Most Popular Books by Julia Cook

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.

Noodle is having a rough couple of days. The rules keep getting in the way of his fun! Rules for this and rules for that. There are so many rules - too many rules! Rules stink! Noodle has no use for obeying rules at home, or school. He argues about the rules and doesn''t think any of them actually apply to HIM! Can''t he just have a rule-free day? Author Julia Cook''s third book in the Responsible Me! series will have readers in stitches as Noodle describes the variety of rules he deals with daily. His mom helps him visualize the consequences of no rules at all and Noodle begins to understand that rules help create a safe environment for everyone.

Written from the table''s point of view, this humorous tale helps kids understand that table manners are about much more than what fork to use. Good table manners are about being respectful, kind and considerate to others.

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!

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.

This quirky tale teaches young readers the difference between nice teasing and mean teasing. Laughing at someone (mean teasing) has a hurtful bite, but laughing with someone (nice teasing) is alright when it''s not done out of spite.

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.

Play and live safely...outside of the bubble wrap! In The Bubble Wrap Queen, Julia Cook has created a book that teaches the key B.A.S.I.C.S of injury prevention, Be Aware and Safe in Common Situations, to creatively address: - Playground safety - Poison control - Automobile safety - Bicycle safety - and more! While The Bubble Wrap Queen undoubtedly makes learning these and other such safety messages more fun, the underlying messages are no laughing matter because the more your child enjoys reading and learning about them, the more they stick. And the more they stick, the more likely they are to save lives! Includes parent safety tips. Endorsed by National Safety Pediatric Experts, Dr. Marilyn Bull, and Dr. Laura Jana.

"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.

Noodle always chooses to do the things he wants to do while never getting around to doing the things he NEEDS to do! Luckily, he learns simple strategies to help him complete his chores and still have time for fun. This is the fifth title in the Responsible Me! sries by Julia Cook.--Publisher.

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!

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.

"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.

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 can''t he see what he did to me - to our family? This book takes a unique look at the internal struggles with which a child of an incarcerated parent is faced. My dad says that drugs and alcohol made him choose to do the wrong things. But he could have said no to the drugs and the booze, then my life wouldn''t be what it seems. Why didn''t he love us enough to say no? Aren''t we worth it to him? He had a choice...us or drugs. He chose to let the drugs win. What Do I Say About That? creatively explores and validates the roller coaster journey of emotions that children of incarcerated parents endure. It also gives insight to the process of healing and coping.

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!

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!"

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.

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.