Hands Are Not for Hitting / Las Manos No Son Para Pegar - Paperback

by Martine Agassi (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Help kids manage big emotions, build self-control, and choose safe, positive behaviors with this English-Spanish bilingual picture book.

Strong feelings are a natural part of growing up--but hitting is not okay. Hands Are Not for Hitting / Las manos no son para pegar is an engaging English-Spanish bilingual picture book that helps children ages 4-7 understand their emotions and learn safe, respectful ways to respond.

Using simple, kid-friendly language and bright, relatable illustrations, this reassuring book teaches children that hands are for helping, playing, creating, and caring--not hurting. Kids learn to pause, identify their feelings, and use words to express needs, set boundaries, or ask for help instead of hitting.

Part of the award-winning Best Behavior(R)series, this book supports social-emotional learning by helping children build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive behavior skills they can use every day at home and in the classroom.

In this book, children will:

• Learn that hitting is not okay and explore safe alternatives
• Practice using words to express feelings and solve problems
• Discover positive ways to use their hands for helping and creating
• Build self-control and emotional awareness
• Develop respectful, nonviolent behavior

Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors, this book is ideal for addressing challenging behaviors, reinforcing boundaries, and guiding children toward positive choices.

Includes a helpful adult section in both English and Spanish with tips and strategies for teaching self-control, encouraging communication, and supporting children through big emotions.

Author Biography

Martine Agassi, Ph.D., is a clinical therapist with extensive experience as a behavioral consultant, counseling children and families in schools, residential facilities, foster care, and private practice.

She has led workshops and group counseling in communication skills, parenting, drug and child abuse prevention, divorce, and self-esteem.

Martine, her husband, and their daughter live in Fallbrook, California, with their dog Toby.

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(R) and Toddler Tools(R) 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.