Isaac isn’t any ordinary alligator living quietly in the swamp. He’s an INSTIgator!

He spends his days spying on the neighbors and eavesdropping on their conversations. The more he listens, the more jealous he becomes. They have real friendships. He’s all alone. With no one to talk to except an old, rotting stump, Isaac is angry and miserable. So he sets out to make sure everyone else in the swamp is miserable, too.

Isaac can perfectly mimic every voice in the swamp, and he uses this special talent to start arguments, stir up trouble, and turn friends against friends. But can he instigate a fight between two of the swamp’s biggest besties? Or will they sniff out his dirty trick and teach him a lesson he’ll never forget?

Isaac the InstiGator is written for young readers ages 5 through 11. Author and school counselor Jeff Tucker delivers a timely and powerful message about trust, deception, forgiveness and friendship. Tucker is the creator of the popular Chicorée Elementary Stories for Success book series, which includes My Name’s Sammy, and I’m No Snitch and Emelia Understands Equity.

Whether your child or student is instigating conflict themselves or being instigated to engage in conflict by peers, tips for parents and educators are included at the end of the storybook to help with either situation.

About the Author

Jeff Tucker is the author of the popular Chicorée Elementary Stories for Success book series. He is a licensed professional counselor with experience providing mental health services to students of all ages. An avid reader and writer since childhood, he believes in the power of books to help young people thrive. Jeff holds a master's degree in counseling and is currently pursuing a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Adam's State University.

When Sammy catches his best bud Carlos sticking a wad of gooey gum under a desk, Sammy doesn’t spill the beans. When the meanest kid at the elementary school sneaks off with an extra cupcake, Sammy doesn’t tattle. When the school counselor shows up 10 minutes late, Sammy stays silent. After all, he’s no snitch and proud of it.

But Sammy becomes concerned when his friend is bullied by another student. Will he be able to stay tight-lipped when his best friend is called a crybaby and targeted for a beatdown after school? Sammy isn’t the only one who’s worried – he sees anxiety building in his friend too. Will the many “see something, say something” posters plastered in the hallways make Sammy rethink his attitude and report the threat?

My Name’s Sammy, and I’m No Snitch is a powerful tale for children in grades K through 5 about why it’s important to report dangerous behaviors, how to recognize the difference between snitching and reporting, and why asking adults for help is sometimes the safest thing to do.

Tips for parents and educators are included at the end of the story to help teach children how to communicate and put their decision-making skills to use when it comes to distinguishing “snitching” and reporting potentially dangerous situations.

The students at Chicorée Elementary are back and this time Emelia is feeling stressed. She has some big tests and is nervous about having time to finish. So imagine her reaction when Sammy gets an extra few minutes to finish his test, and Cecelia gets to use a calculator for hers!

It’s just not fair!

When her big belly breaths aren’t helping her calm down, Emelia goes to visit the school counselor, Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins uses keen listening, positive relationships, and wonderful illustrative examples to help Emelia see that fair does not always mean equal.

Readers of all ages, adults included, will find this timely teaching tale valuable and relevant.

This is the second story in the Chicorée Elementary Stories for Success book series. Included are tips for parents and educators to help teach the concept of equity to children in grades K through 6.