About the Author

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for babies, toddlers, teens, and every age in between. She especially loves creating new board books. The Happy Healthy Baby® series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth’s Toddler Tools® series helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). In the Best Behavior® series, she helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn® series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social-emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary and middle school years. She’s also coauthor of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents), which offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day.

Elizabeth lives and writes near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Marieka Heinlen received her BFA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

She launched her career as an award-winning children’s book illustrator with Hands Are Not for Hitting and has illustrated all of the books in the Best Behavior® and Toddler Tools® series. Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers.

She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, son, and daughter.

Reviews

Winner, Creative Child Preferred Choice Award

“There is no such thing as a quick fix. However, if you’re beleaguered by the baby battles, these books could serve as a life preserver.”
*The Post & Courier*

"Clean-Up Time breaks down a routine activity as something necessary that 'can be quick and fun. Let's work together, everyone.' This cheerful book could act as a positive introduction to an unpopular task...The pictures are upbeat and expressive."
*School Library Journal*

“Elizabeth Verdick gives caregivers practical, positive tools for building and maintaining the positive care environment that toddlers need.”
*Dr. Dan Gartrell, Ed.D., professor of Early Childhood Education, director of Child Development Training Program, Bemidji State University*

"Toddlers will manage to calm down fairly quickly upon coming across these gentle books that help them deal with various transitions in their young lives."
*SAHManswers.com (Stay At Home Moms)*

"I highly recommend these books for your home library if you have a little one."
*Mommin' It Up*

“Another beneficial addition to any bookshelf used by preschoolers and toddlers.”
*Andrea Coventry, Montessori educator, Andi’s Kids Books Blog*