It's one of those days in Ms. Mya's classroom, when things just aren't clicking: Jamilla is jumping. Ruth is running. And Reese is roaring like a great big lion for no reason at all. But Ms. Mya knows what to do. She gathers up the children, and together they begin a conversation about expectations. "An expectation is something we can rely on, something we know is going to happen," says Ms. Mya. When adults guide children in a positive, proactive way by supplying them with clear expectations of what to do, when to do it, and how to behave, children learn to focus, direct their attention, manage their emotions, and regulate their behavior. A charming story coupled with equally as charming illustrations, When You Just Have to Roar! helps children and the adults who care for them make every day its best. The book contains a page of information to help parents, caregivers, and educators reinforce these important concepts and support children's development of emotional control and self-regulation. PreS-K—In Ms. Mya's classroom, it is "just one of those days." The students are enthusiastically jumping on chairs, "making a monstrous mess," and roaring like lions "for no reason at all." Using her "I need your attention right now" voice, Ms. Mya calmly reins in the energy and calls a special morning meeting on the carpet. A discussion about behavior expectations ensues, with plenty of child-friendly explanations, positive phrasing, and modeling. Prentice's cheerful illustrations show the children practicing their indoor walking skills, using kind words, and employing indoor voices. The last line on the list of expectations is "Roar like a lion when there's simply no other way to say it." VERDICT Useful for school readiness conversations.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada "Those who work with young children may smile a the mischief these kids get up to - from jumping on a chair and playing catch with a stuffie to running and drumming, these kids are loud and boisterous. . . . Prentice's brightly colored illustrations capture the exuberance and innocence of these ethnically diverse children wonderfully—they aren't being naughty; they are just exploring and being kids, and once the expectations are explained, they abide by them. A reassuring explanation of both expectations in general and the behaviors expected of students in school." — Kirkus Review "In Ms. Mya’s classroom, it is “just one of those days.” The students are enthusiastically jumping on chairs, “making a monstrous mess,” and roaring like lions “for no reason at all.” Using her “I need your attention right now” voice, Ms. Mya calmly reins in the energy and calls a special morning meeting on the carpet. A discussion about behavior expectations ensues, with plenty of child-friendly explanations, positive phrasing, and modeling. Prentice’s cheerful illustrations show the children practicing their indoor walking skills, using kind words, and employing indoor voices. The last line on the list of expectations is “Roar like a lion when there’s simply no other way to say it.” VERDICT Useful for school readiness conversations."— School Library Journal , Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada "I would read When You Just Have to Roar! to our store's kids story time group in a heartbeat (mostly ages 0-4). I was really taken by it." — Jocelyn Gebhardt, Tattered Cover Bookstore, Denver, CO "Jamilla was jumping. Ruth was running. David was drumming. Binh was bouncing.... Masha was making a monstrous mess." All kids need clear, consistent expectations about how to behave in various environments. But kids with ADHD — who miss social cues and act impulsively — need to see, hear, and practice good social behavior. In this book, Ms. Mya's classroom is a chaotic mess. She calls a special morning meeting. After introducing the concept of expectations, she and her students work together to create a list of them. They practice walking, instead of running, and speaking in their regular voice in the classroom. The next day is their best day ever. A note to readers stresses the importance of adults setting expectations, and teaching, practicing, and demonstrating positive behavior.—Kay Marner, ADDitude magazine "Those who work with young children may smile a the mischief these kids get up to - from jumping on a chair and playing catch with a stuffie to running and drumming, these kids are loud and boisterous. . . . Prentice's brightly colored illustrations capture the exuberance and innocence of these ethnically diverse children wonderfully―they aren't being naughty; they are just exploring and being kids, and once the expectations are explained, they abide by them. A reassuring explanation of both expectations in general and the behaviors expected of students in school." ― Kirkus Review "In Ms. Mya’s classroom, it is “just one of those days.” The students are enthusiastically jumping on chairs, “making a monstrous mess,” and roarin