Julia Cook's Story of Overcoming Adversity: The Worst Day of My Life Ever!

tawnya: Great book. I have a few others from the collection. They are very engaging for my second graders. I thought it would be ideal for 1st great but was greatly surprised at how much my 2nd graders enjoyed it

United States on Apr 26, 2023

Chelle Tedrow: I love this book. Get it. Gives kids hope that the worst day ever is really filled with problem solving opportunities…so you might crash, but there is always a way to make some changes…even if you have to ask for help. I got it for grades 2-5 but the concepts are adaptable for older or younger kids.

United States on Apr 18, 2022

Maggie Cant: I shared this book with my SEBN students and it generated some really good discussions.

United Kingdom on Apr 03, 2022

A.C: Students loved it! Thank you.

Canada on Jan 20, 2020

Pebbles: I have many Julia Cook books.

Canada on Jun 22, 2019

Kendra Britt: Fun series for kids

Canada on Apr 13, 2019

debbie: Ideal for work

Canada on Nov 02, 2017

Janet B.: We just happened to get this book in the mail on the exact day my grandson came home from school saying "it was the worst day ever in my life." All the books by Julia Cook in this set are designed to tell a story and provide alternatives to negative behaviors, without the kids even realizing it. We sat down and read it right away and his entire attitude changed in just that few minutes. He felt he could relate to the character and then was provided another way to view things. Absolutely great books!

United States on Jan 13, 2017

HC: I have several of Julia Cook's books and love reading them with the kids I work with. This book gives great, concrete ideas about listening and following instructions (there's even a little rhyming poem about each!) but it is given in such a way so that kids still enjoy the story! In fact, I have kids who specifically ask to read this book over and over! Given that some books make the kids sigh, roll their eyes, and ask "do we HAVE to?" I count this book's appeal as a HUGE plus!

That said, it is not a be-all, end-all tool for teaching kids these skills -- adults should be reading and discussing these ideas WITH their kids too! With all of these stories, the child and I follow up during and after the story with questions or discussion, such as "What do you think RJ could do differently?" or "How do you think RJ was feeling that morning?" The interaction and discussion is just as important as reading the story and I feel that this story does a super job of opening the door in a fun way for these discussions. The language is also easy enough that many kids can read this themselves, if they wish to.

All in all: HIGHLY recommend!

United States on Sep 26, 2012

Wiffee: My husband and I have been working with our son on listening and following instructions (he is 3 1/2). This book has been a tremendous help to us with teaching these skills to him. It has really helped him grasp the concept of taking responsibility for himself and making good choices (those choices being to listen and follow instructions).

For a younger reader this book may be a little long for them to sit through. My sons attention wandered a bit when we first started reading it to him, but now he actively participates in the book, commenting on the pictures and RJs situations and listening to the whole thing.

United States on May 20, 2012