I Can Take Time to Think, Paperback

Discover tools to manage emotions and think of solutions to problems. Children will learn how to practice a calming strategy when emotions feel "too big" with this adaptation of the "Turtle Technique."

In I Can Take Time to Think, LeBron shows how he likes to care for his family, friends, and his pet turtle, Speedy. LeBron learns how to handle big emotions (like anger or frustration) from observing Speedy's actions. LeBron practices how to tuck like a turtle to calm down. The steps he learns are:

1. Recognize my feeling.
2. Stop my body.
3. Take three breaths.
4. Think of a solution.

He uses problem-solving solutions to resolve conflict and to get along with others. These solutions are:

• Use a timer.
• Take turns.
• Trade.
• Play together.
• Ignore.
• Say, "Please stop."
• Flip a coin.
• Ask for help.

This book is adapted from the scripted story, Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think, by Rochelle Lentini, and is used by teachers, mental health professionals, and caregivers as a part of their Pyramid Model or PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) program. The Pyramid Model and PBIS strategies are implemented in child cares, early learning centers, schools, and after care programs around the world and help children build strong social and emotional learning (SEL) skills by teaching prosocial behaviors and reducing challenging behavior.

This book showcases diversity in positive ways with characters that span various cultures, ethnicities, family situations, physical challenges, and more. Readers of all backgrounds will see themselves in these pages while learning to value the diversity within their own community and being exposed to differences from around the world. This book features a range of children, including children who have been adopted.

About the I Can Be an MVP series

The I Can Be an MVP series paperback books help children ages 2-6 practice social-emotional skills and self-help routines. These short stories are designed with simple, memorable scripts and illustrations focused on a singular behavior or process. Children will feel empowered as they begin to understand how to navigate new or unfamiliar situations or learn a new pattern of behavior. Each title includes teaching tips and practice strategies.

About MVP Kids

Families with a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds drive the inspiration for child education and social emotional learning. MVP Kids enables real-world kids to address the challenges in their lives through story-based character lessons where the kids interact at school, in social situations, and in their
communities. MVP Kids board books enrich preschool readers while hardcovers and paperbacks focus on school-aged children. Each MVP Kids book includes extensive coaching information for parents and educators that promotes character education, wise decision-making skills, and social and emotional learning.

About author(s):In her Real MVP Kids series of books for preschoolers and elementary students, Sophia Day interacts with children through a recipe of entertainment and inviting illustrations. She promotes healthy mentoring relationships by providing opportunities for parents and teachers to personally relate with their children. Her goal is to help inspire honorable character in young men and women to prepare them to become Real MVPs and to live meaningful, responsible lives. Celestte Dills, M.A.Ed. worked in education as a teacher, administrator, curriculum developer, and consultant on inclusive best-practices for over 30 years. She is passionate about providing children with a strong foundation of social-emotional skills and is the author of the Instill Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum. Celestte and her family live in a cabin in the North Georgia mountains. She is mom to three grown children and GiGi to one granddaughter. Timothy Zowada is the illustrator for many of our Real MVP Kids books. Tim has an Associates Degree in Fine Arts and has spent much of his life personally working with children. MVP Kids provides Tim with the opportunity to use his skill as an artist to help kids learn and grow into responsible and mature adults. Tim currently resides in Arizona. For more on Sophia, Celestte and Timothy, visit www.MVPkids.com.