Julia Cook, M.S. is a award-winning children's author, counselor, and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools and speaks at education and counseling conferences nationally and internationally. Julia has published almost one hundred children's books on a wide range of character and social development topics, and regularly contributes to print and television media about these topics. The goal behind Cook's work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem-solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the "what to say" and the "how to say it.

" Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children's character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has spoken across the world and served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations. Dr. Borba is recognized globally for her work in bullying and youth violence prevention and has appeared as a contributor on national television shows and featured in national print media outlets. She is the award-winning author of dozens of books, including bestseller Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Dr.

Borba is a former classroom and special education teacher with a wide range of teaching experience, including work in a private practice with children with learning and emotional disabilities. She received a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of San Francisco, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities and B.A. from the University of Santa Clara, and Life Teaching Credential from San Jose State University.