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.
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From the Publisher
"It's not always an easy feat to teach little ones about morals and the difference between right and wrong. But great news for you author Elizabeth Verdick is her to help you..."—Baby Let's Shop blog
“... not only fun for you and your little ones to cuddle up with at bedtime (or any other time for that matter), but they also teach the importance of using words in respectful and loving ways, and in ways that resolve conflict instead of escalating it.
“Heinlen’s illustrations will capture a child’s imagination as she gazes at an assorted mixture of children from many races.”—noirbaby.com
“A useful tool for the classroom.”—Children’s Literature
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Children's Literature
One of the most important lessons young children can learn is how their actions and words affect others. Sometimes this is a hard lesson to teach. This book is a useful tool for the classroom or for parents at home in teaching the difference between kind words and hurtful words and their impact on others. The simple words and vivid illustrationskids interacting with kids and kids interacting with adultsgently help to convey the message: Words are for helping. In the illustrations, the expressions on kids' faces also help to carry over the message of the text. Even expressions of the dogs and cats, as onlookers, reinforce the text and help readers to understand the effect words have. 2004, Free Spirit Publishing, Ages 3 to 6.
Kelly Moning
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-This cheerful, instructive title highlights the power of words. The focus is on children taking personal responsibility for what they say, as well as thinking before speaking. Communication skills that promote friendship and other key social skills are encouraged. Bright, colorful illustrations convey the messages well via body language and facial expression. Examples expose the negative impact caused by the use of hurtful words and the effective use of the simple, powerful phrase, "I'm sorry." Also included are steps for adults and children to take to get help with a serious problem, such as abuse. This title is similar in scope to Lauren Murphy Payne and Claudia Rohling's We Can Get Along (Free Spirit, 1997), but encompasses a broader range of relationships, along with activity and discussion suggestions for involved adults.-Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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