Books published by publisher Free Spirit Pub

Reflect and relax with thirty-six calming SEL-focused coloring activities for kids. With a unique combination of coloring book illustrations and reflection prompts, Coloring Book and Reflections for Social Emotional Learning effectively combines mindfulness and SEL to be used both in the classroom and at home. Each of the SEL topics features two pages of activities and prompts, mirroring the left and right sides of our brains. The left page (logical) includes a prompt for reflection through journaling or free-drawing and the right page (creative) is an illustration for coloring to promote mindfulness. Topics range from positive self-talk to empathy to trying your best. This versatile coloring book for kids stands on its own merits yet can be paired with other mindfulness curriculum to further integrate social and emotional learning into your everyday schedule. The thirty-six mindfulness coloring pages correspond with the thirty-six weeks of the school year, and the SEL writing prompts support the weekly activities in Mindful Classrooms™: Daily 5-Minute Practices to Support Social-Emotional Learning (PreK to Grade 5) by James Butler. Also available in Spanish.

What’s the best way to solve problems between people? By talking them over and working them out. It’s never too soon for children to learn the process of peaceful conflict resolution. This book distills it into clear, simple language and supporting illustrations. Children learn to calm themselves, state the problem, listen, think of solutions, try one, evaluate results, and even agree to disagree when a solution isn’t possible. Includes skill-building games and role plays for adults to use with children.

Sneezes, coughs, runny noses, spills, and messes are facts of everyday life with children. And that’s why it’s never too soon to teach little ones about germs and ways to stay clean and healthy. This book is a short course for kids on what germs are, what they do, and why it’s so important to cover them up, block them from spreading, and wash them down the drain. Simple words complement warm, inviting, full-color illustrations that show real-life situations kids can relate to. A special section for adults includes ideas for discussion and activities.

Turn learning into a game and kids will want to play. Based on What Do You Stand For? For Kids by Barbara A. Lewis, this card game spotlights ten top character traits: Caring, Citizenship, Cooperation, Fairness, Forgiveness, Honesty, Relationships, Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. To win, players collect cards of each trait. Each card features a "What If" scenario or question about character that gets kids thinking about what they would do-and what they stand for. Meant to be played with adult supervision (a teacher, counselor, or youth worker familiar with character education themes), the game includes an insert with rules and basic character education concepts.

Explaining etiquette from A (“Applause”) to Z (“Zits”), Alex J. Packer blends outrageous humor with sound advice as he guides readers and explains why manners and etiquette are important—because people who know how to handle themselves in social situations come out on top, get what they want, feel good about themselves, and enjoy life to the fullest.Full of practical tips for every occasion, How Rude!® is a serious etiquette encyclopedia—and a hilarious read. In 480 pages, this revised and updated edition describes the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations at home, in school, online, and in the world.

Some of your words are kind. But some of them are not. Words are not for hurting. What do hurtful words do?” Children are known for speaking their minds. We can’t expect them to watch every word, but we can help them to understand that their words affect other people. We can gently guide them to choose words that are helpful instead of hurtful, and to say two very important words—“I’m sorry”—when hurtful words come out before they can stop them. Like Free Spirit's earlier board books Hands Are Not for Hitting and Teeth Are Not for Biting, Words Are Not for Hurting helps little ones learn big ideas: that they are responsible for what they do and say; that their actions and words affect others; and that they can make positive choices. Simple words and delightful full-color illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud one-on-one or in small groups. The book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

Naps are just a little break—but when it’s naptime, many toddlers have trouble settling into sleep. This calming, encouraging book helps young children quiet down so they can get the rest they need. Eyes are closed, lights are dimmed…and (yawn, s-t-r-e-t-c-h) before little ones know it, it’s time to wake up. Cozy illustrations enhance the text.An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Part of the Toddler Tools series, Naptime can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Respect, responsibility, and stewardship are concepts that even young children can relate to—because they have things they value. This book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don’t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes ideas for adult-led activities and discussions.

“It’s fun to find ways I’m like you and you’re like me. It’s fun to find ways we’re different.” In this colorful, inviting book, kids from preschool to lower elementary learn about diversity in terms they can understand: hair that’s straight or curly, families with many people or few, bodies that are big or small. With its wide-ranging examples and fun, highly detailed art, I’m Like You, You’re Like Me helps kids appreciate the ways they are alike and affirm their individual differences. A two-page adult section in the back provides tips and activities for parents and caregivers to reinforce the themes and lessons of the book.

Toddlers learn skills for being patient that make waiting easier for everyone. Toddlers live in the moment. When they want something, they want it now. But learning self-control and delayed gratification will set up young children for success in school and in social settings. Practicing patience is the key. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick acknowledges that waiting can be frustrating and offers toddlers simple ideas to make waiting easier. Little ones can use waiting time to watch the world around them, listen to music, tell stories, sing songs, whisper, play games, build with Legos, draw pictures, move or stretch, and more. Children learn, “I can wait a while. I can do it with a smile.” In this twelfth addition to the best-selling Best Behavior board book series, Marieka Heinlen’s vivid illustrations of young children interacting with their caregivers and families bring warmth and fun to every spread. The book closes with tips to help parents and care providers foster patience in young children.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. Children, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.