RJ has had a rough day - he wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses assembly because he's late for school, earns a zero in his maths homework, kicks the ball into his own team's goal and messes up Mum's kitchen with his overflowing pancake batter! With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to directions from her, his sheadteacherl, teachers or even his friends. Author Julia Cook's new book shows RJ, as well as all young readers, the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life! This book is the first in the series the 'Best ME I Can Be!' designed to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. The skills are part of the Boys Town Education Model that has improved student behaviour and classroom climates in hundreds of schools across the States. The book includes tips for parents and teachers on how to effectively teach listening and following instructions skills to kids. The book comes with an accompanying CD so children can listen to the author's entertaining rendition of RJ's story. One track features the text only, while a second track includes cues on when to turn the page for youngsters just learning to read. (bkcd, cdxp)