Words Are Not for Hurting / Las palabras no son para lastimar (Best Behavior Series)

by Elizabeth Verdick, Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Overview

With gentle encouragement, this book teaches children that they can think before speaking, choose what to say and how to say it, and find positive ways to respond when others use unkind words. The importance of saying “I’m sorry” is reinforced. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575423128
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing, Inc.
Publication date:	04/01/2009
Series:	Free Spirit Best Behavior Series
Edition description:	Bilingual Edition: English & Spanish , Ages 4-7, Paperback
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Elizabeth Verdick is the author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books for children and teenagers, including books in the Toddler Tools board book series, the Best Behavior series for young children, and the Laugh & Learn series for preteens. Her most recent titles include Diapers Are Not Forever and Listening Time and Bye-Bye Time from the Toddler Tools series. Elizabeth lives with her husband, daughter, son, and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Marieka Heinlen received her BFA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. She launched her career as an award-winning children’s book illustrator with the original edition of Hands Are Not for Hitting and has illustrated other books in the Best Behavior series and Free Spirit’s Toddler Tools board book series. As a freelance illustrator and designer, Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and son.

Editorial Reviews

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 illustrations—kids interacting with kids and kids interacting with adults—gently 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

Children's Literature

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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