Free Spirit (USA)
September 21
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Click on the relevant series, below
Meeting kids’ social & emotional needs since 1983
Look at the fantastic PROMOTIONS on all these titles Free Spirit is the leading publisher
of learning tools that support young people’s social and emotional
health. Everyday life presents many challenges for kids, from home to
school to the wider world. No matter how many choices and changes young
people face, our mission of some 25 years remains the same: to help
children and teens think for themselves, succeed in life, and make a
difference in the world. Based in Free Spirit also offers sound advice with a sense of humour on relevant issues including stress management, character building, puberty, school success, self-esteem, and more. We aim to meet all kids—toddlers, teens, and in-betweens—where they are (not where we wish they were), and support them to develop their talents, build resiliency, and foster a positive outlook on life so they can reach their goals. |
Learn to get along series
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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. This book 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. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour, 9" x
9", ages 4-8, |
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It's
fun to make friends and play with others, but it’s not always
easy to do. You have to make an effort, and you have
to know the rules—like ask before joining in, take turns, play
fair, and be a good sport. This book teaches the basics of cooperation,
getting along, making friends, and being a friend. Includes ideas for games adults can use
with kids to reinforce the skills being taught. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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A
child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in
trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to
help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just
four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands
and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The
focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning
to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to
reinforce the ideas and skills being taught. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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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. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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Even
very young children can help to make the world a better place. This
book begins with the concept of gratitude, because feeling grateful
is a powerful motivator. Words and pictures show children contributing
to their community in simple yet meaningful ways. Includes discussion
questions, a philanthropy role play, generosity games, and ideas for
service projects. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", ages 4-8, |
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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. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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Sharing
is a social skill all children need to learn—the sooner the better.
Concrete examples and reinforcing illustrations help children practice
sharing, understand how and why to share, and realize the benefits of
sharing. Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information
for adults, and activities. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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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. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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It's
hard to try new things—for adults as well as children. It’s
even harder to stay the course when something is more difficult than
we thought it would be, or when things don’t work out the way
we hoped. Yet flexibility and perseverance are essential to success
in all areas of life, at all ages and stages. This book introduces children
to the benefits of trying something new and the basics of stick-to-it-iveness.
Includes suggestions adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills
being taught. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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Empathy
is key to positive, healthy relationships. This book builds empathy
in children. In clear, child-friendly words and illustrations, it helps
them to understand that other people have feelings like theirs—and
different from theirs. It guides children to show they care by listening
to others and respecting their feelings. Includes questions to discuss
and empathy games to play. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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Children
today have many fears, both real and imagined. Encouraging words and
supportive illustrations guide children to face their fears and know
where to turn for help. Little ones also learn simple ways to help themselves.
Includes a special section for adults, with ideas for supporting children
when they feel afraid and a list of additional resources. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, |
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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. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", ages 4-8, |
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It's
never too soon to learn the difference between what’s true and
what isn’t. Words and pictures help young children discover that
being honest in words and actions builds trust and self-confidence.
They also learn that telling the truth sometimes takes courage and tact.
Includes discussion questions, skits, scenarios, and games that reinforce
the ideas being taught. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", juvenile/social skills, for ages 4–8, ISBN
1-57542-258-1 |
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When
children are kind, courteous, and respectful, people enjoy being around
them and reciprocate with the same behaviour. This book helps kids understand the importance
of showing politeness, speaking kindly, using basic courtesies (“please,”
“thank you,” “excuse me”), and respecting the
feelings of others. Scenarios and role-play activities help
adults reinforce the book’s lessons. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-8, ISBN 1-57542-151-8 |
Learn
To Get Along Promotion
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BEST BEHAVIOUR SERIES
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Hands
are not for hitting. Hands are for saying hello. . . .” And for
playing, creating, helping, working, learning, encouraging, taking care
of oneself, and so many more good things. In this gentle, encouraging book, psychologist
Martine Agassi helps young children understand that they are capable
of positive, loving actions. Simple words and warm, inviting full-colour
illustrations reinforce the underlying concepts: that violence is never
okay, and kids can learn to manage their anger. Especially at an age when children are
interacting more with others and starting school, they need to know
that hitting is unacceptable. Words tell—and pictures show—the
many wonderful things kids can do with their hands instead of hitting. Made to be read aloud, Hands Are Not for
Hitting also includes a special section for adults, with ideas for things
to talk about and activities to do together. Recommended for anyone in a caring relationship
with a young child; perfect for day-care, preschool, kindergarten, and
early elementary school classrooms. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-7, ISBN 1-57542-077-5 |
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Pets
may not have words, but they can communicate. Paying attention to an
animal’s cues—a joyful bark, a scary growl, a swishing tail—can
help a child understand what the animal is “saying” and
what an appropriate response might be. That's part of what this book
is about. But mostly it’s about showing children how to love pets
gently—because pets are for loving, after all. Kids learn that
teasing isn't nice, that they can choose to be kind to animals, and
that if you want to touch someone else’s pet, there’s one
important rule you should know: Ask the owner first! A special section
for adults includes ideas for teaching kindness to animals, activities,
and discussion starters. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", ages 4-7, REVIEWS: “Teaching
very young people that pets are living creatures and not toys are of
utmost importance. Tails Are Not for Pulling is a fun book sure to be
enjoyed by parents, their children—and their pets! |
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Selected
as a "Teaching Tool" in Teaching Tolerance magazine The older children get, the more words
they know and can use—including hurtful words. While our Words
Are Not for Hurting Board Book is written for children ages 0–3,
this expanded softcover version is for ages 4–7, a time of growing
vocabularies and increasing awareness of how much words matter. Children learn that their words belong
to them: They can think before they speak, then choose what to say and
how to say it. The book makes the connection between hurtful words and
feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. It introduces positive ways
for children to respond when others say mean or unkind words to them.
And it reinforces the importance of saying “I'm sorry,”
two little words that can be a big help. Includes activities and discussion
starters that parents, caregivers, and educators can use when working
with children. 40 pages, illustrated, softcover, full-colour,
9" x 9", kids, ages 4-7, ISBN 1-57542-156-9 |
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"Look
at those feet! Aren't they sweet?” Yes—when they're walking,
standing, leaping and landing. And when they’re kicking balls
or leaves. But not when they're kicking people! In simple words and charming full-colour
illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for
fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents
and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet. Illustrated, board book, full-colour, 7"
x 7", kids, baby-preschool, |
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It's never too soon for children to learn
that violence is never okay, hands can do many good things, and everyone
is capable of positive, loving actions. In this bright, inviting, durable board
book, simple words and full-colour illustrations teach these important
concepts in ways even very young children can understand. Created in response to requests from parents,
preschool teachers, and childcare providers, this book belongs everywhere
young children are. 24 pages, illustrated, board book, full-colour,
7" x 7", kids, baby-preschool, ISBN 1-57542-200-X |
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For
many young children, giving up the pacifier is a major milestone. This
board book offers warm, comforting words and pictures to ease the transition
and make it a positive experience for kids and grown-ups alike. The
focus is on minimizing stress and drama, dealing with feelings of loss
and frustration, finding fun things to do without a pacifier, and finally
being pacifier-free. Includes helpful tips for parents. 24 pages, illustrated, board book, full-colour,
7" x 7"", juvenile/social skills/parenting, ages 2 &
up, ISBN 1-57542-233-6 |
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If
pets could talk, what would they say? Maybe “Fur is for petting,
backs are for scratching, noses are for nuzzling . . . and tails are
not for pulling!” Toddlers and pets belong together—as long
as toddlers don’t chase, grab, squeeze, yank, and tease. In simple
words and delightful illustrations, this book teaches the basics of
kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect.
It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers. 24 pages, illustrated, board book, full-colour,
7" x 7", baby–preschool, ISBN 1-57542-180-1 |
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Crunch
crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth
can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.”
Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a
friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colourful, virtually indestructible
book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives. The companion to our best-selling Hands
Are Not for Hitting Board Book, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons
why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth
come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky,
frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth
Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting:
chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This
book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers. 24 pages, illustrated, board book, full-colour,
7" x 7", kids, baby-preschool, ISBN 1-57542-128-3 |
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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 our 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-colour
illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud one-on-one or in small
groups. The book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers. 24 pages, illustrated, board book, full-colour,
7" x 7", kids, baby-preschool, ISBN 1-57542-155-0 |
Best
Behaviour Promotion
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Award winning book series by Free Spirit and with wonderful illustrations that focuses on behaviours
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Many more products from this publisher are available, visit our showroom for all your educational needs
All rights reserved. September 21 Enterprise, 2010