Kyle Merriman – illustratör

Rumour has it…that the girls have a couch in their bathroom. And they sometimes take naps in there. And guess what else? Whether we've been the subject of a rumour or the one spreading a rumour about someone else, most of us have been involved with rumours somehow. But how many people really stop to think about the damaging effects? Award-winning author, Julia Cook, cleverly brings this serious subject to light in an entertaining, but cautionary tale about the importance of NOT starting or spreading rumours. Told through the eyes of the rumour marble, the story describes how a simple misunderstanding starts a chain reaction that can't be undone! Children will laugh as they learn that it's much easier to prevent a train – or rolling rumour marble – from starting to roll forward than trying to stop one!

Cora June is B-O-S-S-Y! She points out her teacher's boring homework. She dictates the games people play at playtime. She even objects to family dinners. If Cora June doesn't get her way, she can make life miserable for those around her. Will anyone put the brakes on her outlandish demands? And will Cora June ever realise that she can be a leader, but still be flexible? See what lessons are learned in this eye-opening tale about the benefits of not always getting your way. This is the first title in an exciting new storybook series, The Leader I'll Be!

Cora June and her classmate, Wilson, are locked in a battle of wills. Each one desperately wants to be the ultimate decision maker. They scream at each other about whether to play dodgeball or football at break time. They get into a tug of war over a Popsicle. Each wants to dictate where to go on the next class trip! Can these two opinionated, wanna-be leaders compromise or agree to anything? Using rhymes and true-to-life situations, this story offers valuable lessons about the power of compromise and why the best leaders are never afraid to negotiate.

Cora June is back, and this time she's learning a thing or two about doing the right thing - even when no one is looking!When Cora June half-heartedly cleans her room by taking a shortcut, Mum is quick to ask her about her integrity. Not really knowing what it means, Cora June assumes it's probably hidden under her bed, or in her closet. She continues to school, where she cheats on a spelling test. "Impossible" is a hard word to spell, can you blame her? During her test, she finds that integrity pops up again.When Cora June learns what integrity means, she realizes that she can't find hers! Fortunately, her Mum is there to help her put the "I" (the "ME!") in integrity. Follow Cora June as she learns about her integrity, and see if she can use it to right what she did wrong. Book three of the Socially Skilled Kids series.

Cora June is super excited. After school, Mum is taking her to the awesome Slushy Shack where Cora June can enjoy her favourite treat – a Unicorn Yak slushy! As she eagerly counts down every second of her school day, Cora June can't keep her excitement under control. She creates a ruckus in the classroom when she lets everyone know the Unicorn Yak is made with cotton candy and topped with sprinkles. When her Mum is late picking her up, Cora June complains about having to wait, and then she freaks out because the queue at the Slushy Shack is super long. When she finally gets to the counter, Cora June gets crushing news: The Unicorn Yak slushies are sold out. If she wants one, she has to come back another day! Will Cora June find the strength to stay calm and remain patient? Can Mum help Cora June develop her 'patience muscle' and convince her that good things really DO come to those who wait? Told in award-winning author Julia Cook's distinctive rhythmic style, this tale is a must-have for parents and teachers who work with children ages 5 to 10. Includes lots of tips for adults on how to help children practice patience, stay calm and make good choices.