By Jeff Tucker
Illustrated by Miranda Morrissey
Available February 2024
Sophie says sorry – a lot.
She says it so much, her schoolmates call her Sorry Sophie.
It doesn’t matter what mistake, mayhem, or misery she creates, Sophie blurts out a quick sorry and thinks she’s made everything right.When she gobbles up all the cookies that were meant to be shared with her little brother, she shouts sorry and moves on. When a magnifying glass is shattered because of her carelessness, she offers a casual sorry and escapes consequences. Sophie uses the word like a get out of jail free card.
But what happens when she turns Emelia’s much-loved birthday present into a shredded, deflated mess? Emelia doesn’t want to hear the same-old sorry from Sophie. She expects more than just talk. She wants Sophie to make it right.
Now Sophie is stuck. If saying sorry is no longer enough, how can she make things right? Is there a resolution that will satisfy everyone?
More importantly, how can Sophie repair all the hurt she caused her friend?
With colorful illustrations and a plot that young children will easily relate to, award-winning author and counselor educator Jeff Tucker reminds readers that everybody makes mistakes, but how you respond afterward is what matters and makes all the difference. A special page written specifically for parents and educators offers practical tips on helping children use restorative practices to resolve conflicts, repair relationships, build empathy, and be accountable.
By Jeff Tucker
Illustrated by Miranda Morrissey
Vinnie is fearless. He’s so fearless, everyone calls him Vinnie the Brave.
He’s not afraid to climb way up high, capture creepy crawlies with his bare hands, or stare down ghostly looking things. But this courageous kid does have one giant fear that he desperately wants to hide. It’s a terror so big, it sends a cold shiver down his spine, leaves him speechless, and makes him question just how brave he really is.
Vinnie’s great fear – speaking up in class.
When he doesn’t understand the material or the teacher goes too fast, Vinnie refuses to raise his hand. He doesn’t want the other kids to laugh at him, judge him, or say he’s clueless. He sits in silence and pretends it all makes sense. But now he’s falling behind. His grades are slipping, and something has to change.
Vinnie and his teacher come up with a secret signal he can use whenever he needs help or wants the teacher to slow down. The discreet signal involves tugging on his ears. It works perfectly until the day he tugs and tugs and tugs, but his teacher never notices. Now what
Will Vinnie keep yanking his ears? Will he raise his hand and finally speak up? Or will he sit in silence and fall further behind?
With vibrant illustrations and a main character everyone will root for, award-winning author and school counselor Jeff Tucker explores the fears kids have about speaking up in class and being judged by their peers. A special page written specifically for parents and teachers offers practical tips on helping kids recognize the differences between helpful and harmful fears and how to manage social anxiety.
Support independent bookstores. Consider purchasing from WordsWorth Books, a local independent bookseller in my hometown.
By Jeff Tucker
Illustrated by Brian Martin
Isaac is a wily old alligator living deep in the swamp.
He spends his days sneaking around, eavesdropping on his neighbors. The more he listens to the other animals, the more jealous he becomes. They have real friendships while he's all alone. Isaac isn't happy and wants everyone to feel as miserable as he is.
Using his special talent (making his voice sound exactly like any other animal), Isaac stirs up trouble and turns friends against friends. His vocal tricks are ruining relationships. Now, he isn't just an alligator... he's an InstiGator!
Will Isaac be able to instigate a fight between two of the swamp's closest companions? Or will they teach him a lesson about the true meaning of friendship?
Written for young readers in grades K through 6, this delightful tale by author and school counselor Jeff Tucker delivers a valuable and powerful message about trust, deception, forgiveness, and friendship.
Support independent bookstores. Consider purchasing from WordsWorth Books, a local independent bookseller in my hometown.
By Jeff Tucker
Illustrated by Miranda Morrissey
The students at Chicorée Elementary are back and this time Emelia is feeling stressed. She has some big tests and is nervous about having time to finish. So imagine her reaction when Sammy gets an extra few minutes to finish his test, and Cecelia gets to use a calculator for hers!
It’s just not fair!
When her big belly breaths aren’t helping her calm down, Emelia goes to visit the school counselor, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins uses keen listening, positive relationships, and wonderful illustrative examples to help Emelia see that fair does not always mean equal.
Readers of all ages, adults included, will find this timely teaching tale valuable and relevant.
Support independent bookstores. Consider purchasing from WordsWorth Books, a local independent bookseller in my hometown.
By Jeff Tucker
Illustrated by Miranda Morrissey
Sammy wants you to know he's no blabbermouth. He's no tattletale. No squealer or rat. And he most definitely is no snitch.
No matter what he sees, Sammy stays silent. When his best bud sticks a wad of gooey gum under a desk, Sammy doesn't spill the beans. When someone sneaks off with a cupcake, he doesn't tattle. Afterall, he's no snitch and proud of it.
But will Sammy stay tight-lipped when a good friend is bullied and targeted for a beatdown after school?
My Name's Sammy, and I'm No Snitch is a realistic and riveting tale that teaches young readers the difference between snitching and reporting, and helps them understand why the slogan "see something, say something" is meant to keep everyone safe.
Support independent bookstores. Consider purchasing from WordsWorth Books, a local independent bookseller in my hometown.