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In Our School We Are Not Cruel

In Our School We Are Not Cruel

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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When Mrs. Raccoon notices that some of her students don’t feel safe, she helps the whole class learn an important lesson about kindness, respect, and creating a caring community. In Our School, We Are Not Cruel helps children ages 5 to 9 understand that true friendship and safety begin with empathy and gentle choices.

Through a thoughtful classroom story featuring Rabbit, Mrs. Raccoon, and their forest friends, children see how everyone can make school a place where kindness grows and everyone belongs.

The printed book offers a warm, traditional reading experience that brings the story’s message to life through rich illustrations and thoughtful details. The narrated eBook brings each character’s warmth and personality to life, making it an ideal choice for shared reading at home, in classrooms, or during circle time. The eBook with Stop and Talk edition adds guided prompts that encourage reflection on empathy, fairness, and cooperation, helping children connect the story’s lessons to their own daily experiences.

Across all formats, this uplifting story offers a safe, thoughtful way for families and educators to talk about bullying, inclusion, and emotional safety in school and beyond.

The complete bundle includes the printed book, narrated eBook, and the eBook with Stop and Talk edition, providing a flexible and engaging experience for any learning environment.

With its gentle message and relatable classroom setting, In Our School, We Are Not Cruel reminds readers that kindness is not just a rule—it is what makes every community strong.

Characters and Voices

Professional narration brings Mrs. Raccoon and her lively classroom to life with warm, expressive voices that capture the spirit of kindness and community.

What you learn?

Children discover that kindness, respect, and safety make every classroom a place where everyone can learn, grow, and feel valued.

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Digital products are delivered instantly via email after purchase confirmation.

Return policy

Full refund within 30 days if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

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Many children — and adults — overlook how powerful kindness can be. In Our School, We Are Not Cruel reminds us that true care creates safety, belonging, and joy for everyone.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness through gentle storytelling

  • Interactive Discussions

    Includes thoughtful prompts that create meaningful conversations between children and adults.

  • Multi-Format Access

    Available as narrated audio, interactive edition, and traditional print for flexible learning.

  • Expert Developed

    Created by education specialist with 100+ literacy programs and proven classroom success.

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Book Details

  • Title: In Our School We Are Not Cruel
  • Author: Jon Madian
  • Ages: 5-9 years
  • Reading Level: 5-9 years
  • Theme: Social-Emotional Learning, Kindness, Emotional Safety, Anti-Bullying
  • Format: Picture book with dialogue
  • Best For: Home or classroom reading, discussions, community-building circles
  • Series: Part of the social-emotional learning development series
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Research Based

The Heart Bright Learning educational resources evolved from 7 years of generous Research and Development funding from the Los Angeles Unified School District, the U.S. Department of Education, and several foundations. Our literature-based approach, which inspires imagination, exploration, and self-expression through structured practice, was studied by several outside evaluators. In all cases, these evaluations demonstrated significant growth in listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills among both challenged and gifted students from a diverse range of cultural and language backgrounds.

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Social-Emotional Learning: Kindness, Safety, and Classroom Rules

Many children struggle with unkind behavior at school or feel frightened by classmates who are bigger, louder, or more powerful. “In Our School, We Are Not Cruel” helps them name these experiences and see how clear rules and shared agreements can make school safer.

Through Mrs. Raccoon’s guidance and the animals’ reactions, children learn:

  • That feeling scared or unsafe at school is important to talk about
  • That rules against teasing, threats, and harm protect everyone
  • That even those who seem “scary” can choose to act kindly and respectfully
  • That school is a place to practice kindness, not cruelty
  • That a classroom community grows stronger when everyone feels safe

The story invites discussion about classroom norms, emotional safety, and the difference between playful fun and behavior that frightens others. It gives children language to talk about their fears and a hopeful vision of what a caring classroom can be.


Stop and Talk: Prompts for Classroom and Family Discussions

This story is ideal for reading slowly and pausing to “stop and talk” about safety, kindness, and rules. Educators and parents can use questions such as:

  • Have you ever felt scared or worried like some of the animals in the story?
  • What helped you feel better?
  • What can you do if you see someone who feels unsafe or sad?
  • What does being kind and caring look like to you? Can you give an example?

These questions create space for emotional honesty, empathy, and shared problem-solving. They help children think about how their own actions affect others and how they can speak up for kindness and safety. Discussion prompts are included throughout the Stop & Talk version of the book to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about classroom rules and emotional safety.

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How to Use This Book in Class or at Home

Teachers and caregivers can use “In Our School, We Are Not Cruel” in:

  • SEL-themed story circles about classroom agreements and community norms
  • Beginning-of-the-year or reset conversations when you are creating class rules
  • Lessons on kindness, inclusion, and anti-bullying
  • Class meetings about teasing, rough play, or feeling unsafe
  • Shared writing or art projects where children create their own class rule rhymes and posters


At home, this story can open conversations about your child’s school experience, including times they have felt scared, singled out, or worried about others. Families can talk together about what kindness looks like in their home, on the playground, and online. The classroom rule in the book can inspire a family rule about how everyone will treat one another.


Help a Child Understand That School Should Be Safe

Whether you are a parent, teacher, counselor, or librarian, “In Our School, We Are Not Cruel” is a powerful addition to any SEL library. It helps children understand that:

  • School should be a place where everyone feels safe.
  • Cruelty, teasing, and threats are not “just jokes,” they are not allowed.
  • Each student can help protect others by choosing kindness and respect.

By showing a forest classroom where predators, prey, and tiny insects all agree to the same rule, this story offers children a hopeful, practical picture of what a truly safe and caring school can be.

Social
Emotional
Learning

The story invites discussion about self-awareness, empathy, and standing firm in what feels right — even when others don’t understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this book suitable for?

This book is generally recommended for young readers ages 5–9, but it can be enjoyed by older children as well. The themes are universal and can support early emotional learning at home or in school.

How does this book support social-emotional learning (SEL)?

The story introduces key SEL concepts such as understanding emotions, making thoughtful choices, developing empathy, and building self-awareness. It encourages children to reflect on their feelings and discuss them openly.

Can this book be used in classrooms or group settings?

Yes. The book is designed for both individual reading and group activities. Teachers and facilitators can use the story to spark discussions, activities, and reflections based on SEL topics featured in the book.

Do I need prior SEL knowledge to guide my child through this book?

No prior knowledge is required. The story is written in a simple and approachable way. Parents, caregivers, and educators can naturally guide children by asking open-ended questions and encouraging conversation.

Are there any activities or discussion prompts included?

All SEL books in our collection(stop & talk versions) include prompts or questions at key parts in between as well as the end of the story. These help deepen understanding and encourage children to relate the story to their own experiences.

How can I make the most out of this book for my child?

Take time to read together, pause during key moments, and ask how the characters might be feeling. Encourage your child to share similar experiences, talk about emotions, and explore positive ways of handling challenging situations.

What Parents and Teachers Are Saying

"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mike T.
Mike T.
Father of 6-year-old
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. Thompson
1st grade teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Ms. Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez
Kindergarten Teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Sarah M.
Sarah M.
Homeschooling Mom

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Jon Madian

About the Author

Jon Madian

Jon, an educational psychologist, and his wife, Karen, an instructional designer, received numerous grants to support learner-centered education throughout their careers. He founded the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in Los Angeles's inner-city schools and later co-founded Humanities Software with Karen. Their early literacy curriculum became part of Apple's early learning initiatives and IBM's writing programs. Over the course of their careers, Jon and Karen developed more than 100 reading, writing, and process-based programs for print and software, consistently focusing on empowering and inspiring students in educational settings. Their 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild continue to fuel their commitment to enriching education. Today, through Heart Bright Learning, they are helping parents and teachers reimagine education for the 21st century by developing resources that inspire and empower children to understand themselves, others, and their world through observation, reflection, and process-based learning.