Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series)

Help kids choose helpful words, not hurtful words.

Words Are Not for Hurting shows young children how words can be hurtful and what to do about it. For children ages 4–7, this engaging book explains that it’s not okay to insult, tease, name-call, or exclude others. Adults and children can read this book together to start conversations about topics like sticking up for yourself, apologizing when you say something hurtful, and choosing kind ways to express feelings or set boundaries.

In kid-friendly terms and with engaging illustrations, this book helps children choose words that don’t harm others. Part of the award-winning Best Behavior® series, this title helps readers develop communication skills they can carry with them for life.

• Shows how to recognize and respond to insults, name-calling, and other hurtful words
• Teaches children what to do if they or someone else uses hurtful language
• Pairs simple text with bright, inclusive images of children in everyday situations
• Expands on the themes in the board book with the same title

Words Are Not for Hurting is a great resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors who want to teach kids to speak respectfully. The book can be read in response to situations that arise, or as part of daily routines. A special section for adults offers practical strategies for teaching children about kindness―including how our tone of voice and facial expressions lend meaning to our words. Great for children who read the board book edition and need an expanded reminder when behaviors resurface.

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for babies, toddlers, teens, and every age in between. She especially loves creating new board books. The Happy Healthy Baby® series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth’s Toddler Tools® series helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). In the Best Behavior® series, she helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn® series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social-emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary and middle school years. She’s also coauthor of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents), which offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day.

Elizabeth lives and writes near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Marieka Heinlen received her BFA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

She launched her career as an award-winning children’s book illustrator with Hands Are Not for Hitting and has illustrated all of the books in the Best Behavior® and Toddler Tools® series. Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers.

She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, son, and daughter.