As we complete the second full week of August, for those of us with school-aged children in the house, it’s impossible not to think about the return to school, or, perhaps, the start of school for the first time.
As a working parent, I’m a fan of “Remember” by Dac Trung Tran, a reassuring picture book for both kids and adults to get us through the last days of summer. It depicts a child waking up to a message from his mother who has already gone off to work for the day: “Dear son, Mom is going to work early today.”
And from there, he is off — getting something to eat, doing his chores, exploring, playing. Trung’s art depicts a world full of wonder, playfulness, and a little bit of danger. But that danger is mitigated by the mother’s words. The repetition of the word “remember” is as reliable as the mother waiting at home for her child at the end of the day. I love that this book tells kids it’s okay to go off and have an adventure by themselves and that they can be comforted by their parents’ presence, even if they can’t always see them.
I’m charmed by a new picture book called, “Fish Don’t Go to School” by Deb Pilutti, about a boy named Henry who loves how he feels when he wears his sparkly fish costume. He wears it everywhere.
When the first day of school arrives, Henry is feeling anxious, but wearing his fish costume makes him feel braver. As he gets to know his classmates and begins to feel more comfortable, each day he shares a piece of his costume with new friends or leaves a piece at home, allowing Henry to grow into his comfort in a new space while staying true to himself. With adorable illustrations, the book offers a welcoming message to first-time students.
A new school year can introduce a lot of new feelings, and I love how many emotions the new book “How Do I Feel?” by Rebekah Lipp and illustrated by Craig Phillips addresses. With over 60 emotions depicted — including apathy, envy, inspiration, overwhelmedness, remorse, and triumph, to name a few — each page answers the questions, “How will my body look and feel?” and, “Why is this emotion helpful?” It’s an excellent tool to give kids and caregivers words for all these new feelings.
For slightly older children, “Fresh Start” by Gale Galligan offers a humorous take in graphic novel format on starting a new school. As the daughter of a diplomat, Ollie is used to moving. She’s learned that she doesn’t have to worry about making a good first impression because she’ll just be moving again soon anyway. But after moving from Germany to Virginia and having a mortifying first day of school, she learns her parents finally intend to settle down in one place. Now she must figure out how to be herself and make real friends now that she can’t run away if (and when) something embarrassing happens.
The last book I’ll mention has nothing to do with school: “The Library of Unruly Treasures” by Jeanne Birdsall. Birdsall is the author of “The Penderwicks” series, one of my favorites, and her new book is another modern classic in the making. In “The Library of Unruly Treasures,” a neglected young girl named Gwen is sent to live with her uncle for two weeks. There she discovers tiny, winged creatures living in the library. They’re called Lahdukan and only the children can see them. As Gwen (and her lovable dog Pumpkin) help them find a new home, she finds a new place for herself as well.
An enchanting read for the last of these magical summer days.
Hannah Harlow is owner of The Book Shop, an independent bookstore in Beverly Farms. Harlow writes biweekly recommendations for us. See more of what she recommends reading at thecricket.com.
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