Julia Cook, M.S.

With millions of books in print, Julia Cook is a former school counselor and teacher who never dreamed she could evolve into a national award-winning children’s author, parenting expert, and inspirational speaker. She now travels the world encouraging students and educators to become lifelong problem solvers. “There are so many ideas out there that need to be shared!” says Julia, who takes top research and creatively translates it into “kid language” that is both entertaining and engaging. Julia has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through picture books, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”

Several years ago, Julia was searching for an effective story to teach children about the differences between tattling and telling. When she couldn’t find the right resource, she decided to write her own book – A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue. Over a decade later, she has published bestselling books with the National Center for Youth Issues, Boys Town Press, and the CDC. Cook’s ultimate goal: make a positive difference in the lives of people both young and old by teaching lifelong problem-solving skills.

Julia has been endorsed by organizations including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Safe and Sound (a Sandy Hook initiative,) Childwatch of North America, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Childhelp, Darkness to Light, USA Volleyball, and The Alaska Department of Education. Cook’s research-based books have been referenced in outlets including Parent’s Magazine, The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, Military Spouse, Care.com, Yahoo.com, Drlaura.com, and Babyzone.com. She has also been featured on Hallmark Home and Family, CNN’s HLN News, and numerous metropolitan networks. She is the recipient of several book awards including The Association of Educational Publisher’s Distinguished Achievement Award, the National Parenting Seal of Approval, and The Mom’s Choice Award.

Julia frequently delivers entertaining and engaging keynote addresses at counseling, business and leadership, and character development conferences and has presented in thousands of schools both nationwide and internationally.

Bestselling Titles Include: My Mouth is a Volcano! (interrupting), Bubble Gum Brain (growth mindset), A Flicker of Hope (depression and youth suicide), Uniquely Wired (autism), Jumping Into Kindergarten (kindergarten preparation), The Judgmental Flower (appreciating differences/ building relationships), Foster Care (emotions related to being in foster care), But It’s Just a Game! (gaming addiction), Wilma Jean the Worry Machine (anxiety), But It’s Not My Fault! (assuming responsibility), Soda Pop Head (anger control), and I Can’t Believe You Said That! (using social filters).

Michelle Hazelwood Hyde is a freelance illustrator. She graduated from Ringling College of Art & Design and began her career working in newspapers. Her dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator became a reality after she left newspapers and had her first child in 2009. She has illustrated nine books for the National Center for Youth Issues, including “Ricky Sticky Fingers" and "I'm Not Scared, I'm Prepared." She lives in Homewood Alabama with her husband, two children and two very entertaining dogs. You can see more of her work at www.michellehazelwood.com.