Rumor Has It... (Building Relationships)

Rumor Has It... (Building Relationships)

PSSSSTTT! Rumor has it... that the girls have a couch in their bathroom! And they sometimes take naps in there! AND GUESS WHAT ELSE? Rumor has it... they have a TV and play video games in there, too! Whether we’ve been the subject of a rumor or the one spreading a rumor about someone else, most of us have been involved with rumors somehow. But how many people really stop to think about the potentially damaging effects before setting the rumor marble in motion? Fortunately, award-winning author Julia Cook does, and cleverly brings this serious subject to light in an entertaining and funny, but cautionary, tale about the importance of NOT starting or spreading rumors. Kyle Merriman helps bring the story to life with his vivid, eye-popping illustrations that tell the tale of a rumor gone viral. Told through the eyes of the devious rumor marble , who certainly knows how to get around, the story describes how a simple misunderstanding turns into a rumor and starts a chain reaction that can’t be undone, picking up enough steam to make the nightly news and incite an angry uproar from parents. After showing the fallout of the rumor, Julia Cook teaches readers to apply the THINK test, which stands for True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind, before spreading a rumor. Kindergarten through 6 th grade students will laugh as they read this engaging and important story and are reminded that it’s much easier to prevent a train –or a rolling rumor marble -- from starting to roll forward than trying to stop one! Rumor Has It is part of the Building Relationships book series which supports social competence. Tips for parents and educators are located a the end of the story to help teach children how to cope and react effectively to rumors. Julia Cook is the absolute best when it comes to social/emotional books. I lost track of how many I own by her. I especially love the parent/educator sections of the books for applicable discussion topics, vocabulary, and activities. Filled with entertaining pictures, Cook delivers a wonderful story regarding rumors that a variety of children can relate to. --Miranda Shaw, NetGalley Rumor Has It... is an excellent way to teach students about the power of a rumor and how quickly it can grow! This book is especially useful for the upper elementary grades where rumors and gossip are common social challenges. Another must-have Julia Cook resource to add to my counseling library. --Lauren Tilton, Professional School Counselor Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher who has evolved into a national award-winning children's author, parenting expert and inspirational speaker. She travels the country and abroad discussing her stories, encouraging children to laugh while learning to solve their own problems. Cook's research-based books have been referenced in such publications as Parent's Magazine, The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, Care.com, Military Spouse, Yahoo.com, Dr.laura.com, and babyzone.com. With approximately two million books in print, she has received the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award, and her books have been honored by The National Parenting Center and Mom's Choice Awards. Julia is a proud mother and grandmother.