In an era of virtual experiences, will youth: *Be able to jump real-world hurtles? *Enjoy rich, interpersonal communication? *Experience successful negotiations? The Talk It Out book series encourages kids to find creative ways to address these challenges. Engaging animal characters are faced with dilemmas children may experience in their lives. After exploring each story, readers determine the outcome for the situation presented. The series supports: *Compassion for self and others, *Openness to hear and value everyone's feelings and needs, *Collaboration while developing imaginative solutions.