Book Review Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)

This gentle board book delivers a clear, developmentally appropriate message about positive ways to use our hands. Through simple, direct language and warm, inclusive illustrations, it guides toddlers and preschoolers toward understanding that hands are for helping, playing, and creating—not for hitting. The book provides concrete alternatives to hitting, making the abstract concept of kindness tangible for young children who are still learning to manage big emotions and impulses.

What sets this title apart is its focus on empowering children with positive choices, rather than simply stating a rule. The sturdy board book format is perfectly suited for little hands, and the repetitive, affirming text reinforces the core social-emotional lesson. It’s an invaluable resource for parents and caregivers navigating the challenging toddler and preschool years, offering a shared vocabulary to discuss feelings and appropriate behavior that will resonate long after the last page is turned.