August has arrived, and with it the back to school jitters. Scores of students will head off to school for the first time next month, which often produces heightened anxiety. Books are a wonderful way to help children cope with the feelings they may experience.

 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn describes the separation anxiety many children have when starting school. Chester, a raccoon, does not want to go to school; he wants to stay home with mom and play with his toys. His mother describes all the activities he will do at school (night school, since he is a raccoon!) and tells him about the kissing hand, a secret kiss that will leave him feeling close to mom until they reunite.

 

Some first timers worry less about separation and more about whether their teacher will be kind, if they will get lost, and the bus ride. In Kindergarten Rocks!  by Katie Davis, Dexter Dugan has no fears about starting school. His stuffed dog, Rufus, however, is an "eensy teensy beensy bit scared." Fortunately, for Dexter and Rufus, big sister Jessie lends her expertise about how terrific kindergarten will be. Dexter's first day is an adventure, but a success, and he can't wait to return.

 

In Countdown to Kindergarten written by Allison McGhee and illustrated by Harry Bliss, a girl is nervous that with Kindergarten only ten days away, she still can't tie her shoes, and she has heard that the teachers won't help. She counts down each day and attempts to master her laces, or at least lose her shoes!  When the big day finally arrives she is relieved because most of her classmates can't tie, but the teachers are more than happy to assist. 

 

Each of these books, with colorful characters, humor and sentiment, will help our youngest pupils as they anticipate this milestone in their lives.