For teachers, librarians, counselors & homeschoolers

A gentle kindness read-aloud for your classroom

The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft is a warm story for ages 3–8 about kindness, empathy, and standing up to bullying without fighting back. Everything on this page is free to use.

Cover of the free Educator Kit for The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft

Free download

The Educator Kit

A ready-to-use, 5-page PDF that brings Barnaby and Toby into your room — built straight from the story.

  • ●  A read-aloud discussion guide (before, during & after)
  • ●  The story mapped to the five core SEL competencies
  • ●  “The Kindness Raft” — a simple classroom activity
  • ●  Links to free printables you’re welcome to use

Bring it to your school

Three easy ways to use the book

Copies for your class or library

Building a classroom set or a library shelf? Bulk copies are simple through print-on-demand, with discounts on larger orders. Tell Cory how many and he’ll help you find the best price.

Where to buy →

Bring the author to your class

Cory would love to read for your students, in person or over video — a 20–30 minute read-aloud, a short kindness chat, and the Kindness Raft activity. Signed copies can be arranged.

Request a visit →

Free printables & activities

Coloring pages, a kindness BINGO, a word search, bookmarks and more — free, no sign-up, and a perfect pairing with the read-aloud and the Kindness Raft.

Get printables →

Plan with it

Great for your lesson plans

Teachers and counselors reach for this story when they’re planning:

  • ●  SEL and social-emotional learning lessons
  • ●  Character education and kindness units
  • ●  Anti-bullying and Bullying Prevention Month (Unity Day, Oct 21)
  • ●  Empathy, friendship, and belonging
  • ●  Calm-down corners and morning meetings
  • ●  Read-alouds for PreK through 3rd grade
“A fist can break a branch, but a kind word can plant a forest.”
— from The Grumble-Gator’s Greatest Raft

Planning ahead

Perfect for Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this gentle story fits naturally into a kindness unit, an SEL lesson, or a Unity Day activity. Download the kit and you’re ready to go.