Elizabeth Verdick – författare

“Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.” Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colorful, virtually indestructible book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives.Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky, frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting: chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.Best Behavior® SeriesSimple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1–4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4–7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of select titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Some of your words are kind. But some of them are not. Words are not for hurting. What do hurtful words do?”Children are known for speaking their minds. We can’t expect them to watch every word, but we can help them to understand that their words affect other people. We can gently guide them to choose words that are helpful instead of hurtful, and to say two very important words—“I’m sorry”—when hurtful words come out before they can stop them.Like Free Spirit's earlier board books Hands Are Not for Hitting and Teeth Are Not for Biting, Words Are Not for Hurting helps little ones learn big ideas: that they are responsible for what they do and say; that their actions and words affect others; and that they can make positive choices. Simple words and delightful full-color illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud one-on-one or in small groups. The book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

Help kids choose helpful words, not hurtful words.Words Are Not for Hurting shows young children how words can be hurtful and what to do about it. For children ages 4–7, this engaging book explains that it’s not okay to insult, tease, name-call, or exclude others. Adults and children can read this book together to start conversations about topics like sticking up for yourself, apologizing when you say something hurtful, and choosing kind ways to express feelings or set boundaries.In kid-friendly terms and with engaging illustrations, this book helps children choose words that don’t harm others. Part of the award-winning Best Behavior® series, this title helps readers develop communication skills they can carry with them for life.Shows how to recognize and respond to insults, name-calling, and other hurtful wordsTeaches children what to do if they or someone else uses hurtful languagePairs simple text with bright, inclusive images of children in everyday situationsExpands on the themes in the board book with the same titleWords Are Not for Hurting is a great resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors who want to teach kids to speak respectfully. The book can be read in response to situations that arise, or as part of daily routines. A special section for adults offers practical strategies for teaching children about kindness—including how our tone of voice and facial expressions lend meaning to our words. Great for children who read the board book edition and need an expanded reminder when behaviors resurface.

“Look at those feet! Aren’t they sweet?” Yes—when they’re walking, standing, leaping and landing. And when they’re kicking balls or leaves. But not when they’re kicking people!In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet.

If pets could talk, what would they say? Maybe “Fur is for petting, backs are for scratching, noses are for nuzzling . . . and tails are not for pulling!” Toddlers and pets belong together—as long as toddlers don’t chase, grab, squeeze, yank, and tease. In simple words and delightful illustrations, this book teaches the basics of kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

Achoo! Cough! F-L-U-S-H! What to do? In childcare, in preschool, at home, and everywhere, toddlers need to learn that germs are not for sharing. Rather than focus on what germs are, this book teaches the basics of not spreading them: Cover up a sneeze or cough. Hug or blow kisses when you’re sick. And most of all, wash your hands! Child-friendly words and full-color illustrations help little ones stay clean and healthy. Includes tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Teach children life skills to prevent the spread of germsGerms Are Not for Sharing helps young children develop good hygiene and hand-washing habits. It explains, in kid-friendly language and with engaging illustrations, what germs are and how they can spread and cause illness. Readers learn to cover their faces when they cough and sneeze and how to wash their hands thoroughly. Extended text in the back expands on the book’s themes, explaining how and why we work to prevent germs from spreading.Great for classrooms and to read at home, this informative book shows kids ages 4–7 to be germ aware. Part of the award-winning Best Behavior® series, this title helps children develop health and wellness skills they can carry with them for life.Shows why good hygiene helps prevent us from getting sickTeaches children to cough, sneeze, and wash hands hygienicallyFeatures relatable, inclusive illustrations to show kids in everyday situationsExpands on the themes in the board book with the same titleGerms Are Not for Sharing is a useful resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors who want to encourage good hand-washing hygiene. Great for children who read the board book edition and need an expanded reminder when behaviors resurface.

Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more. Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners, and the essentials of e-tiquette (politeness online). It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.

For many young children, giving up the pacifier is a major milestone. This board book offers warm, comforting words and pictures to ease the transition and make it a positive experience for kids and grown-ups alike. The focus is on minimizing stress and drama, dealing with feelings of loss and frustration, finding fun things to do without a pacifier, and finally being pacifier-free. Includes helpful tips for parents.

Kids today are notorious for putting things off—it’s easy for homework and chores to take a backseat to playing video games, hanging out with friends, watching television, or surfing online. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach kids how to get motivated, stay motivated, and get things done. Kids learn 12 reasons why people procrastinate and 12 Procrastination Busters that can help; 20 ways to kiss procrastination good-bye; tips for avoiding setbacks like the dreaded Domino Effect; and Mighty Motivators and Fun Rewards to keep them on track. See You Later, Procrastinator! gives kids lots of ways to kick the procrastination habit and feel more in charge of their lives.

Learning to use the potty takes patience and practice, and this charming, straightforward book helps pave the way. Young children learn how to use the potty and why it’s time to do so, while gaining the courage and confidence to face this important milestone in their lives. When little ones learn to “do what the big kids do” (go, wipe, flush, wash their hands), they won’t need a diaper anymore—they’ll have underwear under there! Includes tips for parents and caregivers from a children’s health specialist.

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. Young children learn to work together to put items in their place, make a neater space, keep a smile on their face—and make room for more fun. Delightful illustrations enhance the text.Part of the Toddler Tools series, Clean-Up Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a baby-sitter means saying good-bye to Mom or Dad—and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn’t forever, it’s just for a while.Part of the Toddler Tools series, Bye-Bye Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Naps are just a little break—but when it’s naptime, many toddlers have trouble settling into sleep. This calming, encouraging book helps young children quiet down so they can get the rest they need. Eyes are closed, lights are dimmed…and (yawn, s-t-r-e-t-c-h) before little ones know it, it’s time to wake up. Cozy illustrations enhance the text.An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Toddler Tools® seriesDaily transitions and routines can be a struggle for any toddler, as well as parents and caregivers. These award-winning, positive books can help ease the many challenging "times" that are a part of every toddler's day. Share them before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines.

“Put away the wiggles. Put away the giggles. Listening works better when your body’s calm and still.” When it’s time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it’s important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths (“zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket”) so good listening can begin.An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Listening Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.Toddler Tools® seriesDaily transitions and routines can be a struggle for any toddler, as well as parents and caregivers. These award-winning, positive books can help ease the many challenging "times" that are a part of every toddler's day. Share them before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines.

Manners start with a smile—then you add the words. There are polite words to use when you greet someone, ask for something, or (oops!) make a mistake. There’s even a nice way to say no. This book gives toddlers a head start on manners, setting the stage for social skills that will last a lifetime. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Sometimes it’s fun to share, and sometimes it’s hard. This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult. Little ones learn that sharing can mean double the fun—and sharing a while can make someone smile! Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Ease little ones into the get-ready-for-bed routine with this warm and cozy bedtime book. Aided by Mom and Dad, a sister and brother enjoy a little snack, relaxing baths, time for brushing teeth, stories, lullabies, back rubs, and hugs. Cheerful, soft illustrations and reassuring text set a tone that helps toddlers feel good about settling down to sleep. (As the narrator explains, “I do my best growing when I’m sleeping.”) In the morning, the children will yawn, stretch, and be a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, and a little bit smarter—all because of a good night’s sleep. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves, be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three . . . I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.” After a break, toddlers will feel like new—and adults will, too. Books include tips for parents and caregivers.

Humorous yet practical advice for building positive sibling relationships.Turn sibling rivalry into positive sibling relationships with this fun, humorous pocket guide for kids. Siblings can make for great friends, and it’s nice to have someone who’ll love you no matter what. But kids know that sibling relationships can be hard when problems of fairness, jealousy, conflict, tattling, privacy, and other things come up—and they usually do.Siblings teaches kids how to deal with sibling rivalry and more, including special situations such as siblings with special needs, step-siblings, and adopted siblings, and it focuses on building positive sibling relationships. After all, siblings are siblings their whole lives.Laugh & Learn® SeriesSelf-help, kid-style! Realistic topics, practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view all add up to one of the most popular series that young people turn to for help with school, families, siblings, and more. Kids ages eight to thirteen can tote these pocket-size guides anywhere and learn to slash stress, give cliques and rude people the boot, get organized, behave becomingly, and in general hugely boost their coping skills.

Mealtime—“Yummy-in-the-tummy time”—is an opportunity to teach young children two major life skills: nutrition and table manners. Simple but important mealtime routines come to life as the toddlers in this book remember to wash their hands, use a napkin and fork or spoon, stay at the table, and eat healthy foods.Toddlers also learn the one big rule for mealtime: Always try one bite (“You just might like it!”). Parents and caregivers want toddlers to develop healthy eating habits and positive mealtime routines. This book helps them do so with Verdick’s keen ability to speak directly to little ones and Heinlen’s delightful, appealing illustrations. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.Toddler Tools® seriesDaily transitions and routines can be a struggle for any toddler, as well as parents and caregivers. These award-winning, positive books can help ease the many challenging "times" that are a part of every toddler's day. Share them before (or during) the desired "time," or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines.

Teach kids proper hygiene, hand washing, and how to stop the spread of germs with this English-Spanish bilingual picture book.Sneezes, coughs, runny noses, and messy hands are part of everyday life—but kids need to learn how to stay healthy and keep germs from spreading. Germs Are Not for Sharing / Los gérmenes no son para compartir is an engaging English-Spanish bilingual picture book that helps children ages 4–7 understand what germs are, how they spread, and what they can do to prevent illness.Using simple, kid-friendly language and bright illustrations, this reassuring book teaches essential habits like washing hands thoroughly, covering coughs and sneezes, and making safe, healthy choices at home and school. It’s especially helpful for children who forget hygiene routines or are learning to take responsibility for their health.Part of the award-winning Best Behavior® series, this book helps children build lifelong wellness habits and awareness.In this book, children will:Learn how to avoid spreading germs and getting sickPractice proper hand-washing and hygiene routinesUnderstand why covering coughs and sneezes mattersBuild healthy habits for school, home, and daycareMake responsible choices that protect othersPerfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors, this book is ideal for back-to-school, classrooms, and everyday routines.Includes a helpful adult section in both English and Spanish with tips for teaching hygiene, illness prevention, and healthy habits.

“Look at those feet! Aren’t they sweet?” Yes—when they’re walking, standing, leaping, and landing. And when they’re kicking balls or leaves. But not when they’re kicking people!In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this bilingual English-Spanish book helps toddlers learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers in both languages on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet.