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Books published by publisher Boys Town Press

  • If Winning Isn't Everything, Why Do I Hate to Lose?

    Bryan Smith, Brian Martin

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, July 15, 2015)
    Kelsey is a sore loser. So much so that she is not afraid to cheat or throw a tantrum. Not only is she a sore loser, but she's also a terrible winner! When kelsey's poor sportsmanship causes her basketball team to lose a close game, she realizes she needs to change her ways. Fortunately, Kelsey's coach and mom are there to teach her the important tips for being a good sport. She discovers that practicing good sportsmanship (or sportsGIRLship, as Kelsey likes to say) makes playing a lot more fun, whether she's winning or losing! Written for kids ages 5-11, this book is a great way to teach children the hard concept of playing fair and still being competitive. Included are tips for parents, counselors and teachers.
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  • Well, I Can Top That!

    Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, April 23, 2014)
    In this book children will learn how to build relationships without bragging or one-upping their classmates. Brad has a lot of great things going on in his life or at least that's what he tells all of his classmates! When one student won a contest, he told about how he won an even bigger contest! When another student broke his arm, he told about how he broke both arms AND both legs! Award winning author Julia Cook teaches children how to be a good friend by sharing the spotlight. Kids and adults will get a real kick out of Brad's tall tales as he learns the importance of being a 'Pull-Upper,' not a 'One-Upper.' This is the first book in the Communicate with Confidence series designed to teach kids key skills that will help them be more successful by mastering the art of communicating.
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  • I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO!: My Story About Accepting 'No' for an Answer and Disagreeing the Right Way!

    Julia Cook, Kelsey De Weerd

    eBook (Boys Town Press, Jan. 31, 2014)
    Hearing "No" for an answer can be very hard for kids of all ages. Help them learn the important social skills of accepting no and disagreeing the right way with this funny and entertaining book from Julia Cook.'No' is RJ's least favorite word...and he tries his best to turn every 'No' into "Maybe" or "We'll see." Even though he doesn't have much success, RJ keeps arguing until his teacher suggests he try to join the Say YES to NO Club. If RJ can learn how to accept 'No' for an answer and to disagree appropriately, he can add his name to the club's Star Board.Author Julia Cook helps Kindergarten through 6 grade readers laugh and learn along with RJ as he understands the benefits of demonstrating these social skills both at home and in school. This book is the second in Julia Cook's BEST ME I Can Be! series which teaches students that socials skills can make home life happier and school more successful. A great gift for teachers, school counselors, and parents to help put an end to arguing or negotiating with kids by teaching them how to accept "No" for an answer.Praise for I Just Don't Like the Sound of No!An Insightful Story"Julia Cook understands the hearts and minds of children, and their struggles to develop appropriate social responses. Her books tell a story with fun and imagination. Julia makes addressing bad habits an exciting adventure for growing and changing, for becoming emotionally and socially healthy young people!" - Diana Waggoner, Executive Director, The Kim FoundationLove the Creativity of this Book!"Julia Cook does it again! She uses her creative ideas to teach kids the skills they need to grow socially. This book teaches all people how to accept “No” for an answer in a non-threatening way. I’m excited to add this to my counseling library. Finally, the Boys Town Social Skill model is being brought to life and all of us will benefit from it." - Laurel Klaassen, M.A., School Counselor
  • Mindset Matters

    Bryan Smith, Lisa Griffin

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, Aug. 21, 2017)
    An entertaining and eye-opening story to look at the power of the gonna get it done mindset. Amelia is her name and conquering new challenges is her game! She's an up-for-any-adventure second-grader who's eager to try new things, provided nothing can go wrong.She takes up skateboarding with gusto and feverishly builds a swing set for her kid brother. But at the first sign of trouble- tumbling off her skateboard and whacking her thumb with a hammer-she's done. Her confidence shattered. Amelia frets she's a failure. But after a little self-reflection and some loving advice from dear-old Dad, Amelia learns she needs a "gonna get it done" mindset. With her new outlook and self-confidence, she discovers success has many definitions, including conquering challenges and overcoming obstacles. Included are tips for parents, educators and counselors. This children's book is part of the Without Limits series and is a great tool for anyone wanting to help kids build self-esteem and develop positive emotions.
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  • Kindness Counts: A Story for Teaching Random Acts of Kindess

    Bryan Smith, Brian Martin

    eBook (Boys Town Press, May 12, 2019)
    When Cade learns strangers have paid for his family's ice cream at the drive-through, he wonders why anyone would do such a crazy thing. That's when his dad tells him about random acts of kindness. Cade thinks it's a cool concept and is eager to start paying it forward, too. But when Dad reminds him that random acts of kindness should be done without wanting or expecting anything in return. Cade starts feeling a little less generous. What will Cade do when being generous and kind requires making a real sacrifice?
  • My Day is Ruined!: A Story for Teaching Flexible Thinking

    Bryan Smith, Lisa M. Griffin

    eBook (Boys Town Press, May 22, 2018)
    Do you know a child who can't go with the flow? This book is for children who struggle when things don't go as planned! Braden was so excited for his upcoming Championship baseball game! The night before he dreamt of that moment - THE moment - the oohs and ahhs of the crowd as he scored the game-winning run! But imagine his surprise when he woke up to pouring rain - and NO GAME!A cancelled game, coupled with some events at school that don't go his way, send Braden on an overreaction tailspin! Braden is a kid who struggles at handling disappointment.Can the adults in Braden's life help him to use adaptive thinking to help manage his emotions and learn to be okay with changes? This story from the very popular Executive Function series by award-winning author and school counselor Bryan Smith has been a hit with anyone who wants to help children learn to think flexibly, manage stress, and handle emotions.This book series is a great tool for teachers, parents, and counselors who help kids with social skills, social emotional learning, and manners. Readers said this: [The book provides] tools to use when [my son] feels frustrated I read this story to my child clients in therapy. It teaches flexible thinking which is a great tool for coping with stress. Great book to use in school counseling. Several readers shared that their children or students with ASD / autism enjoyed and are benefiting from having read this book! Enjoy this story and the tips for parent and educators with your 6-12 year old today!
  • Table Talk: A Book about Table Manners

    Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, Feb. 1, 2016)
    A story about good table manners, and being respectful, kind and considerate to others and their feelings. Funny rhymes and colorful illustrations help young readers learn the social skills they need when they sit for a meal. Written from the Table s point of view, this humorous tale will help kids understand that table manners are about much more than what fork to use. Good table manners are about being respectful, kind and considerate to others and their feelings. Parents and educators of K-6 students will enjoy the Table's tasteful advice and guidance. Sharp, entertaining illustrations from award-winning illustrator Anita DuFalla bring the Table's tips to life. This is the seventh book in the award winning Building Relationships series. A great book to have in all home and school libraries to help teach children important lessons on manners especially around the holidays.
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  • Empathy Is My Superpower: A Story about Showing You Care

    Bryan Smith, Lisa Griffin

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, Oct. 1, 2018)
    Why does her brother cry when it's dark? Why does her classmate Kayla take so long to do her math? And what's up with that strange-smelling dish that Priya brings to lunch every day? With the help of her parents, Amelia soon learns about the importance of empathy and starts to see the power it can have! Will Amelia be able to put her new-found skill to good use and help others find the strength in empathy as well? Written for readers in grades K-6, this storybook also includes tips to help parents and teachers foster empathy in every child.
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  • The WORST Day of My Life EVER!: My Story about Listening and Following Instructions

    Julia Cook, Kelsey De Weerd

    eBook (Boys Town Press, Jan. 31, 2014)
    Join RJ and learn how he uses listening skills & following instructions to have the best day of his life ever! RJ has had a rough day...he wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, kicks the ball into his own team's soccer goal, and messes up his mom's kitchen. With Mom's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to her, his teachers, or even his friends. If RJ can learn how to listen and follow to his parent's or teacher's instructions, he'll have less problems and can have the best day of his life. Throughout this fun and entertaining story, Author Julia Cook shows all kids ages 6-8 or younger the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions.Included are tips and advice for parents, caregivers and educators to help improve your child's behavior and school success.Winner of the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval and the MOM's Choice Award Honoring Excellence.
  • Herman Jiggle, Go to Sleep!

    Julia Cook, Michael Garland

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, July 28, 2020)
    It's bedtime... and so naturally Herman has a million questions that will delay getting into bed. Why is it that when bedtime arrives, THAT'S the time children's curiosity seems to peak? It's the nightmare of babysitters and parents everywhere! Being asked countless off-the-wall questions as you put a child to bed. And every answer only causes more silly questions and more delays. This is the dilemma Herman Jiggle's mom confronts as she tries to coax her son to wash his face, brush his teeth and go to bed. But Hermie is a curious kid who wants answers to the great mysteries of life, such as why do we have bubble gum? and how do cows see in the dark?, before he'll even think about falling asleep. In this tale, 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 something to which every parent and caretaker can relate. Told in Julia Cook's classic style, young children will enjoy learning along with Herman, and their parents and caretakers will be laughing along the way. Written for children ages 3-9, Herman Jiggle, Go to Sleep! is part of the Socially Skilled Kids book series. Included at the end of the book are tips for parents.
  • Diamond Rattle Loves to Tattle

    Ashley Bartley, Brian Martin

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, July 14, 2020)
    Are you tattling, and trying to get someone in trouble, or are you telling, so you can help someone? Diamond Rattle loves to tattle, she's been telling on others for years. She's quick to glide up to her teacher's desk and tattle on all of her peers! This adorable tale is the story of an elementary-aged rattlesnake amongst a classroom full of other elementary-aged animals. The problem? Diamond LOVES to tattle. And when she tattles, her rattles glow and grow! Her tattling tendencies are affecting her friendships so much so that people are avoiding her and she finds herself eating lunch alone. Fortunately for Diamond, her caring teacher Miss Crow is there to teach her more about problem-solving, staying out of others business, and the difference between a report and a tattle. Will Diamond be able to control her snitching snake tendencies? Find out in this charming tale from debut author, school counselor, and mom Ashley Bartley, written for K-5 students. Tips for parents, counselors and educators are included.
  • Hygiene... You Stink!

    Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla

    Paperback (Boys Town Press, Aug. 1, 2014)
    How do you make young children understand the importance of bathing and brushing? In this ingenious tale, young readers are sure to get the message that good hygiene will improve their health and their relationships! The story centers around a fork named Jean who hates taking baths in the sink and detests showering in the dishwasher. Jean the Fork just can't figure out why people are not using her as frequently, or why the other forks, knives and spoons avoid her. When she asks the wise old can opener about it, he replies "Well, I hate to break it to you my friend Fork, but it appears you smell like last week's pork!" In the fifth book in her award-winning Building Relationships series, author Julia Cook offers a hilarious approach to a very personal issue - good hygiene! Tips for parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists are included. Help all children learn personal care with this fun book that teaches basic hygiene!
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