When our girls were growing up, I can remember working hard at teaching them the difference between teasing and bullying. Our motto was, “If it isn’t fun for everyone then it’s not fun!” With bullying being such an epidemic among children, they all need to know which is which, and when they are crossing the line.
The characters are very unusual as most books go; they are all a number “One”. What makes them different is the various colors except for “one”. (pardon the pun) He distinguished from the others by many colors and designs. His name is “One of a Kind.” Pretty catchy huh? The emphasis of course is how very unique he is compared to his peers.
He shares funny little characteristics about himself that make him special. Just as with anyone that isn’t like everyone else, he is teased a lot. To make it even worse is best friend teases him! One returns home from school after a particularly hard day and feels awful! He rushes into the house and tells is very wise Mom all that has happened.
She explains that teasing is just a part of life but there is a difference someone being playful or just mean. She also cautions him to look at himself and see what kind of kidding around he does. Mom shares coping skills with One to help him better respond to others. The next day he applies these each time he is teased or bullied. The day turns out great!
To a young child both activities are painful. This colorful book with funny characters is written rhyme which makes it even more appealing. It truly equips children to emotionally, mentally and verbally deal with teasing and bullying. At the end of the book are tips for adults to help children further. I love these books!! Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of the author’s books!

Parents and teachers struggle frequently with children lying and it seems to be a hard habit to help them break. Look no further! This fun, entertaining book has just what kids need to see the error of their ways!
Levi knows tells lie, all the way from Whoppers to little “white” lies. He finds it easier to tell an untruth than face the consequences of his actions. At least he thinks it is easier.
Sometimes his falsehoods do the trick but many of his friends, family, and teachers see right through most of them. That doesn’t stop Levi. One day a note is sent home from his teacher and unknown to him she gives his Mom the thumb up it is on the way. Of course Levi tries to tell a fib.
Mom, knowing the truth, explains to her so how damaging lying is, and one falsehood always leads to telling another, and another and another, …… She points out all the ways lying hurts Levi. No reason is big enough to make it okay to tell one.
Starting then and there he decides he will try telling the truth every time. He begins my fessing up to what REALLY happened to the teacher’s note.
The next day he goes to each person he has been dishonest with and admits his lies from the day before. That took courage! He is amazed at how good it made him feel and how forgiving everyone was.
At the end of the book are advice and 11 thoughts and ideas to foster honesty in children. As always with Ms. Cook’s books are entertaining, though provoking and present the material in a non-judgmental or threatening way to the child. If you work with kids you need this book! Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of the author’s books!

I know Ms. Cooks books are for children, but so many of them are perfect for adults too! Her straight forwardness, simplicity, and unique way of putting things in perspective can speak to all ages!
Too often we view planning and making priorities as taking too much effort and time. Why do that when we can just “get busy” and “do it”? Once again her two characters Cletus and Bocephus are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
The fun cousins are back! Planning guru Bocephus is super organized with his time. He never faces the stress deadlines unprepared, forgotten items or dates with friends and more.
Poor fly by the seat of his pants Cletus lives in the “now’ and is constantly facing problems, difficulties and crisis’s due his LACK of planning.
By the hand of fate the two cousins are put together to work on a science project together. Bocephus of course has a grand plan to ensure their success and a good grade. Cletus is much too interested in all the interesting distractions coming his way. As you can probably guess there is a bit of disaster and some heated feelings as the work on the assignment together.
Both boys learn valuable lessons. Cletus learns the importance of setting priorities and having a plan. Bocephus discovers that while priorities are vital but being flexible, anticipating the unexpected, and being patient with others is just as important.
The end of the book has wonderful questions and tips to help children (and adults) learn how to plan and prioritize. Ms. Cook’s great illustrations and added humor add so much to the lesson and story. Another great book by Julia Cook!
Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of the author’s books!