Books published by publisher Free Spirit Publishing

Revised classic provides a humor-filled take on a sickening subject—homework—updated to address modern issues such as technology. Homework can be horrible! But homework isn’t going anywhere, and kids need to learn to do it—without throwing up. This updated classic provides specific tips for starting, doing, and finishing homework—and maybe even laughing while they learn. Kids will also learn how to make a homework schedule, when to do the hardest homework (first!), the benefits of doing homework, and more—serious suggestions delivered with wit and humor because laughter makes learning fun. Refreshed to address modern distractions like the Internet and electronic devices, this updated classic (with hilarious full-color illustrations) helps kids see that they can handle their homework and emphasizes how terrific it feels when they finish.

When children are kind, courteous, and respectful, people enjoy being around them and reciprocate with the same behavior. This book helps kids understand the importance of showing politeness, speaking kindly, using basic courtesies (“please,” “thank you,” “excuse me”), and respecting the feelings of others. Scenarios and role-play activities help adults reinforce the book’s lessons.

Written by service learning expert Cathryn Berger Kaye and celebrity ocean spokesperson Philippe Cousteau, Going Blue educates young people about the earth’s water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action. With lively photos and practical suggestions, the book helps teens plan and do a meaningful service project that benefits our planet’s water system. Along the way, readers learn about issues such as clean water access, coral reef damage, runoff pollution, trash islands, factory fishing, bottled water, and much more. This combination of academic learning and community service is at the heart of the fast-growing teaching strategy known as service learning.Going Blue is divided into the five stages of service learning: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. Special sections include a history of ocean exploration with a profile of Jacques Cousteau; an interview with Philippe Cousteau; stories of young people around the world addressing water issues; book and Web resources; and an afterword for adults.

Two new titles in this lively series help young children recognize and understand their feelings, their actions, and how they are connected. Finn is not very kind to his classmates, and he cares mostly about himself. He doesn’t help Ahmed or Lily. He shoves Molly and Freddy on the playground. In soccer, he doesn’t play fair. The children are mad at Finn. Then, when no one wants to play with him at recess, he feels sad and lonely. How will Finn find a way to make it all better? Ultimately, Finn’s teacher helps him see that he can change his mean behavior and that kindness leads to friendship and fun.Our Emotions and Behavior series The Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful brightly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

This smart, savvy book helps teen girls get respect and hold on to is no matter what—at home, at school, with their friends, and in the world. Tips, activities, writing exercises, and quotes from teens keep readers involved. This “big sister” style inspires trust. Girls learn respect is connected to everything, every girl deserves respect, and respect is always within reach because it starts on the inside. This book is your guide to getting respect and keeping it.

It’s hard to try new things—for adults as well as children. It’s even harder to stay the course when something is more difficult than we thought it would be, or when things don’t work out the way we hoped. Yet flexibility and perseverance are essential to success in all areas of life, at all ages and stages. This book introduces children to the benefits of trying something new and the basics of stick-to-it-iveness. Includes suggestions adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught.

Kids learn how to adopt a growth mindset through the familiar structure of the ABCs. Mistakes aren’t just mistakes. They’re growth spurts. Developing a growth mindset—a belief that learning is a process that requires dedication and hard work, not just talent—helps kids learn from their mistakes, build resilience, and strive to be a little better every day. Not your typical alphabet book, Y Is for Yet uses the ABCs as an accessible framework to introduce growth mindset and all its possibilities. From A to Z, or Ability to Zany, kids learn new vocabulary that expands their view of themselves learners. Readers can open to any page and find useful information. Younger children learn new vocabulary, while older kids can increase their knowledge of the brain’s neuroplasticity and the many ways growth mindset can be put into action. A section at the back of the book provides a kid-friendly glossary of terms and activities adults can use to help kids build resilience and foster a growth mindset. With an uplifting and positive tone, Y Is for Yet empowers kids to persevere and encourages them to view learning as a journey with limitless possibilities.

Engage children with familiar songs featuring new, colorful lyrics that teach valuable social-emotional skills.La, la, la! Shake up your story time with these twelve sing-along songs based on classic tunes kids already know and love. This beautifully illus­trated songbook teaches important social-emotional skills for everyday life. Favorite songs like “Frère Jacques” and “B-I-N-G-O” get turned on their heads with new, easy-to-remember lyrics offering lessons on how to manage anger, asking for help, what to do when you’re afraid, being a good friend, when to use a quiet voice, and many others! Digital content includes downloadable sheet music for all songs.

“All people have equal value, and this means that all of us have equal rights.” Using the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a starting point for discussion, Rights and Equality introduces children to the concepts of fairness, human rights, and equality. Explained in a straightforward and accessible way, this picture book covers what it means to have rights and how to treat people fairly. Also included is information about why fighting for equality is important and ways that people can fight for change. “Every single person can do things to make sure that those around them are treated with equality and respect.” A glossary and additional resources can be found at the back of the book.Together in Our World Series This series addresses issues children might hear about in the news and may not understand. In a straightforward and kid-friendly way, these picture books explain tough topics and offer readers ideas for what they can do to help make the world a better, fairer place. Each book has a glossary and additional resources.

Get ready, get set, go get into coats...out the door ...into the car. With On-the-Go Time, shopping and running errands with children really can mean fewer hassles and more fun for everyone! Toddlers learn simple tools and encouragement to keep moving, cope with the changing scenes, and be super helpers in the car, at the store or library, and on the road. What do they do when they’re on-the-go? Listen, follow along, and even lend a hand. If they’re struggling with transition times, or feeling disappointed or overstimulated along the way, they can take deep breaths to calm down.