Books published by publisher Free Spirit Publishing

Give toddlers tools to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. It’s normal for toddlers to worry and feel anxious—they have enough experience with the world to know that things may go wrong. With warmth and empathy, this board book helps little ones understand what it means to worry and that “Everybody worries, even grown-ups. But worries are not forever. You can help your worries go away.” Through colorful illustrations and simple ideas, toddlers learn to talk to someone, get a hug, keep hands and bodies busy, think good thoughts, and more. Also includes tips for parents and caregivers.Best Behavior® Series The Best Behavior series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby–preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages 4–7. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

With On-the-Go Time, shopping and errands 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 disappointed or overstimulated along the way, they can take deep breaths to calm down. Who says running errands with toddlers has to be stressful? Includes tips for parents and caregivers. Part of the award-winning Toddler Tools™ series.

A little girl works through strong feelings and learns how to calm down. “Sometimes things seem hard, and my feelings are really big.” Strong emotions can be overwhelming for young children, and at times they need help identifying and coping with what they’re feeling. “I want to feel peaceful. I won’t hit or hurt.” Gentle and encouraging, this board book helps toddlers work through strong feelings like anger and worry. Children learn to use deep breaths, mental images, and other simple strategies to calm themselves. With straightforward words and warm illustrations, I Calm Down helps children understand that feelings change and that their own actions can make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big to manage, children can ask for help and comfort from a trusted adult. A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for helping children learn to calm themselves. Access to a digital download with ideas for helping toddlers feel calm is also provided.Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

The world is becoming more diverse, and so are the daily lives of our children. Accepting and valuing people and groups who are different from oneself and one's immediate family is a critical social skill. Accept and Value Each Person introduces diversity and related concepts: respecting differences, being inclusive, and appreciating people just the way they are. Includes questions, activities, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

A book about respect. Arin acts careless and rude—and other people are angry and upset. His parents and teacher tell him he needs to show respect. Confused and unhappy, Arin asks Grandma for help. They talk about how he would feel if someone broke his things or laughed at what he likes. Arin makes an effort to show respect to others and learns that everyone treats him better when he does.Our Emotions and Behavior Series Small children have big feelings. The Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful, vividly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their feelings and actions are related—and how they can get better at managing 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.

Vicious words and damaging photos exchanged through texts, email, or social media can result in humiliation, broken friendships, punishment at school, and even legal prosecution. In some cases, online harassment has contributed to suicide. Written by experts in cyberbullying prevention, this book provides strategies for teens dealing with cyberbullying as well as for those who have taken part in bullying others. This book gives teens the tools they need to keep themselves safe online, protect their digital reputations, and make their schools and their communities kinder places. Available Online – Free Leader’s Guide freespirit.com/leader

Build and reinforce positive character traits at home, in the classroom, after-school programs, youth groups, or wherever you interact with kids and teens. Inside the jar are 101 little cards (2" x 2 3⁄4") printed with words or phrases—“Caring,” “Giving,” “Service and Sharing,” “Empathy,” “Citizenship,” “Cleanliness,” “Patience,” “Compassion,” “Tolerance,” “Cooperation,” “Reliability,” “Being Punctual,” and many more. Use them as discussion-starters or writing prompts. Act them out, talk them over, or plan ways to live them every day. Based on What Do You Stand For? For Teens this is a simple, powerful tool for promoting character development. Ages 11 & up, 101 slips, 3" recyclable plastic screwtop jar

101 tips and strategies to help kids stay positive. Boost positive thoughts and attitudes in kids (and adults!) of all ages with these uplifting reflections, prompts, tips, and quotes. Use the cards as a jumping-off point for conversation and contemplation on positive thinking and for taking positive action in big and small ways.Free Spirit’s In a Jar® Products With unique, engaging topics for varying ages, these go-anywhere, easy-to-use jars make learning fun, portable, and spontaneous. Kids, parents, and educators will enjoy the games and cards at home, at school, at childcare, in the office, while traveling, at parties, in youth groups, and at camp.

Many kids and teens have challenges when it comes to behavior. In this revised edition of his time-tested book, Thomas McIntyre provides up-to-date information, practical strategies, and sound advice to help kids learn to make smarter choices, make and keep friends, get along with teachers, take responsibility for their actions, work toward positive change, and enjoy the results of their better behavior. New to this edition are an “Are you ready to change?” quiz, updated glossary and resources, and a fresh organization and design. This is a book for any young person who needs help with behavior. A special section at the back addresses diagnosed behavior disorders.

Sam is concerned about keeping things orderly and "cool" at school. She thinks people need to have a tough skin in order to fit in and withstand others’ meanness and lack of cooperation. Sam teases her free-spirited classmate Luisa and enlists a friend, Jayla, to help. But when Sam is confronted by a concerned teacher about her bullying, and Jayla turns on Sam and befriends Luisa, Sam begins to show some heart and rethink her treatment of others.The Weird! SeriesThese three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Luisa describes being targeted by bullying in Weird! Jayla shares her experience as a bystander to bullying in Dare! And in Tough!, Sam speaks from the point of view of someone initiating bullying. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults.Part of the Bully Free Kids™ line