From the Children’s Room — August 2021

Summer is winding down and the start of the school year is just over the horizon! Here in the Children’s Room, we’ve got plenty of books for your little ones who are either going back to school or getting ready for their first time. Stop by the Children’s Room, give us a call, or email children@galesburglibrary.org and we can get you set up with books to address common worries and anxieties!

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BIGFOOT by Samantha Berger

Bigfoot has some big problems. It’s hard to find back to school clothes. And shoes. And getting a haircut takes forever. He starts to worry that he’ll miss the bus and embarrass himself in the lunchroom (hello flashbacks even at age 43) and nope, he’s just not going to go. But then he’ll miss out on great teachers and field trips and art projects and all his friends. Filled with fun illustrations, this book addresses common fears with quirky humor.

FIRST DAY JITTERS by Julie Danneberg

Sarah Jean Hartwell does not want to go to her new school. She doesn’t know anybody. After much poking and prodding from Mr. Hartwell, she finds herself at school where the principal takes her under her wing. A surprise ending finishes off a book that everybody can relate to.

 WE DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope (the T. rex) is nervous about starting school. Will her classmates be nice? How many teeth will they have? Oh no. They’re children. Penelope learns that it’s hard to make friends if you eat them, but we’re all the same on the inside. This #1 New York Times bestseller is definitely a favorite.

FIRST DAY CRITTER JITTERS by Jory John

A variety of animals worry about the first day of school. Sloth worries about making it to the bus on time. Snake worries about carrying a backpack. Rabbit worries about having to sit still. A group of unhappy students make it to the classroom only to discover that their teacher has his own set of worries. Soon, everyone is helping each other overcome their anxieties and get through the day. Charming illustrations and dialog highlight the fact that everyone else is probably feeling some of what you are, too.

DANBI LEADS THE SCHOOL PARADE by Anna Kim

It’s Danbi’s first day of school in America. She doesn’t speak English, and doesn’t know the dances or the games. She feels very left out but then it’s lunchtime and her colorful Korean food is the hit of the table. By the end of the day, she’s made a friend. This gorgeously illustrated book highlights the importance of taking the little extra step to help people feel that they belong.

ALL ARE WELCOME by Alexandra Penfold

With rhythmic text and colorful illustrations, this book emphasizes themes of inclusion and diversity. It follows a group of children through their day, from when they arrive at school to when they go back home when the day is done. A wide variety of races, nationalities, religions, abilities, and family types are represented in both the children and their families.

All book descriptions were written by Meghan or are from the publisher.