Library Adds Titles to Help Ease Transitions

The start of school brings anxiety for some and excitement to others. Other kids struggle with the changes such as having a new teacher, new classmates, and a new schedule, even if they stay in the same school.

The library is full of resources to help families get through many transitions, including school, death or illness, or navigating age-related milestones.  Check out the maroon binder in the window in the children's section for selected recommended books on these topics.

Each of the books in this article is new to Brookfield Library's collection. 

Rules for School by Alec Greven

What makes this book unique is that it's written by an 11-year-old author who says in the forward, "I've gone to school for a few years now, so I have a lot of experience in this area. I'm going to share my tips to help you get ready, take charge, and rule the school."

Simple line drawings complement the text, which expounds upon one rule that he's made in response to common worries or complaints that children have about starting school (being nervous, missing summertime, etc.). The responses are more conspiratorial than practical, but the peer-to-peer angle could get through to kids better than listening parents repeat the exact same advice.

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

This picture book has garnered extremely high reviews in the press for its text and beautiful artwork.  The story removes the fear and frustration of learning to read by allowing kids to learn alongside Rocket the dog as a yellow bird teaches him.

This is a perfect book not only for kids learning to read and those starting school, but those who love to play school, who might want to take the role of the yellow bird in the story.

Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligott

Before kids start school, they have to go for the obligatory back-to-school haircut.  They also have to get the school-picture and the going-to-visit the relatives haircuts. 

This book will not only help kids who might be reluctant to go to the barbershop, but is also a great Halloween tie-in, since these customers are monsters who come by once a month after midnight to keep themselves looking good.

There's No Place Like School: Classroom Poems 

Children's poems are often silly, yet touch at the heart of a relevant issue and are great for sparking conversation.

This picture books includes 18 poems by 13 different authors, including Jack Prelutsky. Specific topics of interest are the school bus, the lunchroom, class pets, homework and much much more.

This School Year Will be the Best by Kay Winters

At the beginning of school, many teachers try to get students to share a goal or a hope for the upcoming year in an effort to get to know them. 

This book takes place on the first day of school as a classroom of kids does just that. Teachers or parents could use this book at the beginning of the year, or as a springboard to introduce New Years' Resolutions.