Free Spirit (USA)

Meeting kids’ social & emotional needs since 1983

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Free Spirit's Mission

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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, Free Spirit Publishing is known for its unique understanding of what kids want (and need) to know to navigate life successfully. Our reputation as the groundbreaking publisher of SELF-HELP FOR KIDS® and SELF-HELP FOR TEENS® is rooted in books and other learning materials that are practical, positive, pro-kid, and solution focused. We’re not afraid to tackle tough topics such as teen depression, kids and anxiety, grief and loss, juvenile justice, and conflict resolution.

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
	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, ISBN 1-57542-203-4
	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, ISBN 1-57542-152-6
	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, ISBN 1-57542-130-5
	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, ISBN 1-57542-123-2
	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, ISBN 1-57542-204-2
	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, ISBN 1-57542-160-7
	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, ISBN 1-57542-124-0
	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, ISBN 1-57542-176-3
	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, ISBN 1-57542-159-3
	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, ISBN 1-57542-131-3
	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, ISBN 1-57542-138-0
	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, ISBN 1-57542211-5
	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
	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
BEST BEHAVIOUR SERIES
	Sneezes, coughs, runny noses, spills, and messes are facts of everyday life with children. And that’s why it’s never too soon to teach little ones about germs and ways to stay clean and healthy. This book is a short course for kids on what germs are, what they do, and why it’s so important to cover them up, block them from spreading, and wash them down the drain. Simple words complement warm, inviting, full-colour illustrations that show real-life situations kids can relate to. A special section for adults includes ideas for discussion and activities.
	“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
	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, ISBN 1-57542-181-X 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!
	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
	"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, ISBN 1-57542-158-5
	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-colour illustrations help little ones stay clean and healthy. Includes tips and ideas for parents and caregivers.
	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
	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
	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
	“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
	“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

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