Books published by publisher Free Spirit Publishing

Give young children strategies to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. Everyone feels worried at times, and young children are no exception. Friendly and reassuring, this book geared to preschool and primary children explains what worries are and how it feels to be worried. The book assures children that lots of kids—and grown-ups—feel worried, and that they can learn to make their worries “smaller and smaller and smaller.” Talking about worries, moving around, keeping hands busy, breathing deeply, getting a big hug, and thinking good thoughts are all ways for children to cope with worries. The book includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters.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.

Knowing how to listen is essential to learning, growing, and getting along with others. Simple words and inviting illustrations help children develop skills for listening, understand why it’s important to listen, and recognize the positive results of listening. Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information for adults, and activities.

This gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can take time out to cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves or be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three . . . I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.”

In elementary schools across the country, teachers are expected to provide at least five minutes of character education each day. This book makes it easy to meet that requirement in a meaningful way. It includes 180 character vignettes—five for each of the 36 weeks in the school year—grouped by trait. Each features kids in real-life situations making decisions that reflect their character. Each is short enough to be read aloud; all can be used as starting points for discussion, to support an existing character education program, or as the basis for an independent program. An excellent tool for the classroom or the character-conscious home.

Fresh edition of a popular title offers teens straightforward advice on stress management, anxiety reduction, and digital well-being. Untempered stress among teens is approaching epidemic status. Prolonged and intense anxiety can feel like being stalked by a tiger, never knowing when it will strike. Helping adolescents cope with day-to-day stressors—like school, friendships, family, and social media—can help curb impulsivity and other risky behaviors. Now in its fourth edition, the revised and updated Fighting Invisible Tigers teaches teens proven techniques and stress management skills to face the rigors of growing up. Packed with useful information on how stress affects physical and emotional health, readers will learn: smart approaches to handle decision-makingeasy steps toward greater assertivenessrelaxation and mindfulness exercises to focus their mindstime management skills to avoid feeling pressuredhow to avoid online dramapositive self-talk techniquesand more! Getting rid of stress is impossible, but learning how to control the response to it can help teens develop healthier relationships, make better decisions, and outsmart those tigers.

A toolbox of twenty-one strategies kids can use to get along with others. Every child could use help with social skills and making friends. This book provides twenty-one concrete strategies children can use to express themselves, build relationships, end arguments and fights, halt bullying, and beat unhappy feelings. It’s like a toolbox of kid-friendly social skills—just open it up and pull out tools like: Mighty Might, which takes all the fun out of teasingThought Chop, which helps kids resist self-defeating thoughtsSqueaky Wheel, a type of persistence that gets resultsCoin Toss, a simple way to resolve small conflicts Each tool is clearly described, illustrated with true-to-life examples, and accompanied by dialogue and lines children can practice and use. Authentic stories and anecdotes show each tool in action. This revised and updated second edition incorporates electronic communication, cyberbullying, and social media with age-appropriate guidelines and stories. A note to adults includes up-to-date research on and recommendations for social skills and bullying. For kids, Speak Up and Get Along! makes learning social skills accessible and fun.

Julie hates algebra—until she meets a gebra named Al. In this Student Book, Julie, Al, and the Periodic horses journey through the Land of Mathematics, where the Orders of Operations are real places and fruits that look like Bohr models grow on chemistrees. Wonderfully written and a joy to read, it's full of math and science basics made fun and accessible.

A little boy notices helpers and shares ways he is a helper too. “I know lots of people who help me.” Even very young children often respond naturally to the needs of others and want to give comfort and help. As they see family, teachers, and community members helping them, they may want to do helpful things as well. “I’m a helper too. I want to show that I care.” Positive and friendly, this board book encourages toddlers to notice the ways others help them and recognize some of the many ways they can help others. From simple gestures like offering the baby a pacifier or giving comfort to a friend, to bigger tasks that involve working with others to wash the dog, pick up toys, or plant a seedling, children see that they can make an important contribution. “’I’m big enough now to help in a big way.” As children become more aware of the feelings, needs, and wants of others, they can learn simple and ordinary responses that show empathy and caring to those around them. A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for encouraging children to help others. Access to a digital download with ideas for opportunities for toddlers to help in their community 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.

Fully refreshed to address modern issues, this popular essential guide helps kids build self-confidence and assert themselves. Using simple words and real-life examples, this book shows kids how to be assertive with other kids—and with adults. Kids will learn to feel better about themselves, stronger and more secure inside, and more in charge of their lives. They’ll read about effective ways to deal with intense feelings and to build self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition, they’ll learn strategies for building inner security to cope with powerlessness and uncertainty and discover ways of protecting themselves when using social media.