Most Popular Books by Julia Cook

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!

You''re never too young to dream about your future! Myrtle and Erytle are twins who don''t look alike or act the same, but they do share one common love...SHOES! Their father uses their love of shoes to encourage the young twins to start thinking about future careers early. "Just start with what you know and love. Pick out your favorite shoe. What you wear on your feet when you walk down the street might help you decide what to do." This book is an excellent resource that will spark children''s imaginations leading them to discover what they enjoy and want to become. "There''s a job for every personality!" Several career options are discussed as they apply to the shoes typically worn in that profession. Career clusters are also presented. This book explores the necessary skills that are universal for any career choice such as responsibility, self-confidence, integrity, punctuality, and teamwork a fun, creative and detailed approach to career education!

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.

“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.

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.

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.

BECOMING is better than BEING. I have Bubble Gum Brain. I like to chew on my thoughts, flex, bend and stretch my brain, and expand the way I think! I make great mistakes that help me learn. I have Brick Brain. With me, things are the way they are...and they''re probably not going to change much. I am the way I am...and that''s just how it is. Meet Bubble Gum Brain and Brick Brain: two kids with two VERY different mindsets. Bubble Gum Brain likes to have fun adventures, learn new things, and doesn''t worry about making great mistakes. Brick Brain is convinced that things are just fine the way they are and there''s not much he can do to change them, so why try? When Bubble Gum Brain shows Brick Brain how to peel off his wrapper, Brick Brain begins to realize just how much more fun school...and life... can be! This creative story teaches children (and adults) the valuable lesson that becoming is better than being, which can open the door to a whole new world of possibilities! Ready, Get Mindset...GROW!!

How will Herman Jiggle make a good first impression or make any friends if he''s too nervous to even say hello? Whenever he introduces himself, he gets tongue-tied and his tummy flips and then it flops. And then his words get tied in knots! Poor Hermie is a mumbling mess! Fortunately, Mom knows a trick or two that will help her son relax and untangle his words to help curb his social anxiety. Now, Herman just needs to be brave enough to try. This is the debut title in the new Socially Skilled Kids picture book series by award-winning author, educator, and parenting expert Julia Cook. Written for students in grades K through 5, the series features humorous story-lines, relatable characters, and empowering messages about growing socially and emotionally. Social anxiety is the fear of talking to, interacting with, and making friends with others and the anxiousness can make it difficult or impossible to take risks and develop a growth mindset for young children. Helping your child or student overcome social anxiety can be a challenge - included at the end of the story are useful tips and tools for parents and educators to encourage children to overcome this fear.

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.

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.

Passing gas in public often becomes a source of amusement in elementary classrooms. Parents and educators can diffuse any embarrassment or hilarity and teach children how to respond appropriately when gas happens. A mini-biology lesson about the digestive system and natural bodily functions is presented to kids in grades K-6. The humorous story will have them laughing while learning the social skill of what to do, what to say, and how to act during natural, everyday “gas leaks”.

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.

She points out her teacher’s boring assignments. She dictates the games people play at recess. She even objects to family dinners. If Cora June doesn’t get her way in the classroom, on the playground, or at home, she can make life miserable for those around her. Will anyone put the brakes on her outlandish demands? And will Cora June ever realize that she can be a leader, but still be flexible? Or that there’s a difference between being assertive and being bossy? See what lessons are learned in this eye-opening tale about the benefits of not always getting your way. It’s My Way or the Highway! is the first title in an exciting new storybook series, The Leader I’ll Be!, by award-winning author Julia Cook.

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!"

Noodle is always being told what to do. Pull the weeds. Make his bed. Kick the ball a certain way in soccer. Ugh! But he wonders, why? What''s in it for him? Luckily, the adults in Noodle''s life are there to teach him the importance of moving ''need tos'' into ''I did its!'' Join Noodle as he learns the value of practicing small chores now, so he''ll be ready for life''s big challenges later.

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.

"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.

A cute, creative story about children and their texts, tweets, posts and pics. Don’t be mean and irresponsible! That’s the straight-to-the-point advice “Screen” has for young readers who are active on social media. Whether tapping out messages on their computers, tablets or phones, Screen wants kids to know their words – the kind and the cruel – will follow them for life, creating a digital trail that can''t be erased.

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!

Norbert the “namuh” is challenged by his classmates to participate in an activity he knows not to do. He risks being insulted and losing his friends. Norbert’s imaginative descriptions of how it feels to have your peer pressure gauge continue to rise will draw readers in, while they witness his internal deliberation as he tries to let his inner voice shine! Peer Pressure Gauge is the fourth installment of the popular Building Relationships series. Teachers, parents, and kids alike will enjoy this imaginative story of how escalating peer pressure feels as they learn the skills necessary to triumph over the pressure to conform. Peer Pressure Gauge is the recipient of the prestigious Mom''s Choice Award.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Part of the Building Relationships series by Julia Cook, this quirky tale teaches K-6 readers the difference between friendly teasing and mean teasing. Understanding the difference can help develop friendship skills and advance social emotional learning. Youngsters will learn how to react to both types of teasing -- when to laugh along with it, ignore it, or get help from a trusted adult when it becomes bullying. Kids also learn how their own words can be misunderstood or hurtful and to watch what they say.

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!

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!

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

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.

RJ is struggling in math class and many of his assignments are missing or incomplet. With help he discovers how to stay organized so he doesn''t have to do things over and over again.

ufeffWhy is it that when bedtime arrives, THAT’S the time children’s curiosity seems to peak? Well, at least that’s the case with Herman Jiggle. It’s bedtime, and as Mom helps Herman get ready, he has countless questions, like Why does the sun go away? Where does honey come from? Or, I have a best friend Charlie who can blow big bubbles. How do you make bubble gum? Mom’s patience is on point as she masterfully guides Herman through his bedtime routine, embracing his curiosity while reminding him of what comes next. This sweet story is part of the Socially Skilled Kids picture book series told in Julia Cook’s classic style. Young children in grades K through 5 will enjoy learning along with Herman, and their parents and caretakers will be laughing and nodding the whole time! When kids don''t get enough sleep, they can become irritable, anxious, and even depressed. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to the onset of behavior problems, an inability to control emotions, attention and learning difficulties, and even childhood obesity. Putting your child to bed at night and getting them to stay there can be a challenge. Included at the end of the story are tips for parents and caregivers to help ensure your children are getting adequate amounts of sleep.

Herman Jiggle feels like he’s different from other kids. His hair is too wild and spikey. His shoes are too slow and clunky. And his teeth don’t even wiggle! He wants to be like everyone else and will try anything to fit in. He will even try taking out his tooth the hard way if it gives him a hole like the ones his friends have. Before he tries changing himself again, can his loving mom teach Hermie how to love and celebrate his own unique spirit and talents?

Meet Stanley...an energetic three-year-old who has not quite mastered using the potty. Stanley is way too busy playing to stop having fun. He would rather hop, skip and wiggle than get the job done. Then Stanley learns a new game called You and Me Against the PEE...and Me and You Against the POOP! Armed with a powerful secret for potty-training success and eager to play, Stanley proudly transforms into a Potty Expert. This fun and colorfully illustrated book will turn all kids into Potty Experts while providing grown-ups with an important reminder that potty learning can and should be a team effort.

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.

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?

Cletus and Bocephus are back! While working on their science fair project on mealworms, they learn to appreciate and understand each other''s strengths and weaknesses. Creativity needs structure and structure needs creativity...and Cletus and Bocephus BOTH need to know how to plan and prioritize! "You learn from mistakes and use what you learn, so you don''t make those mistakes again. Every time you play a video game, you plan and prioritize to WIN!" This storybook is the second in the Functioning Executive book series. It highlights the importance of planning and prioritizing. It also spotlights the unique differences and strengths that live in all of us. This book will help teach children to determine the necessary steps, in order, towards fulfilling a goal which is a vital executive function skill. Children who possess effective prioritizing skills can learn to manage not only daily responsibilities, but also how to prepare for future success. Planning and prioritizing are two of the most difficult executive function skills for people to master. Planning effectively is the thinking skill that helps an individual develop strategies to accomplish goals. It allows a person to think about completing a task before it is started. Life is all about making choices. Prioritizing effectively helps a person make the best choices possible. Time is a limited commodity. To get the most out of your time and accomplish all that you need to do, you have to be able to plan and prioritize both on a long and short-term basis.

Helps elementary age students learn about five volumes of voices and which to use to communicate with confidence. Julia Cook uses a fun, yet educational, style to show kids how and when to use their five voices: whisper, 6-inch, table-talk, strong s