New Releases by Julia Cook

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!

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!

Complete with fun facts and designed with children in mind, this book is filled with bright, colorful photography and clearly written text. Readers will learn what types of sea turtles there are, what sea turtles eat, how sea turtles are born, how sea turtle shells grow, and much more. Written by a teacher, this reader is approximately 750 words in length. Sea turtles are amazing animals. Discover them today! The Wonderful World Discoveries Series teaches children about our natural world. Books in the series are designed to meet specific early learning and school curriculum objectives.

Although many kids say the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the day, they sometimes don't show a lot of sincerity while doing it because they don't fully understand what the flag means to America. I'm Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right! is a story told by the American flag. It explains through the eyes of our flag what the red, white and blue stand for, and what the flag means to all Americans. "I stand for freedom when I wave in the air, so proud of my stars and stripes. Whenever you see me, please show that you care. I'm your flag, so please treat me right! I'm lucky to have you and you're lucky to have me. The things that I stand for are why you are free. Be proud when you see my red, white and blue. When I wave in the air...I'm waving for YOU!" This delightful, historical and colorful story will help people of all ages better understand the value of our beautiful flag.

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."

Will it happen again, Mama? After the Ant Hill School is destroyed, a little boy ant is afraid to go back to school. His mom caringly explains to him that sometimes things happen in life over which we have no control, but we have to find a way to keep living and growing. To do that, "We breathe in and breathe out, and hold onto each other. We shed a lot of tears, and we love one another. We all come together as a strong team of ONE, and then we rebuild, and get things done!" The Ant Hill Disaster thoughtfully addresses fears associated with both natural and man-caused disasters. It models effective parenting and teaching responses. This book can help assure children that through love, empathetic understanding, preparation, and effective communication, they can stand strong, even in the midst of uncontrollable events.

Use these fun ideas to help your students succeed in the classroom and beyond when they learn to accept positive and negative feedback the right way. Students in grades K-6 will enjoy the activities as they learn and practice the steps to accepting positive feedback (compliments) and negative feedback (criticism). Author Julia Cook provides educators with creative ideas that will keep students engaged and learning. Activities range from using crafts to provide compliments, safe ways to provide negative feedback, self-evaluation, games, and of course opportunities to get students up and out of their seats!

"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.

Bluebird, along with most everyone else at school, wants to flutter like the most popular bird in their class, Hummingbird. "You should go on a diet, and work out at the gym. You could flutter like me, if your body was thin." Bluebird takes this comment seriously and starts to develop unhealthy eating habits. Mom comes to the rescue by teaching Bluebird balance and by explaining that everyone needs to feel comfortable in their own feathers. With help from the Bird Doc and the Food Voice Counselor, Bluebird learns to control the Food Voice that is living inside. "I'm working on balance one day at a time. If I keep working hard, I should be just fine." How to be Comfortable in Your Own Feathers uses a creative approach to speak to children who may be currently struggling with body-image concerns. This story is written in a manner that gives children an opportunity to apply the characters' experiences to their own lives. It also demonstrates appropriate adult responses that encourage the development of healthy eating habits. Includes "Live It" Dos and Don'ts.

RJ’s way of doing things isn’t working out for him, especially in math class. His teacher is upset because so many of his assignments are missing or incomplete. RJ blames Norma “the booger picker” and Rodney “the alphabet burper” for distracting him during class. With support from his mom and dad, RJ learns how to ask for help and stay on task. By learning how to do things the right way the first time, RJ discovers he no longer has to do his work over and over and over again.

Are you searching for creative ways to teach students the right time and way to ask for help? Would your students benefit from learning how to stay on task so they get their work done? Use the ideas in this guide to help your students master the social skills of "Staying on Task" and "Asking for Help." The book provides teacher instructions, lists of materials when needed, and activity sheets for use in class or as homework. Reproducible activity sheets and praise coupons (in full color!) are included on a CD-ROM.

Horses can help people fix ANYTHING! Archie is not your average horse. He helps people get rid of their flies...you know, the things that bug us! When horses get flies, they swish their tails to make them go away, but since people don't have tails, they come to Archie for help. This creative book for all ages takes a look at how powerful using horses can be to help people heal on the inside.

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!"

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.

The Spanish/English version of The Worst Day of My Life. A story about listening and following instructions

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!

Shows readers how to do a better job of asking for permission, and making an apology. RJ learns that using these skills means a lot fewer trips to the "time-out" chair.

Classroom ideas and activities for teaching the skills of "Accepting 'No' for an Answer" and "Disagreeing Appropriately." These 24 games and activities call upon students to use imagination, teamwork, and creativity. Reproducible activity sheets included on a CD.

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.

"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.

Shows readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When the hero, RJ, learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life.

A new book of activities to go along with Personal Space Camp storybook by Julia Cook. Use as a supplementary teacher's guide with the storybook. Full of discussion questions and exercises to share with students.

This supplementary teacher's guide will give your students a hands on opportunity to apply and process The Four Tattle Rules discussed in Julia Cook's A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue picture book.

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 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.

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!

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.