Feet Are Not for Kicking

Selected to receive the 2004 Read, America! Collection Award

The Read, America! Collection is an annual listing of select books in the children s market and calls attention to superior books. The How Rude!™ Handbooks have also been selected as "Classic" picks, which recognize books above the ordinary.

Winners are announced directly to the newsrooms and feature desks of 1,400 major daily newspapers, wire services, TV networks, and radio and Internet facilities.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

Teaching and reinforcing socially acceptable behavior takes work on the part of parents and caregivers. It also needs to be "fun" for the lesson or message to be readily accepted. In this board book toddlers learn about all the good things they can do with their feet—jump, run, walk, climb, kick balls and more. The message that kicking other people is unacceptable is interspersed. It is made clear that kicking others hurts and it is not good behavior. At the end of the book, there are tips for parents and caregivers to help them deal with tantrums when kicking may occur and signs to look for that will help stave off situations that might prompt such behavior. It is a useful book for parents and caregivers and engaging enough that kids will enjoy the book. 2004, Free Spirit Publishing, Ages 1 to 4.

Elizabeth Verdick is a children's book writer and editor.  She lives in Minnesota with her husband and their two children.

Marieka Heinlen launched her career as a children’s book illustrator with the award-winning Hands Are Not for Hitting. As a freelance illustrator and designer, Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and son.