Tease Monster: (A Book about Teasing vs. Bullying)

Is the Tease Monster a friend or a foe? That's what "One of a Kind" has to figure out in this quirky tale that teaches young readers the difference between nice teasing and mean teasing.

One-of-a-Kind is truly unique. Made up of multiple colors, One has big feet and loves eating popsicles while standing upside down. But when Purple laughs at One for being weird and Green playfully calls One a "klutz" after tripping on the stairs, One feels rotten and vows never to go back to school.

With words of wisdom from Mom about the Tease Monster, however, One discovers that teasing is part of life. And not all teasing is the same. One learns that laughing at someone (mean teasing) has a hurtful bite, but laughing with someone (nice teasing) is alright when it's not done out of spite!

Tease Monster is the latest release in the Building Relationships series by Julia Cook.

JULIA COOK, a former teacher and school counselor, writes books for children that let them laugh while learning to solve their own problems, use better behavior, and develop healthy relationships. She has authored more than 30 books for children and teachers. She has received the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award, and her books have been honored by The National Parenting Center and Mom's Choice Awards.

ANITA DUFALLA is an award-winning illustrator, editorial art director, and university adjunct faculty member in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.