As the summer is winding up, our children can experience a wide range of emotions. Some might be excited to see their friends after months apart. Others might be worried about the challenges a new year of learning brings. While others might be experiencing the adventure of school for the first time. While we can’t prepare them for everything that might happen when they step onto the school grounds, the following books can help set them up for a good year.
The first two books are filled with tips that can help your kids start off on the right foot. By reading Eat Your Superpowers by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Serge Bloch, your children can learn how the different foods we consume help us. For example, if your child eats plums, it can help them calm down. Who knows, this book might even help encourage picky eaters to try something new. For ages 2 to 5.
The other book that is filled with tools to help your children start the new school year successfully is You Are A Rainbow of Energy: A Kid’s Guide to the Chakras by Crystal McCreary and illustrations by Sonali Zohra. In this book, your children will be introduced to their different chakras and the colours associated with each one. It also has simple yoga poses and mantras for them to try to help them calm their minds and bodies. For children ages 4 to 7.
Even if your children are eating the correct foods and have the tools they need to help them calm down, they might still have worries. Especially if it’s their first time going to school. They might be feeling scarecited (scared and excited), just like Afua is in Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Lala Watkins. This cute story captures many emotions young children might feel from being embarrassed and sad if the teacher calls them the wrong name, or shy and curious when meeting new kids, to feeling strong and confident if something goes right. For ages 4 to 7.
Even if it isn’t their first year, your children might have worries. If that’s the case, you might want to check out The Worry-Worry Whale and the Classroom Jitters by Deborah Diesen with pictures based on illustrations by Dan Hanna. In this book, Willa is worried about being called on in class to answer a question. She knows the answer, but Willa is afraid the words will drift away if the spotlight is put on her. Fortunately, her parents know how to help. When she gets home, they teach her a few strategies that your kids might find useful too. For ages 4 to 7.
The final book is for older kids. Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas is a moving memoir (just make sure you grab the version that’s adapted for young readers). Pappas talks about her life, her struggles, her triumphs and her desire to be a bravey. Her journey to the Olympics is heart-breaking and hopeful. And, because Pappas wants to help others achieve their dreams, she includes “Bravey Notes” at the end of each chapter. For example, she wants her readers to know that “asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s actually a strength,” and that “it’s normal to feel a depletion or ‘dip’ after a big peak in life.” For ages 10 to 12.
I hope your children are feeling more excited than scarecited to return to school. But if they are a little worried, these books can help you get them set up for a great school year.
