Jeff Tucker – författare

He's not afraid to climb way up high, capture creepy crawlies with his bare hands, or stare down ghostly looking things. But this courageous kid does have one giant fear that he desperately wants to hide. It's a terror so big, it sends a cold shiver down his spine, leaves him speechless, and makes him question just how brave he really is. Vinnie's great fear – speaking up in class. When he doesn't understand the material or the teacher goes too fast, Vinnie refuses to raise his hand. He doesn't want the other kids to laugh at him, judge him, or say he's clueless. He sits in silence and pretends it all makes sense. But now he's falling behind. His grades are slipping, and something has to change. Vinnie and his teacher come up with a secret signal he can use whenever he needs help or wants the teacher to slow down. The discreet signal involves tugging on his ears. It works perfectly until the day he tugs and tugs and tugs, but his teacher never notices. Now what? Will Vinnie keep yanking his ears? Will he raise his hand and finally speak up? Or will he sit in silence and fall further behind? With vibrant illustrations and a main character everyone will root for, award-winning author and school counsellor Jeff Tucker explores the fears kids have about speaking up in class and being judged by their peers. A special page written specifically for parents and teachers offers practical tips on helping kids recognize the differences between helpful and harmful fears and how to manage social anxiety.

Isaac isn't any ordinary alligator living quietly in the swamp. He's an INSTIgator! He spends his days spying on the neighbours and eavesdropping on their conversations. The more he listens, the more jealous he becomes. They have real friendships. He's all alone. With no one to talk to except an old, rotting stump, Isaac is angry and miserable. So he sets out to make sure everyone else in the swamp is miserable, too. Isaac can perfectly mimic every voice in the swamp, and he uses this special talent to start arguments, stir up trouble, and turn friends against friends. Isaac gleefully watches the mischief he set in motion. He didn't care If I can't have friends, why should anyone else? he tells the stump. But can he instigate a fight between two of the swamp's biggest besties? Or will they sniff out his dirty trick and teach him a lesson he'll never forget? Follow Isaac as he learns that treating others with kindness is the first step to creating friendships. And that having a friend can help you feel less angry. ISAAC THE INSTIGATOR is an entertaining story written for young readers. Included are tips for parents, counsellors and educators on how to help children build relationships with peers, show kindness and compassion, and cultivate empathy.