Zach Rules Series

While in the classroom and later in my office as a leader, I had a small basket of books that students would often visit when they needed to cool off or work out a problem.  Recently, I’ve come across two more titles that I’ll now add to that basket.

The Zach Rules Series by William Mulcahy and Darren McKee is about a 7-year old and his brothers as they tackle many different issues.  Not only do the books discuss problems most youngsters have, but they also give concrete strategies for solving them.  Mulcahy, the author, is a counselor and psychotherapist.

In Zach Gets Frustrated, Zach is having an awful day on an outing.  He gets so frustrated and wants to go home.  His dad teaches him the “frustration triange” to handle this feeling.

•  Name it.
•  Tame it.
•  Reframe it.

Each step is explained in kid friendly language and can be practiced immediately.

Zach Apologizes follows Zach as he learns how to do a “four square” apology after hurting his brother.  The “four square” apology consists of:

• Say what you did
• Say how it made the other person feel
• Say what you could have done instead
• Make it up to the person.

The book provides a link where you can download a template of the “four square” apology so kids can draw or write out their thinking while practicing the steps.

At the end of each book is a note to caregivers giving great advice and techniques that you can do to help a child work through the issue being discussed in the book.

The Zach Rules Series is published by Free Spirit Publishing.  It’s not often that I recommend a publisher, but Free Spirit Publishing is one that I turn to often when I’m seeking a book to use with children who need help with social or emotional needs.  They have books on numerous topics including :  sharing, listening, cooling down, being respectful, taking turns, and following the rules.

It’s always nice to have a basket of books to turn to when an issue arises.  What books would you add to the basket?  Or, what topic would you like to see covered in a book?  Please share your ideas!

*Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I contacted Free Spirit Publishing because I was interested in sharing them as resource for my readers.  They did graciously accept my request and sent me a copy of Zach Apologizes and Zach Gets Frustrated to review.  All comments are my own opinions.

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