so much going on inside me right now. I feel angry, guilty, scared, hurt, and sad. But maybe the others are right. Maybe being here isn''t so bad." Written in an honest, approachable way, Foster Care will encourage children entering or already in foster care and help them understand they are not alone. Foster, Daisy, Zeke, Simpson, and Rex all have different circumstances which brought them to foster care. Together they talk through their stories and realize this is right where they need to be for now; under the caring watch of foster mom, Miss Beulah.

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!

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!

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.

Everyone passes gas. If it''s so natural, why do we struggle with teaching children how to respond appropriately when it happens? Join Gus as he and his classmates learn a brief biology lesson behind why we all pass gas, and the right way to handle it.

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.

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.

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!

Award-winning author Julia Cook''s tale about diversity and prejudice comes to life inside a flower bed where Blues and Purples learn a valuable lesson about acceptance, understanding and friendship.

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.