What sort of hidden gems have you found this summer? You know — those special moments you’ll hold close to your heart for years to come?

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This week, let’s head outside to color your driveway, retaining walls, patio, or sidewalk beautiful with some sidewalk painting!

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Today is the first day of June and the lazy (crazy?) days of summer are stretched out before us, full of opportunities to relax and reconnect with ourselves and the people we love most in the world.

COOKIE BYTES is here this summer with regular activity ideas for you and your family to enjoy together! This week let’s get outside to explore the world around us with a fun nature scavenger hunt. (Don’t worry, there’s a downloadable pdf below!)

Snack Idea: Ants on a Log

After all that scavenging, the troops are sure to be hungry, and Ants on a Log are a quick and easy snack!

Cut stalks of celery into bite-sized logs, fill the center with peanut butter, cream cheese, hummus, or yogurt. To make the “ants” use raisins, dried cranberries, dried bits of mango, papaya, or blueberries, chocolate chips, or sunflower seeds. Not a fan of celery? Try slices of hollowed out cucumbers, bell pepper slices, or baby carrots!

This week our first activity is free for everyone — paid and free subscribers — but in the coming weeks, the activities will be for available only to paid subscribers, so if you’re a free subscriber, upgrade your membership today.

See you next with another COOKIE BYTES SUMMER activity!

COOKIE BYTES SUMMER--Nature Scavenger Hunt

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Over the years I’ve often been asked “I’ve got an idea for a children’s book. How do I get it published?”

If this is a question you have, then here’s a WONDERFUL opportunity!

This November the Kauai Writers Conference is featuring a strong focus on writing children's books, and they’ve asked me lead a 4-day Master Class where you’ll discover the secrets to creating impactful children’s literature and find out what it takes to turn a good story into a great one.

Did you know when it comes to picture books, only 25% of the meaning comes from the words? That means every word must count! It’s not “WHAT” the words say that matters, it’s “HOW” they say it.

By the end of this Master Class, you’ll know how to

• Engage young readers through relatable, entertaining story creation.

• Write stories that kids want to read over and over and over again, because they continually see themselves in the pages.

• Discover creative ways to help both children and adults view their world in a new way.

You’ll also get the inside scoop on how today’s agents and publishers think and learn what they are looking for in both a manuscript and an author.

Most importantly…PLAN TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN! This workshop is a blast!

Master Classes are November 2-5, with the Writer’s Conference following on November 6-8. The opportunity to develop exceptional children’s books awaits.

I hope to see you there!

Learn More About the Conference

Register for My Session

Can’t wait to meet up with you in Hawaii!

PS — Questions may be directed to the conference organizers via the website contact form.

Good News!

As an exclusive for Cookie Bytes subscribers, here’s your special invitation to get early access to order Teach Kids, Not Content, currently in stock at juliacookonline.com!

Order Now!

What the critics say…

“Rediscover your love for teaching and realize your worth! Teach Kids, Not Content is an educational game changer! It offers both the “what” and the “how” for today’s children to succeed in our ever-challenging world. With impactful, authentic stories backed up by strong research, this is a slam-dunk book that you won’t want to put down!”
—Dr Michele Borba PhD, Author of Thrivers and The Unselfie

“…engages the reader to face important truths about teaching children. Julia encourages us to lead with our hearts when it comes to developing the minds of children.”
—Bridget Barnes, Director, Common Sense Parenting

“…a must read for all K-12 educators. Every aspect of teaching and classroom life is presented in a realistic and doable manner…driven by a key ingredient of effective teaching—Relationship building! Written from classroom experience, Teach Kids, Not Content is an authentic difference maker for educators at any stage of their professional career.”
—Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, Professor of Education, Pennsylvania Western University

Order Now!

Teach Kids, Not Content is perfect for professional development sessions, and it would be great to visit your school!

Please contact me soon -- dates for the 2026-2027 school year are filling fast.

Request Dates

Hope to see you soon!

Good news! There’s a special deal happening TODAY, Tuesday, March 24th - Thursday, March 26th at Barnes & Noble!

Rewards & Premium Members save 25% off on pre-orders of Teach Kids, Not Content. This deal includes audiobook and eBook formats and Premium Members get an additional 10% off print copies! Best of all, B&N Rewards membership is free!

Pre-Order with Coupon Code PREORDER25

Pre-orders are also available (though not sale priced) through Amazon or Joss-Wylie.

Praise for Teach Kids, Not Content

“If you love teaching, the children you are teaching, and want to be a great and inspiring teacher with a lasting and life-improving impact, then this book is for you.”

—Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul

“..a must read for all K-12 educators. Every aspect of teaching and classroom life is presented in a realistic and doable manner. The author’s words are driven by a key ingredient of effective teaching—Relationship building! Each highly readable chapter provides techniques and strategies that build connections with students. Written from classroom experience, Teach Kids, Not Content is an authentic difference maker for educators at any stage of their professional career.”

—Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, Professor of Education, Pennsylvania Western University

“...highlights the importance of authentic connection and offers a call to each of us as educators to remember the ‘why’ that first brought us into this profession. Through stories and anecdotes, this book offers hope, humor, and a reminder of how, even in the smallest of moments, we can make a difference in the lives of our young students.”

—Sarah I. Springer, Ph.D., LPC, ACS

Hope you’re having a great day!

PS — Remember to take advantage of the Special Offer available ONLY for paid subscribers of Cookie Bytes!

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• Have you ever closed the door to your classroom on a Friday afternoon thinking, “I just don’t know how much longer I can do this”?

• Are you frustrated because you know the content you’re supposed to teach, but you aren’t sure how to get that information across to kids in a way they can understand?

• Do you sometimes feel like you’ve lost your spark — the reason you went into education in the first place?

If teaching no longer feels like the calling it once was, you’re not alone―and you’re exactly who my newest book — Teach Kids, Not Content — is designed for! It’s filled with real-world tools to help teachers reconnect with students and rediscover the JOY of teaching! Boost your mental wellness and create learning experiences that stick.

Because the content we teach can never be more important than the children we teach it to!

Ideal for K-12 educators, school counselors, and education majors, Teach Kids, Not Content is perfect for teacher preparation, classroom management, and social-emotional learning courses. It’s also an inspiring resource for in-service training and professional development programs focused on educator well-being and student engagement.

Pre-order your copy today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Joss-Wylie!

PreOrder from Amazon

PreOrder from Wylie Publishing

PreOrder from Barnes & Noble

Also, I have access to a limited number of advanced reader copy downloads, so to request a review copy use the Subject Line: ARC REQUEST and email julia@juliacookonline.com.

Priority will be given to paid subscribers, so please use the Subject Line: ARC Request email associated with your COOKIE BYTES subscription.

Hope to hear from you soon!

PS — Keep Reading for a Special Offer available ONLY for paid subscribers of Cookie Bytes!

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Can you believe it?! The fizz of the “new year” has slid into the routines of “everyday life,” and we’re already here — the last day of the first month of this new year!

Today is January 31st?!

The heart of winter is a great time to get back to basics — comfort food, comfort clothes, and comfort activities.

Reconnect with Louis

Does the weather has you trapped inside with kiddos who are “all verb”? Is your classroom filled with young learner who and seem to specialize in interrupting, wiggling, being personal space invaders?

Then now is the perfect time to revisit Louis and all the byte-sized PD (professional development AND parent development!) here at Cookie Bytes.

• My Mouth is a Volcano

• Personal Space Camp

• I Have Ants in My Pants

• It’s Hard to Be a Verb

In addition to the audiobooks versions of these books, there are downloadable activity sheets and videos to help you help your kids! Here are just a few of the video titles that correspond with these Louis books:

• Personal Space Bubbles

• Talking and Listening at the Same Time

• Absorbing Information

• The Amazing Reset Tent

If you’re not currently a paid subscriber, upgrade your membership today!

Coming Later This Year!

Teach Kids, Not Content: How to Connect with Students and Love Teaching Again is coming out this May! Drawing from decades of classroom and counseling experience, my first book for adults delivers real-world strategies for building relationships, boosting mental wellness, and creating learning experiences that stick…because the content we teach can never be more important than the children we teach it to.

This book is targeted towards K-12 educators, school counselors, and education majors, and it’s ideal for teacher preparation, classroom management, and social-emotional learning courses. It’s also an inspiring resource for in-service training and professional development programs focused on educator well-being and student engagement.

Keep an eye out here at Cookie Bytes for details! Paid subscribers will get sneak-peaks at this new book and the opportunity to purchase personalized signed editions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here we are — in the home stretch of 2025!!

As the pace of life picks up with the holidays, we’ve added some great new tips sheets to help you and your family deal with issues like…

Stress and Mindfulness

• I’m Stretched

• Be Where Your Feet Are

Family Separations

• Deployment: One of Our Pieces is Missing

• The “D” Word

• Foster Care

• What Do I Say About That?

Executive Functioning

• I Can’t Find My Whatchamacallit

• Planning Isn’t My Priority and Making Priorities Isn’t in My Plan

• Study Skilled…NOT!

Just look for the downloads labeled TIPS at the bottom of the individual book pages!

Also, here are links to a few of helpful videos from the COOKIE BYTES archives with ideas for discussing these topics with kids.

• The Three Cs of Divorce

• Time Management and Planning...ROCKS!

• Multitasking - Use Your Whole Brain!

Wishing you a restful and restorative Thanksgiving filled with wonderful things to be grateful for!!!

Wow!

It’s hard to believe we’re only a few short weeks away from Thanksgiving!

With the shorter day and upcoming holidays, stress and anxiety can be real issues at home and school. This month we have new tips sheets for some of your favorite stories available to help you with lots of ideas on how to help kids process these complex feelings.

And, with video games and cell phones on people’s holiday wish lists, there are some ideas to help promote health habits with digital citizenship and technology. Just look for the TIPS at the bottom of the individual book pages listed below :-)

Anxiety

• The Anti-Test Anxiety Society

• The Bubble Wrap Queen

• Don’t Be Afraid to DROP

• Wilma Jean The Worry Machine

Digital Citizenship & Technology

• But It’s Just a Game

• Cell Phoney

Plus, there are more TIPS sheets coming this month!

Also, here are links to a couple of helpful videos from the COOKIE BYTES archives with ideas for discussing anxiety (especially test anxiety) and digital citizenship.

• Digital Citizenship - T.H.I.N.K.

• Anxiety Floats

Hope you find all sorts of wonderful things to be thankful for this month!!!

Here’s hoping your return to school life is running smoothly!

But, if you have a young person one who is struggling with separation anxiety, be sure to take advantage of the materials associated with The Lucky Button!

There are some new goodies online at COOKIE BYTES with TIPS sheets available for some of your favorite stories! Look at the bottom of the individual book pages! :-)

Traumatic Events

• The Ant Hill Disaster

• I’m Not Scared...I’m Prepared

Depression

• A Flicker of Hope

• Blueloon

• Grief is Like a Snowflake

Health & Hygiene

• Melvin the Magnificent Molar

• It’s You and Me Against the Pee

Plus, there are more TIPS sheets coming soon!

Have a fantastic October!!!

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Thanks so much, Jessica, for sharing how you use COOKIE BYTES to help deal with Tier 1 behaviors in ways that really help kids!

If you’re using the Substack app, click here!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Summer 2025!

Remember there are audiobooks versions of all my books, so pull up a chair or fluff a blanket on the ground under a shady tree and tune into COOKIE BYTES! Let’s read aloud together!

Here are some of the fun new goodies online at COOKIE BYTES this past month:

• the NetGalley Sneak Peek of The Lucky Button, my new book from Boys Town Press that’s comes out in August

• a New Video about How to Count Back Change! Now how about a summer lemonade stand to let the kids practice their new skills?

• A new Inspirational Poster Just for Parents with a little Father & Son wisdom (just in time for Father’s Day!)

• A new Inspirational Poster about Communication

If, during the end of the school year rush, you haven’t had time to check out the new materials that launched when Awesome Dawson My Emotions Have a Job! was released in May, double-back to check those out, too, along with the other two books in the Awesome Dawson series: Awesome Dawson Has Big Emotions and Awesome Dawson It’s Not Your Turn!

Have a wonderful summer!

In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!”

PS — If you’d like to schedule an event with me — school visit, professional development sessions, or conference keynote — here’s my brochure!

Schedule a Visit with Julia Cook

3.86MB ∙ PDF file

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Download

To access the complete COOKIE BYTES archive and see the posts linked above, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

If you’re usin…

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Hi Everyone!

Today — May 6th — is release day for….

And here at COOKIE BYTES, we’ve been getting ready by getting all the supporting materials for Awesome Dawson My Emotions Have a Job! available online, too!

In the COOKIE BYTES archive, you’ll find the

• the audiobook of me reading of the book

• parent & teacher tips for dealing with kids experiencing strong emotions

• takeaways

• videos

• and grab-n-go activity sheets.

Look around and you’ll find materials for the other two books in the Awesome Dawson series: Awesome Dawson Has Big Emotions and Awesome Dawson It’s Not Your Turn!

Wishing you a fantastic May!

In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!”

PS — If you’d like to schedule an event with me — school visit, professional development sessions, or conference keynote — here’s my brochure!

Schedule a Visit with Julia Cook

3.86MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

To access the complete COOKIE BYTES archive and see the posts linked above, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

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Hi Everyone!

There’s a new stuff at COOKIE BYTES!

VIDEO: Your Mean Words Hurt YOU! helps kids understand if they say mean things to others, it doesn’t JUST hurt the other people, it hurts the person saying the mean thing.

EARLY ACCESS CONTENT: Get a sneak peek of the new Awesome Dawson book!

COMING SOON! The Awesome Dawson audiobook and other Awesome Dawson content are coming later this month!

Remember — this is YOUR website! If you can’t find something you need, let me know at cookiebytesbyjulia@gmail.com and I will create it! If something doesn’t look quite right, let me know and I will fix it!

This site is designed to help YOU make a positive difference in the lives of kids. If you like using COOKIE BYTES, please spread the word.

In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!”

PS — If you’d like to schedule an event with me — school visit, professional development sessions, or conference keynote — here’s my brochure!

Schedule a Visit with Julia Cook

3.86MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

To access the complete COOKIE BYTES archive and see the posts linked above, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Here’s a simple idea for illustra…

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Hi Everyone!

Here’s what’s new this month on COOKIE BYTES!

• VIDEO: Focus on the "Get To" not the "Have To"

• VIDEO + Downloads: Creating Healthy Boundaries

• VIDEO + Downloads: More Ideas for Getting Going in the Morning

Please keep in mind this is YOUR website! If you can’t find something you need, let me know at julia@juliacookonline and I will create it!

If something doesn’t look quite right, let me know and I will fix it! And if you have any technical issues, my “Gina Wizard”will work with you to repair them, and she will treat you like gold!

This site is designed to help YOU make a positive difference in the lives of kids. If you like using COOKIE BYTES, please spread the word.

In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!”

PS — If you’d like to schedule an event with me — school visit, professional development sessions, or conference keynote — here’s my brochure!

Schedule a Visit with Julia Cook

3.86MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

To access the complete COOKIE BYTES archive and see the posts linked above, consider becoming a paid subscriber.