August 1, 2024
K-Gr 2-A child feels anxious as her first day of school approaches. Using simple vocabulary and short sentences, she describes her feelings. When her mom takes her shopping, she finds the choices overwhelming and declares, "I feel small in such a big store." That night, tired but unable to sleep, she wishes she could "hide in a shell like my hermit crab." In the morning, her stomach hurts, and she starts to cry when it is time for first day photos. Digital illustrations expand on the text and show the child's increasing distress as her shoulders hunch and tears well in her eyes. Mom and Grandma Gigi assure her that her feelings are normal and suggest that it helps to talk about them. At school, her friendly teacher welcomes and guides her to her seat. When the teacher asks whether anyone feels nervous, everyone raises their hand. As the class practices deep breathing, the girl begins to feels relaxed and hopeful. With illustrations that add details and clues to help decode the text, this story is crafted with the needs of emergent readers in mind. VERDICT This book validates feelings that many children experience and reassures with simple solutions.-Marilyn Taniguchi
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