Books published by publisher Free Spirit Pub

When free-spirited Jamie arrives at a new preschool, all the kids learn that it’s okay to play whatever you want. There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool— baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This bookchallenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all chil­dren need the freedom to play unencumbered. A special section for teachers, parents, and care­givers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time.

The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

All families change over time. Sometimes a baby is born, or a grown-up gets married. And sometimes a child gets a new foster parent or a new adopted mom or dad. Children need to know that when this happens, it’s not their fault. They need to understand that they can remember and value their birth family and love their new family, too. Straightforward words and full-color illustrations offer hope and support for children facing or experiencing change. Includes resources and information for birth parents, foster parents, social workers, counselors, and teachers.

“Kids are important… They need safe places to live, and safe places to play.” For some kids, this means living with foster parents. In simple words and full-color illustrations, this book explains why some kids move to foster homes, what foster parents do, and ways kids might feel during foster care. Children often believe that they are in foster care because they are “bad.” This book makes it clear that the troubles in their lives are not their fault; the message throughout is one of hope and support. Includes resources and information for parents, foster parents, social workers, counselors, and teachers.

As parents and teachers know, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly, encouraging book, geared to preschool and primary children, introduces and reinforces where and when to use an “indoor voice” or an “outdoor voice.” In classic Best Behavior style the author tells young readers, “Your voice is a powerful tool. How you use it is up to you.” Vivid illustrations show the times and places for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to quiet our voices, and times when yelling might occur. “What happens if you’re mad or frustrated or really, really excited? Your voice gets louder and LOUDER.” But yelling hurts people’s ears and feelings. Children learn that they can quiet their voice and use their words to talk about a problem. “Think before you yell, and use your words well!” Includes a special section for parents and caregivers with activities and discussion starters. 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.

Water is the most important substance on Earth; it is also the most threatened - by climate change, trash, and pollution (such as the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico). Young people across the globe are responding to the world water crisis by transforming their ideas and energy into action and participating in service learning. The call to service is being sounded by world leaders such as President Barack Obama, Jane Goodall, and Philippe Cousteau - grandson of Jacques Cousteau and a champion of the new generation of environmental activists. Teens are answering the call to help our environment by being green, and to rescue our oceans and waterways by going blue. "Going Blue" vividly presents facts and statistics about Earth's oceans and waterways and information about the issues surrounding our current water crisis. Readers will find a wealth of strategies and examples that help them see themselves as change agents and move forward to complete an effective service project.

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.