If you have a young child heading to school in the next few weeks, emotions might be running high. Especially if they are starting preschool, kindergarten, or at a new school, there can be many worries about the way their days will change, what new experiences they will have, meeting new friends and teachers…the list of worries is long and sometimes unique for each child. Talking about their worries ahead of time can help reassure children about these changes, and sharing a book is a great way to help start those conversations. There are many books available at Central Rappahannock Regional Library branches that have stories about children starting the school year; this is a small selection.
Best Buddies, opens a new window by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Arthur Lin
The boy and his dog have been best friends the little boy’s whole life. They spent their days together taking naps, riding in the car, going to the park, playing on the beach, and generally looking out for each other. But when the little boy leaves for his first day of school and the dog has to stay home, they are both very sad. When the second day of school comes and they have to think about being apart all day again, they can't bear it. To help each of them feel better, the boy gives his dog a special blanket to snuggle with, and he takes the dog’s bandana with him to school. These small reminders help each of them feel better and get through the day without being so sad.
Fish Don't Go to School, opens a new window by Deb Pilutti
Henry wears his fish suit everywhere. He likes the way it looks, the way it feels soft and warm, and how it makes him feel brave. Henry’s mom and dad try to get him to wear something different for the first day of school but Henry insists on wearing his fish suit, which almost entirely encapsulates him. As Henry goes through his first day he gradually sheds pieces of his fish suit, first by taking off his fins so he can cut with scissors, then by taking off his tail so he can jump on the playground, and finally he takes off his fish head so he could hear better during story time. Before he knows it, the end of the day has come and what Henry has left of his fish suit is the center, a vest of shiny scales that he proudly wears to school again the next day.
Not Yet, Yeti, opens a new window by Bethany V. Freitas, illustrated by Maddie Frost
On the first day of school, Yeti is ready with his backpack, lunchbox, and new sneakers. He is excited to make new friends and play with the new toys that will surely be in his classroom. But some of the new experiences are hard for him, like writing his name. When Yeti gives up and says he can’t do it, his new friends encourage him by saying he can’t do it “yet.” They help him take a break then try again later. Each time gets a little easier, and, by the end of the day, Yeti is feeling excited to come back the next day to try again.
School Is Cool!, opens a new window by Sabrina Moyle, illustrated by Eunice Moyle
When the start of the school year comes around, everyone is worried and has a lot of questions. What will school be like? What will I wear? How will I talk to people I don’t know? This book has an unapologetic positive approach, reassuring the reader with humorous illustrations that their hair and outfit will look great, and they will sparkle with confidence as they talk to new friends. Worried about the long day? The time will fly by! Worried about saying the wrong answer? It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” This buoyant book is sure to be reassuring and encourage nervous children to take a positive outlook on how fun school can be.
Darcie Caswell is Director of Youth Services at CRRL.
