Words Are Not for Hurting

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2–This cheerful, instructive title highlights the power of words. The focus is on children taking personal responsibility for what they say, as well as thinking before speaking. Communication skills that promote friendship and other key social skills are encouraged. Bright, colorful illustrations convey the messages well via body language and facial expression. Examples expose the negative impact caused by the use of hurtful words and the effective use of the simple, powerful phrase, "I'm sorry." Also included are steps for adults and children to take to get help with a serious problem, such as abuse. This title is similar in scope to Lauren Murphy Payne and Claudia Rohling's We Can Get Along (Free Spirit, 1997), but encompasses a broader range of relationships, along with activity and discussion suggestions for involved adults.–Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
PreS. Before addressing the topic of the power of language, Verdick helps preschoolers focus on the fun of it, with words that are super short, really long, or just plain silly. She reminds young children that their words belong to them; they choose what to say and how to say it. She uses examples to help preschoolers understand how words can be helpful ("Let's work together") or hurtful ("You're stupid"), and she explores the feelings that result after hearing unkind words. She also explains how to take back hateful words by saying "I'm sorry," and what children can do when they hear something cruel being said. The brightly colored drawings, which bring the minimal text to life, are especially effective at showing the range of emotions children experience when they hear unkind language. An excellent resource for sharing at home and at preschools, this title closes with activities and discussion starters for adults to use with young children. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
"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-color illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud one-on-one or in small groups. The book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

From the Publisher
WORDS ARE NOT FOR HURTING board book is a winner of the iParenting Media Awards "Hottest Products", the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval, a Read, America! Selection, and a Dr. Toy Smart Play/Smart Toy Selection.

About the Author
Elizabeth Verdick is a children’s book writer and editor. She is the coauthor of HOW TO TAKE THE GRRRR OUT OF ANGER, STRESS CAN REALLY GET ON YOUR NERVES!, TRUE OR FALSE? TESTS STINK!, and MAKING EVERY DAY COUNT. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and their two children. Marieka Heinlen is also the illustrator of the TEETH ARE NOT FOR BITING and WORDS ARE NOT FOR HURTING board books, as well as the award-winning HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING books for toddlers and preschoolers. As a Creative Director she designs and illustrates books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.


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PreS-Gr 2-This cheerful, instructive title highlights the power of words. The focus is on children taking personal responsibility for what they say, as well as thinking before speaking. Communication skills that promote friendship and other key social skills are encouraged. Bright, colorful illustrations convey the messages well via body language and facial expression. Examples expose the negative impact caused by the use of hurtful words and the effective use of the simple, powerful phrase, "I'm sorry." Also included are steps for adults and children to take to get help with a serious problem, such as abuse. This title is similar in scope to Lauren Murphy Payne and Claudia Rohling's We Can Get Along (Free Spirit, 1997), but encompasses a broader range of relationships, along with activity and discussion suggestions for involved adults.-Sharon A. Neal, Immaculata University, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.


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