Most Popular Books by Cheri J. Meiners

When children are kind, courteous, and respectful, people enjoy being around them and reciprocate with the same behavior. This book helps kids understand the importance of showing politeness, speaking kindly, using basic courtesies (“please,” “thank you,” “excuse me”), and respecting the feelings of others. Scenarios and role-play activities help adults reinforce the book's lessons.

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Respect, responsibility, and stewardship are concepts that even young children can relate to-because they have things they value. This book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don't belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes ideas for adult-led activities and discussions.

It's fun to make friends and play with others, but it's not always easy to do.

You have to make an effort, and you have to know the rules-like ask before joining in, take turns, play fair, and be a good sport. This book teaches the basics of cooperation, getting along, making friends, and being a friend.

Includes ideas for games adults can use with kids to reinforce the skills being taught.

Knowing how to listen is essential to learning, growing, and getting along with others. Simple words and inviting illustrations help children develop skills for listening, understand why it's important to listen, and recognize the positive results of listening. Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information for adults, and activities.

A child who can't follow rules is a child who's always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: "Listen," "Best Work," "Hands and Body to Myself," and "Please and Thank You." The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught.

Empathy is key to positive, healthy relationships. This book builds empathy in children. In clear, child-friendly words and illustrations, it helps them to understand that other people have feelings like theirs-and different from theirs. It guides children to show they care by listening to others and respecting their feelings. Includes questions to discuss and empathy games to play.