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. The book is divided into the five stages of service learning: investigate, prepare, act, reflect, and demonstrate. With the aid of lively photos and illustrations, along with practical suggestions and activities, teens plan and do meaningful service learning projects that benefit our planet’s water system.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

Build social and emotional skills (and brainpower) with upbeat, inviting songs by a child psychologist and award-winning songwriter. Musically sophisticated, professionally produced songs teach and reinforce caring, sharing, resilience, the Golden Rule, valuing diversity, learning and asking questions, taking care of things, peacemaking, and more. The kid-friendly lyrics and beats you can dance to make learning fun. Adults like these tunes as much as kids do (teachers and parents, they won’t drive you crazy). The companion book includes activities that reinforce key concepts, reproducible activity pages, and complete lyrics.

We know that music builds brainpower. Ready to Rock Kids also builds social and emotional skills while supporting character education. Upbeat, inviting songs by a child psychologist and award- winning songwriter teach positive behavior, respect, responsibility, including everyone, good manners, friendship, self-esteem, best effort, honesty, kindness, and more. As kids bop to the beat, they don’t even know they’re learning! The songs are musically sophisticated and professionally produced; adults will enjoy them, too. The companion book includes activities that reinforce key concepts, reproducible activity pages, and complete lyrics. 48 pages, illustrated, softcover, black and white, 8½" x 11"

For kids (and parents) who are ready to give up the pacifier, this comforting book offers gentle encouragement to ease the transition. With simple words and colorful illustrations, this book highlights minimizing frustration and suggests alternatives to using the pacifier. Includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

This book by Cheri J. Meiners teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. It uses simple words and bright illustrations to show kids how to stay safe in real-life situations, and offers a section for adults with ways to reinforce the book’s ideas through discussion questions and games. “This book addresses a tough topic — potentially dangerous situations for kids — in a non-scary or non-alarming way,” Penne Post of Free Spirit Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2006.

Written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, Germs Are Not For Sharing is the newest in the popular award-winning Best Behavior series. In childcare, in preschool, at home, and everywhere, toddlers need to learn that germs are not for sharing. Rather than focus on what germs are, this book teaches the basics of not spreading them: Cover up a sneeze or cough. Hug or blow kisses when you’re sick. And most of all, wash your hands! Child-friendly words and full-color illustrations help little ones stay clean and healthy. The book includes tips and ideas for parents and caregivers. Arriving in book and specialty stores at the height of the flu season, this charming book can be used by parents and teachers to help teach little ones how to keep pesky germs at bay.

This board book teaches kids the importance of respecting their household pets. The latest in Free Spirit´s Best Behavior™ series,” Tails Are Not For Pulling teaches kids that animals are living things, not toys. Kids will learn how to care for animals and how to interact with them safely.

Written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, feet are sweet —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-color illustrations, this 7" x 7",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. Feet Are Not for Kicking Board Book was selected because, according to Dr. Toy, it allows children to extend their imagination, resourcefulness, social interaction, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

Engaging illustrations and firm but gentle words invite little ones to discover ways to cope with "mad, sad, or cranky" feelings‹even when teething pain gets in the way. By remembering that teeth are not for biting, children can join in the fun of sharing and playing with others.

Go beyond “A is for Apple” with an alphabet book that builds character. As children learn and review their ABCs, they discover positive actions they can perform with their own small hands—like applauding, building, giving gifts made with love, helping, planting, recycling, and volunteering. This 32-page, 9 1/4" x 11 1/4" full-color hardcover book was written by Coleen Paratore and illustrated by Mike Reed.

“Words Are Not for Hurting” expanded soft cover version, by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, gently guides children in the art of positive, respectful communication. It covers a broad range of topics from how to apologize to how to get help for abuse. The vivid illustrations convey the importance of facial expressions and body language. Parents, caregivers and educators can use the activities and discussion starters to reinforce learning. School Library Journal recently gave the book rave reviews. - Aire Norell

It´s never too late to learn about the many good things hands can do. Filled with all the positive activities hands can do this book conveys a simple but important message. Parents and educators everywhere have embraced this instant favorite.