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 English-Spanish bilingual picture 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 children kindness to animals, activities, and discussion starters in both English and Spanish.

Best Behavior series
Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1-4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4-7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of all titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

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 book series--including the Happy Healthy Baby(R) series, which is designed to capture the interest of your 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.