Back to School for Rotten Ralph

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with school-year separation anxiety or feeling protective of a 'best friend' bond as new classmates enter the picture. It is particularly helpful for children who express their anxiety through acting out or 'rotten' behavior rather than quiet tears. The story follows the mischievous red cat Ralph as he follows Sarah to school, attempting to sabotage her new friendships because he fears being replaced. Through humor and hyperbole, Jack Gantos validates the very real feelings of jealousy and loneliness that often accompany major transitions. Targeted at children ages 4 to 8, this book provides a safe, silly space to discuss difficult emotions. Parents will appreciate how it models Sarah's patience and firm boundaries, showing that growing a social circle does not mean losing old ones.