Back to school: 9 books to tackle the first day of school
Books, as we know, are the panacea for all ills. They can also be a valuable tool to accompany our children in an important and delicate moment like the first day of school, an event that will be kept forever in their memory. And do you remember it on the first day of school? I do. I remember the mothers lined up behind the desk and us little ones in black aprons and blouses sitting at our desks. I remember the smiles and even the tears when the teacher said they had to go. Tears not only of the little ones, but also of some mothers.
Here is the list of books to deal with the fear of back to school:
So how to deal with the fear of school? Of a new journey that is about to begin? If you want to try a good book, I suggest some, strictly in no particular order. Maybe I'll reveal my favorite in the end.
See also
"The Color Monster goes to school" - Anna Llenas
If you loved the Monster of emotions, you can't help but love his new adventure: going to school. Of course, he gets ready by putting "antialen goggles", "bat repellent" and "quicksand boots" in his backpack. Once you understand, however, that at school you play, laugh, joke and - above all - learn, even the Monster will decide to go there without any more fears and worries. Although, of course, going to school is hard work!
"Anselmo goes to school" - Giovanna Zoboli & Simona Mulazzani
Anselmo is the stuffed rabbit of the narrator of this delightful illustrated book. He is 5 years and nine months old, just like the speaker. He is curious and greedy. When he receives the news that he will have to go to school, Anselmo bends his left ear, as when he is a little agitated and, even if he does not say it openly, this thing from the school puts him in apprehension. So one evening, aboard his master's flying car, they arrive at school and there they meet talking chairs, books, plaintive globes and anxious computers: yes! Because it is not only children who are afraid of school, but also school furnishings fear rude children and cause trouble. It will be this trip that will calm Anselmo and make him straighten his ears again.
"I'm absolutely too young to go to school" - Lauren Child
Charlie knows what it's like to go to school. He is now great. Lola, on the other hand, has to start school but still feels too young. Charlie teases her: Wouldn't you like to learn to count, read and write? Because, if you can't write, you can't get in touch with Santa Claus. If you don't know how to count, you risk making the elephants to whom you feed the peanuts unhappy. Lola, attracted by all these possibilities, would like to go to school but fears that her imaginary best friend, Gonaldo, will feel alone at home and does not want to be a bad friend. But if he went to school too ... a funny book, with very special illustrations and a captivating text, to face the fear of the first day of school.
"The warthogs do the ..." - Simone Frasca
Elefantino Giulio is euphoric: school is about to start and he will certainly make many friends. His parents, however, warn him and he gets a little depressed: all other animals have defects. The monkeys steal, the anteaters are curious, the violent rhinos, with their horns they pierce the butts! But will it really be like this? Giulio comes home every day, telling about his new friends. Because the more friends you have, the better. Even if they could do the… ☺
"Lu's Secret" - Mario Ramos
Lu is new to school. He has to go to a pig school where everyone points to him as "the different". Sure, he's a wolf! Nobody wants him as a friend, only Ciccio approaches him. But one day Lu stops going to school and Ciccio, like a good friend, goes to visit him at home. He will discover Lu's secret and together they will be able to put an end to the arrogance of three neighborhood bullies, bigger than intelligent. The ideal book for anyone starting a new school, where they might feel sad and alone without friends.
"Stinky Dog Goes to School" - Colas Gutman & Marc Boutavant
Stinky Dog can't read the garbage labels he finds in his bin. For this he often finds himself in trouble and for this he decides to enroll in school. A chic school, with many refined dogs with gold collars. Even if he is different and a bit clumsy (and we like him for that very reason) and the teacher and his companions treat him badly, he will be able to show what he is made of, but above all with what a great heart he is gifted with!
"NO, No and then NO!" - MIreille d'Allancé,
Marco's watchword is no. No, I don't want to go to school. No, I don't want to hang my jacket in its place and even No, my name is not Marco. Yet school also has its positives and eventually, when mom comes back to take her puppy home, she'll get a NO for an answer. Maybe, after all, the school is not so bad!
"Alice and the first day of kindergarten" - Giorgia Cozza
Even the beginning of kindergarten could be difficult for some children. I recommend a small but sweet issue, "Alice and the first day of kindergarten", by Giorgia Cozza, with illustrations by Maria Francesca Agnellli, published by Il giardino dei cedri. Each beginning brings with it the emotion for what is to come but also a bit of apprehension. Perhaps with the help of a special gift, the moment of parting will be less difficult. Don't think, however, of who knows what gift: Alice receives her mother's perfumed handkerchief, so that every time she feels a sense of nostalgia, she will breathe the scent of home and will immediately feel better. The power of what experts call "transitional objects" should not be underestimated. And it doesn't take much to make a little one feel better in his first real experience away from home.
"Zeb and the supply of kisses" - Michel Gay
And finally the wildcard book, which does not expressly talk about starting school. But it speaks of the distance, of how to overcome it in serenity. In this period, starting school means moving away from mom and dad after a long time, it means starting a new routine. Here is the story of Zeb can help parents to make their little ones feel calmer. To overcome the fear of sleeping outside the home, mom and dad prepare little Zeb a box full of kisses. A kiss for every moment of sadness and nostalgia. He who is good and generous will also give them to friends to make them feel better. But the gist is just that: a little kiss to defeat the sadness of the first day.Stuck in your pocket, ready for use. It works!
In collaboration with Erica Trabucchi
