Well, I Can Top That!

by Julia Cook, Anita DuFalla (Illustrator)

Overview

Brad has some pretty terrific things going on in his life - or at least that's what he tells all of his classmates! Did someone win a hot dog eating contest? Well, Brad did too. But he ate WAY MORE! Did someone break a leg? Well, Brad did too. But he broke BOTH legs AND arms! Brad (or Brag, as his classmates refer to him) has so many tall tales, no one can compete! 

When Brad is assigned to write about a fantastical, can't-possibly-happen situation, he discovers that all his tall tales have hurt his relationships. So, he pens a story about having friends. To him, that's unthinkable. 

In these pages, award-winning Julia Cook teaches children how to be a good friend by sharing the spotlight and becoming a "pull-upper," not a "one-upper!" Well, I can Top That is the first book in Julia's Communicate with Confidence book series, designed to teach kids key skills that will help them be more successful at home, in school, and in life by mastering the art of communicating. 

Included with Well, I Can Top That are tips for parents and educators to help children learn how to refrain from excessive bragging. 

Communicate with Confidence book series also includes other great storybooks written by Julia Cook! 

• Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice: Introducing Children to the “Five Volumes” of Voices
• Gas Happens: What to Do When It Happen to You

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781934490570
Publisher:	Boys Town Press
Publication date:	02/15/2014
Series:	Communicate with Confidence , #1
Edition description:	First Edition, Illustrated
Pages:	31
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Julia Cook, a former school counselor and teacher, has written many books on behavior and health for children. Julia has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving parents and educators the “what to say” and “how to say it to kids.” Her ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, parents and educators by teaching lifelong problem-solving skills to kids.

Anita DuFalla is an award-winning illustrator, editorial art director and university adjunct faculty member in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Editorial Reviews

Bragging can have such a negative impact on social relationships. Julia’s incredible talent with words, coupled with amazing illustrations, takes a sensitive topic and makes it understandable to children. This book allows children to understand the problems bragging creates and offers specific strategies to help them change their behaviors. It incorporates self-reflection and skill building with the message that you make friends by choosing to be a ‘pull-upper’ instead of a ‘one-upper.’” - Melissa A. Louvar Reeves, Ph.D., School Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and University Lecturer

"Well, I Can Top That!" is an outrageous story about Brad, a boy who liked to brag, telling outrageous exaggerated stories or tall tales to impress friends. Brad really wanted to just have friends, and he found that his behavior was not impressing friends or making new ones for him. One day his teacher helped him understand that he needed to change from being a ‘One-Upper’ to a ‘Pull-Upper,’ someone who lets a friend take spotlight time and attention and gives them support instead of always competing with them. “Well, I Can Top That!” is filled with humorous, colorful tall tale exaggerations and expressions and funny, zany, expressive illustrations. It will make some helpful points and suggestions about winning ways to become a “Pull-Upper’ instead of a ‘One-Upper.’ A helpful list of tips for parents and educators on bragging behavior is included." - Diane C. Donovan, Editor, Children’s Bookwatch

"Cook has a way of communicating clearly and with empathy for a child's perspective. This is a must have parenting tool that the kids like as they learn." - S W, Amazon

From the Publisher