Tails Are Not for Pulling - (Best Behavior(r)) by Elizabeth Verdick

About the Book

Teach kids that teasing animals isn't nice, they can choose to be kind to animals, and it's important to ask before touching someone's pet.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Teaching very young people that pets are living creatures and not toys is of utmost importance. Tails Are Not for Pulling is a fun book sure to be enjoyed by parents, their children--and their pets!"--Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo, Host, "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures"

ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award, Winner

About the Author

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(R) series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth's Toddler Tools(R) 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(R) 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(R) 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(R) and Toddler Tools(R) 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.