My Mouth Is a Volcano - by Julia Cook (Paperback)

About the Book

Teach children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting.

Louis always interrupts! All of his thoughts are very important to him, and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue, and then they push on his teeth right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts). His mouth is a volcano! But when others begin to interrupt Louis, he learns how to respectfully wait for his turn to talk--and discovers a simple strategy to manage his "volcanic" words.

My Mouth Is a Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to help them manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. Told from Louis' perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening, waiting patiently, and taking turns speaking.

Book Synopsis

Children who interrupt often aren't trying to be rude--their thoughts just feel too important to hold in. My Mouth Is a Volcano! uses an empathetic, child-friendly approach to help young learners understand their feelings and practice listening and self-control.

Louis always interrupts! All of his thoughts are very important to him, and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue, and then they push on his teeth right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts). His mouth is a volcano!

But when others begin to interrupt Louis, he learns how to respectfully wait for his turn to talk--and discovers a simple strategy to manage his "volcanic" words.

My Mouth Is a Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to help them manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. Told from Louis' perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening, waiting patiently, and taking turns speaking.

This engaging picture book helps children:

• Understand why they interrupt
• Pause before speaking and manage big, energetic thoughts
• Build self-control and respectful communication
• Practice listening and waiting their turn at home and in the classroom

Perfect for social and academic skills lessons, classroom read-alouds, and family discussions about communication and patience.

Review Quotes

Amazing book! I have a class that was very talkative... So, when I read the description I thought it would be perfect and turns out... This book was absolutely PERFECT!!! After reading the story we had several conversations about how others feel when you "erupt" them and how it can interrupt lessons. An amazing story the was written well for any age level to understand the importance of respecting the words of others.

Mrs. Pinck
Teacher

Finally!...A book that deals with the universal challenge of teaching children the social nuances of polite conversation, not interrupting, and when to stop talking. As an educator, Julia Cook combines her many years of experience and profound insight with humor, rhythmic verse, and colorful illustrations to create a book that all children are sure to enjoy (and that every parent, teacher, and child-care provider will undoubtedly appreciate)!

Dr. Laura A. Jana
National Trainer for Reach Out and Read

This book has been great for my 5 year old. We've owned it for about 6 months now. We read it pretty frequently at first, and coupled it with discussions about interrupting. The illustrations and concepts in the book were familiar for my son-- one setting is an elementary classroom, and he was in kindergarten when we got the book, so it made an impact. Now, usually all we have to do is give a gentle reminder that he just interrupted us, and my son will apologize and sit tight until it's his turn to talk.

Rebecca

About the Author

Julia Cook, M.S. is a national award-winning children's author, counselor, and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools nationally and internationally, regularly speaks at education and counseling conferences, and has published children's books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook's work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the "what to say" and the "how to say it."

Carrie Hartman is an award-winning illustrator who's work includes: editorial, children's books and book illustration, character development, advertising, posters, greeting cards, comic books, stationary, and animation projects. She is a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, where she is currently a member of the design faculty teaching illustration.