Herman Jiggle has something he wants to say. He doesn’t like recess anymore. And it’s NOT because he’s kinda sorta shy. Herman is frustrated because recess isn’t fun when other kids do things that make it not fun. Like, when you play tag, it isn’t supposed to hurt. Or when you play on the playground, you aren’t supposed to wind up getting woodchips dumped on your head. And it isn’t very fair when kids change the rules so that they are the ones who always win. Herman’s caring teacher decides to help all the children understand the importance of following rules and procedures – at recess and other places too. Will Herman see the value in getting fresh air and moving your body? Will he be able to find ways to have fun, not stress, at recess? Awardwinning author, educator, and parenting expert Julia Cook offers a story to which every Prek 5 teacher and student will relate. Remarkable illustrations by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Michael Garland will capture and keep the reader’s attention.

Herman Jiggle has something he wants to say. He doesn’t like recess anymore. And it’s NOT because he’s kinda sorta shy. Herman is frustrated because recess isn’t fun when other kids do things that make it not fun. Like, when you play tag, it isn’t supposed to hurt. Or when you play on the playground, you aren’t supposed to wind up getting woodchips dumped on your head. And it isn’t very fair when kids change the rules so that they are the ones who always win. Herman’s caring teacher decides to help all the children understand the importance of following rules and procedures – at recess and other places too. Will Herman see the value in getting fresh air and moving your body? Will he be able to find ways to have fun, not stress, at recess? Award-winning author, educator, and parenting expert Julia Cook offers a story to which every Pre-K - 5 teacher and student will relate. Remarkable illustrations by New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Michael Garland will capture and keep the reader’s attention.

Who’s the boss? Awesome Dawson or his BIG emotions? When Dawson is told to turn off the TV and go to bed, he huffs and puffs and kicks the couch. He’s not ready for bed just yet. When Dawson is told to put his shoes on for school, he shouts and pouts. He’d rather stay home and build stuff with Dad. When Dawson sees Harvey, his best bud, he leaps high in the air and then comes crashing down on him. And when Dawson spills paint all over his most-favorite shirt, he panics and gasps for breath. He fears his shirt is ruined. Dawson experiences lots of strong emotions – anger, sadness, excitement, and worry. Each one feels gigantic. Can he, with the help of a caring teacher, find a way to harness those emotions in a safe, healthy way? Or will Dawson’s biggest feelings be the boss of him? Bestselling author Julia Cook and renowned play therapist Dr. Rebeca Chow team up in this colorful, empowering story about how to stop emotions from spinning out of control. A special page written by Dr. Chow, who is a clinical counselor and registered play therapist, offers practical strategies parents and educators can use to help children manage their big emotions. This is the second title in the Awesome Dawson series, which includes Awesome Dawson, It’s Not Your Turn.

With his mother’s help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn’t listen or pay attention to directions from her, his school principal, teachers, or even his friends. Author Julia Cook’s book shows RJ as well as all K-6 readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life! This book is the first in the BEST ME I Can Be! series to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. The book includes tips for parents and educators on how to effectively teach listening and following instructions skills to kids.

What do I want to be when I grow up? This is an age-old question that young Bridget and Fidget Widget seek to answer as they join their dad for a family stroll through the village. As they walk, they see all sorts of interesting individuals doing fascinating things. They meet Jack Hammer, who is shaking and pounding the pavement. They see the town’s talented plumber, Walter Wrench, who is busy unclogging drains. They see Mrs. Fryer, who is serving up crispy bacon and two eggs sunny-side up. They watch Mr. Vendor making change and then eye Sally Sawit, who is busy building something out of wood. They peer through a window to see Mr. Reboot repairing a broken clock, and they walk by a team of painters giving a brick wall a vibrant splash of color. Before returning home, the family even sees an officer directing traffic, a street sweeper sucking up trash, and heavy equipment operators rolling down the street and digging giant holes. It’s an eye-opening journey for the brother and sister. They are introduced to many different skilled trades while being reminded there are no limitations to what they can do or become! With rich, evocative illustrations and concise dialogue, young readers are introduced to a colorful world of possibilities and opportunities.

Rex loves to explore, go on adventures, and discover surprises. Unfortunately for him, his latest escapade has become one sticky and scary predicament. Rex is literally stuck in the muck. He’s trapped with no way to free himself. Thankfully, he does have a caring group of dino-buddies who look out for one another. When Rex doesn’t return home, Dac (a persistent Pterodactyl) and Steg (a headstrong Stegosaurus) set out to find him. The two ask everyone they meet if they’ve seen Rex. Ig says he saw Rex at the bridge. But he’s not there anymore. Anky claims to have seen him by the waterfall. But nope! He’s not anywhere around there. Rex isn’t at the cave or the canyon either. Where could he be? With simple sentences and richly colored illustrations, young and beginning readers are taken on a quest that involves much more than a rescue. It is a tale filled with life lessons about teamwork, problem solving, friendship, and gratitude.

Herman Jiggle feels like he’s different from other kids. His hair is too wild and spikey. His shoes are too slow and clunky. And his teeth don’t even wiggle! He wants to be like everyone else and will try anything to fit in. He will even try taking out his tooth the hard way if it gives him a hole like the ones his friends have. Before he tries changing himself again, can his loving mom teach Hermie how to love and celebrate his own unique spirit and talents?

Why is it that when bedtime arrives, THAT’S the time children’s curiosity seems to peak? Well, at least that’s the case with Herman Jiggle. It’s bedtime, and as Mom helps Herman get ready, he has countless questions, like Why does the sun go away? Where does honey come from? Or, I have a best friend Charlie who can blow big bubbles. How do you make bubble gum? Mom’s patience is on point as she masterfully guides Herman through his bedtime routine, embracing his curiosity while reminding him of what comes next. This sweet story is part of the Socially Skilled Kids picture book series told in Julia Cook’s classic style. Young children in grades K through 5 will enjoy learning along with Herman, and their parents and caretakers will be laughing and nodding the whole time! When kids don't get enough sleep, they can become irritable, anxious, and even depressed. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to the onset of behavior problems, an inability to control emotions, attention and learning difficulties, and even childhood obesity. Putting your child to bed at night and getting them to stay there can be a challenge. Included at the end of the story are tips for parents and caregivers to help ensure your children are getting adequate amounts of sleep.

Recess. A swing set. An argument. A resolution! Michael Hall’s transformative Swing is a celebration of friendship, joy, and kindness. Readers of all ages will look forward to seeing how four unlikely friends navigate their differences. A surprising and standout picture book from the acclaimed and bestselling creator of Red: A Crayon’s Story and Perfect Square. It’s recess! Four letters (O, V, E, and L) race to the playground to claim the swings. In several pages of recess banter and bullying, one letter is told it’s too round, one is from the wrong end of the alphabet, and one is a vowel and therefore not welcome. What does it take to save the day? Kindness . . . and a heavenly and joyful swing. And what do the letters—friends now because of their shared experience—spell when they finally come back to Earth? LOVE. A story about sharing, acceptance, and kindness, this transcendent and colorful picture book will keep readers guessing while also introducing the letters of the alphabet. Swing is for anyone who loves to hop on a swing and fly to the sky.

Ricky can’t stop using his digital devices, especially his phone and me-pad, because he’s so addicted. He doesn’t play outside. He doesn’t read books. He doesn’t even remember to feed his goldfish. His life consists only of what he sees and hears on the screens he constantly holds in front of his face… and that’s just how the BIG IDEA Company wants it! The company controls every digital message, telling kids what to like, what to buy, what to do, and even what to think! New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Michael Garland creates a haunting, yet eerily familiar, world that reminds readers – of any age – what can go wrong when phones and other devices become all-consuming.