Suggested Children’s Books to Support Transition General Separation from Parent/Arrival at New Environment The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school; he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school. She has a special secret that's been in the family for years--the Kissing Hand. Oh My Baby Little One by Kathi Appelt It's always hard for Baby Bird and his mama to say good-bye on their way to school and work in the morning. Transition to Childcare Adam's Daycare by Julie Ovenell-Carter The plot of this book is one that many young children will identify with: being dropped off by a parent at a family-run daycare. Carl Goes to Daycare by Alexandra Day A lovable Rottweiler accompanies his young owner on a visit to a daycare center. When the teacher accidentally gets locked outside, Carl takes charge. When Mama Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli The remains of the day are softly romanticized in this gentle lullaby book about a mother and child reunion. Will You Come Back for Me? by Ann Tompert Four-year-old Suki learns that she will be going to daycare while her mother helps her father in the office. Transition to Preschool D. W.'s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown D.W., Arthur's little sister, tells all about what it is like to be in preschool, including essential information about such topics as bathroom breaks, storing things in a cubbie, and sharing at play time. Don't Go! by Jane Breskin Zalben On the first day of preschool, Daniel gradually overcomes his nervousness as he plays in the sandbox, collects leaves, and bakes cookies. Includes tips for parents on getting ready for preschool and a recipe for pumpkin cookies. First Day by Joan Rankin With a warm familial tone and gentle humor the anxiety many children feel on the first day of school is addressed. Friends at School by Rochelle Bunnett Children who have mixed abilities busily working and playing at school. Emphasizes in a relaxed, natural way that even though some children may look different and have different abilities, all children like to do the same things. I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas When a little pig worries about heading off to school for the day, his mother reassures him that her love for him goes everywhere he goes. Mouse's First Day of School by Lauren Thompson This is a new "first" for mouse as he hides in a backpack and gleefully emerges into the brave new world of preschool. My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards On the first day of preschool, a little girl misses her mother, but on the second day she is excited to go back. My First Day at Preschool by Justine Fontes Nate is worried about his first day at preschool. What clothes will he wear? What toys will he play with? What will he eat for snack time? Use the reusable stickers to help Nate have the best first day of preschool ever! Ready, Set Preschool by Anna Jane Hays Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes Poor Wemberly, she worries about everything...big, little and in between. And what she's worried about most, is her first day of nursery school. Never fear, her teacher, Miss Peachum, knows just how she feel and introduces her to Jewel. Jewel worries about everything too. What to Expect at Preschool by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff Bestselling author and parenting expert Murkoff and Angus, the lovable "Answer Dog", help children and parents alike prepare for the first day of preschool. Full color. Transition to Kindergarten Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGee follows a young girl getting ready for kindergarten This text deals with the fears an incoming Kindergarten student has about a skill she hasn't yet developed. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg Sarah is afraid to start at a new school, but both she and the reader are in for a surprise when she gets to her class! Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan LondonFroggy is nervous about the first day. Finally Froggy has a daunting-but-rewarding first day at school. I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child When Lola is worried about starting school, her older brother Charlie reassures her. Kindergarten Kids By Ellen B Senisi Little Rabbit Goes to School by Harry Horse Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! By Nancy L Carlson a young mouse enthusiastic about his first day of kindergarten. Available in English and Spanish Mama, don’t go! By Rosemary Wells Miss Bindergarten has a wild day in Kindergarten by Joseph Slate Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate 26 young animals get ready for their first day of school, while a teacher named Miss Bindergarten is hard at work preparing herself and her classroom for their arrival. Molly Rides the School Bus by Julie Brillhart Molly is worried about riding the school bus on her first day of kindergarten, but a friendly older girl helps her adjust. My First Day of School by Nancy J. Skarmeas Daniel liked preschool just fine, but he is not so sure he wants to go to kindergarten. My Kindergarten By Rosemary Wells Off to School, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest Apprehensive Baby Duck is helped through an intimidating new experience by her loving family in this reassuring remedy for first-day jitters. OTTO Goes to School by Todd Parr School Bus by Donald Crews Follows the progress of school buses as they take children to school and bring them home again. Sparky and Eddie: The First Day of School by Tony Johnston Even though they are not in the same class, two young friends are glad that they decided to give school a try . The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem. The School Trip by Tjibbe Veldkamp Reluctant to show up for the first day of school; Davy builds his own school on wheels and creates excitement for the other students. Timothy Goes to School by Rosemary Wells. Timothy portrays typical social interactions that occur in the classroom. Through Timothy's experiences, even the biggest school uncertainties become surmountable. Tiptoe Into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers A preschooler's discoveries as she spies on her brother's kindergarten class. For example, the lines "Crawling crawling/ I find cubbies/ full of goody things/ inside" accompany an ink-and-watercolor illustration of the girl sneaking cookies from someone's lunch bag. Welcome to Kindergarten By Anne Rockwell Welcome Roberto! Bienvenido, Roberto! By Mary Schwartz. Annabelle is getting ready to start kindergarten, so her older sister gives her some advice. Will I Have a Friend? By Miriam Cohen. During Jim’s first day at school, nearly everyone seems to find a friend. In the end, so does Jim. When You Go to Kindergarten by James Howe The author tells youngsters what school might look like and how they might get there, and describes some of the possible activities. The real value of this update is in Imershein's new full-color photos that dominate each page, bringing the world of school to life for anxious youngsters.