The complete Free Spirit Best Behavior™ Series
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

Simple words and delightful full-color illustrations guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. These durable board books are for children ages baby through preschool. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

Each board book is 24 pages, color illustrated, and 7" x 7".

Early Childhood

Hands Are Not for Hitting
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

In this gentle, encouraging book, simple words and warm, inviting full-color illustrations teach children that violence is never okay and that they can learn to manage their anger. Made to be read aloud, the book comes in a boardcover edition — great for little hands — and a 40-page softcover edition with a special section for adults, including ideas for things to talk about and activities to do together. Recommended for day-care, preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school classrooms, as well as the home.

“Gentle ways to effectively handle aggressive behavior”—Connecticut Post

“A gentle, pleasant, necessary, effective, and positive reminder to children about the many good things hands can do — and the many ways to handle strong feelings without hitting.” —Portsmouth Herald

Early Childhood

Feet Are Not for Kicking
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

“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 colorful pictures, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not hurting others. A companion to Free Spirit's award-winning Hands Are Not for Hitting, Teeth Are Not for Biting, and Words Are Not for Hurting board books. Feet Are Not for Kicking also includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Early Childhood

Teeth Are Not for Biting
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

Sooner or later almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, parent, or sibling. This book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives.

Early Childhood

Germs Are Not for Sharing
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

Achoo! Cough! F-L-U-S-H! What to do? 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. Includes tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.

Early Childhood

Tails Are Not for Pulling
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

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.

Early Childhood

Words Are Not for Hurting
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

Some words are loud, and some are soft. Some are kind, but some are not. Even very young children can learn the difference. They can be responsible for what they say, and they can choose words that are helpful, not hurtful. This book shows them how. Simple words and charming pictures teach little ones big ideas. The companion to the award winning Hands Are Not for Hitting and Teeth Are Not for Biting board books, Words Are Not for Hurting also includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Early Childhood

Pacifiers Are Not Forever
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

This book smooths the way and makes giving up the pacifier a positive experience for all. Instead of saying that pacifiers are "bad," the focus is on minimizing stress and drama, dealing with feelings of frustrations, and finding fun things to do without a pacifier. Little ones relate to the simpe words and warm, true-to-life illustrations. Tips from specialists give Mom and Dad the reassurance they need.

Early Childhood

Diapers Are Not Forever
Elizabeth Verdick (author), Marieka Heinlen (illustrator)

Learning to use the potty takes patience and practice, and this charming, straight-forward book helps pave the way. Young children learn how to use the potty and why it's time to do so, while gaining the courage and confidence to face this important milestone in their lives. When little ones learn to “do what the big kids do” (go, wipe, flush, wash their hands), they won't need a diaper anymore—they'll have underwear under there! Includes tips for parents and caregivers from a children's health specialist.

Early Childhood