Teeth are Not for Biting

“Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.” Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colorful, virtually indestructible book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives.

The companion to our best-selling Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky, frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting: chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

In the tradition of the best-selling HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING board book, this new colorful -- and durable -- book for little ones tells the truth about those little white teeth: OUCH! Biting hurts. Parents and educators everywhere have embraced the Hands Are Not for Hitting book and board book. And they've made it clear what children need to lean about next: biting. Teeth Are Not for Biting's engaging illustrations and firm but gentle words invite little ones to discover ways to cope with "mad, sad, or cranky" feelings -- even when teething pain gets in the way. By remembering that teeth are not for biting, children can join in the fun of sharing and playing with others. This durable board book also includes parent/teacher-friendly tips for coping with teething and biting.

“Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth are strong and sharp. Crunch crunch crunch. Teeth can help you chew. But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts.” Sooner or later, almost all young children will bite someone—a friend, a parent, a sibling. This upbeat, colorful, virtually indestructible book helps prevent biting and teaches positive alternatives.

The companion to our best-selling Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book, Teeth Are Not for Biting gives reasons why children might want to bite. Little mouths feel sore when new teeth come in; sometimes kids bite when they’re hungry, tired, cranky, frustrated, angry, bored, distressed, or seeking attention. Author Elizabeth Verdick suggests positive things children can do instead of biting: chew a chewy toy, drink a cold drink, get a hug, tell a grown-up. This book also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

A child biting is something that many daycare, preschool teachers and parents encounter and since it is unacceptable behavior, there is a real need for books like this one. The text makes its point that the purpose of teeth is to help you chew and that they are not for biting other people. Biting hurts. Parents and caregivers are give advice as to how to respond to both the child that has been bitten and the biter. The important point made is to determine the cause of biting and not to overreact teeth hurting, frustration, anger, fatigue, are some of the reasons kids bite. Suggestions are made as to how to respond and better yet, how to head off the potential behavior problem before it starts. A useful book for public and personal libraries. 2003, Free Spirit, 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.