Julia Cook

Biographical Information
Julia was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up an avid skier, and her love for teaching began when she taught skiing lessons to children in Park City Utah for seven years. Julia earned her undergraduate degree in education from The University of Utah. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in elementary school counseling from Wayne State college. She served as a  middle school teacher and then a school guidance counselor for a total of ten years. She often incorporated books and other children’s media into her counseling work with students. Julia currently lives in Fremont, Nebraska with her husband, three children, and three dogs.

 

Themes
Julia Cook’s books explore themes of childhood development and problem solving from the perspective of children. Many of her books take place in a school setting, and characters are working through the difficulties they encounter in school. The majority of her stories are targeted at elementary age children. They are meant to be instructional and can be used with individual children, small groups, or whole classes. The stories lend themselves to discussion of the themes and how they relate to readers’ own lives.

Important themes in Julia’s books include, but are not limited to:
Friends

School

Communication

Safety

Life Skills

Mental Health

Behavior

Health

Growth Mindset

Parents

Style
All of Julia Cook’s stories follow a student as he or she encounters a struggle and learns strategies for problem solving. They use rhymes, colorful illustrations, and interesting text arrangement, and they are often told in the first person from the perspective of the child who is struggling. Her books are very dialogue heavy, so the reader gets to hear exactly what the main character is saying, how other characters respond, and how the main character changes her words and actions to communicate successfully. Julia Cook’s books, “showcase her innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”” Telling the story from a first person perspective also helps to remove some of the stigma around the behaviors the main characters are exhibiting. Readers who experience some of the same struggles can empathize with the characters and hopefully show themselves kindness and understanding as they learn concrete strategies to help.  

Awards
AEP AWARD (Association of Educational Publishing Distinguished Achievement Category)

Criticism
While there is not much criticism available for Julia Cook’s work, the majority of available reviews come from education, counseling, and social work professionals or parents. These reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Almost all of her books have 4+ star reviews on Amazon and they have been featured in many parenting and education blogs and recommendation sites.

The lack of formal criticism indicates that these books are mostly being used for practical purposes, as Ms. Cook intended. While these stories don’t have strong literary merit, and they are unlikely to win any prestigious children’s literature awards, it is clear that their practical value is making a positive impact in the lives of children.

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-stein-biden-hugs-20190403-story.html

This article from the LA times suggests Julia Cook’s book, Personal Space Camp, as a possible resource presidential candidate, Joe Biden could use to learn about respecting peoples’ personal space.

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-vegas-massacre

In this video and accompanying article, Julia Cook is referenced as an expert on child development and social emotional learning, and she gives advice for parents on how to talk to children about the Las Vegas Massacre and other tragedies.

broadwayworld.com/bwwbooks/article/New-Book-by-Child-Behavior-Expert-Julia-Cook-Helps-Kids-Navigate-Online-Footprints-20170831

Several of Julia’s recent books are about online safety and etiquette. This article reviews The Technology Tail, a book that teaches kids about digital footprints and the lasting impact of things they say or do online.

''' The following are testimonials from parents and educators who have used Julia Cook’s books and seen positive outcomes:

“My son, who is 7, was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism at the age of 5. He is very bright academically yet he struggles with understanding social cues. We have tried several books, and have found yours to be the most helpful. He LOVE LOVE LOVES Noodle! He can empathize for him, yet have that “aha!” moment at the same time Noodle does in your stories. We have made such improvement with Noodle and his friends!”

~Ashley Bobst, Parenting Blogger

''' I have been a school social worker for years. I have spent lots of money but rarely have I found books and resources that are as relevant as yours. Reading the stories is pure fun and I know the kids are having a great time listening. More than that, the kids get them! When I ask what did you learn, what was the message, what will you use, they can give me answers. Thanks so much for this resource!”

~Linda Bodzin, Certified Social Worker, Michigan

''' “I work for Lakeland Mental Health in a children’s day treatment program for behavioral elementary kids. We have a collection of your books and I really enjoy using them both individually with clients and in group settings. Thank you for the great resources and activities. I have seen change in kids from these books, and they even get to know the characters. I know the difference these resources and books are helping make in the kids I work with, and I’m sure these books are making an impact on many children around the country.”

~Kelly Ross, BA, LSW

Mental Health Practitioner, Lakeland Mental Health Center

''' “As a mother of two small boys and a practicing school psychologist, I have used your work and seen success at both home and school. Your book series is certainly the only of its kind that has resulted in multiple requests for re-readings by children I work with, as well as my own children.Thank you for all you do!”

~Ashley Burchett

Other Information
In addition to being an author, Julia Cook is a prolific speaker. She has presented in over 1,500 schools across the country as well as many education and counseling conferences. She presents to both adults and children all over the United States. Participants in her workshops have said the following:

“On behalf of the Arlington Parent for Education organization, I want to thank you for spending the day with our staff and students! It was a AWESOME day! Thank you for sharing your inspirational message with all of us! We enjoyed it all – From Boogers to Bullying. There is no doubt in my mind that you have inspired a new generation of future authors. Keep spreading your high impact messages through your creative and fun style – You have a GIFT! – Thanks again for sharing it with all of us!”

~Christy Allen, Arlington PFE President

“That assembly yesterday was WONDERFUL. A real live author with enthusiasm told kids how they could become authors.”

~Bob Albrecht, 5th grade teacher / Adams Elem.

Ft. Heights, UT