Elizabeth Verdick, Author
Marieka Heinlen, Illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing, Nonfiction, April 20, 2015
Suitable for Ages: Board Book, 0-3, Paperback, 4-7
Themes: Children learning how to use their indoor and outdoor voices
Opening: What do you use your voice for? Talking “Hi!” Asking questions “How are you?” Telling jokes. Laughing . . . Ha, ha! Singing, la, la, la!”
Book Jacket Synopsis: As every grown-up knows, yelling comes naturally to children. This friendly book introduces and reinforces where and when to use an “indoor voice” or and “outdoor voice.” Simple words and vivid illustrations show the places and times for an indoor voice, the ways people ask us to speak more quietly, and situations when yelling might occur. Children learn how they can quiet their voices and talk about a problem, supported by a simple reminder: “Think before you yell, and use your words well!”
Why I like this book:
- This book is available in two versions, a board book for children 0-3 years of age who haven’t gained control of their emotions, and a longer and more in-depth paperback for children 4-7 years of age.
- The author uses simple words to show children when and where they should use an indoor voice (in a library, classroom, car, movie theater) and an outdoor voice (playing outside, laughing).
- With toddlers, frustration, yelling, screaming and throwing tantrums are normal. The book will help small children understand why it’s better to use an indoor voice so people “will hear their words and not the yelling.” It will also teach them how to calm down and ask for help so they can get what they need.
- Preschool and primary school children will benefit from the paperback book, as they are more advanced and socially conscious of those around them. They will be more likely to understand the concepts being encouraged and how yelling can have an impact on others. They are asked simple questions about what is happening inside them when their voices get louder and louder.
- Marieka Heinlen’s illustrations are simple, bold, colorful and lively. Every page has a different groups of characters that are diverse and expressive. The cover on the paperback book is priceless as it quickly identifies what happens when a child yells.
- The board book is a must for parents with toddlers and the paperback book is perfect to have on hand in the classroom.
Resources: The book alone is a resource with many useful tips for parents and teachers to practice with children. And there are quiet-time gestures that children can learn. Voices Are Not for Yelling is part of Free Spirit’s the Best Behavior series. Below are titles in both board and paperback books.
Elizabeth Verdick is the author of more than 40 books for children and teens, including the Best Behavior series, the Happy Healthy Baby and Toddler Tools board book series, and the Laugh and Learn series for preteens. She has written Stand Up to Bullying! and The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents).
Filed under: Best Behavior, Children's Book Review, Elizabeth Verdick Tagged: Behavior, Voices, Yelling