Back to School Tortoise

Reach for this book when your child is showing signs of back to school jitters or expressing fear about a new environment. This gentle story follows a young tortoise who is preparing for his first day. Despite being a big, brave tortoise in many ways, he finds himself moving a little slower than usual as the big day approaches. He worries about the unknowns of the classroom, but eventually finds the courage to tuck his worries away and step through the door. This is an ideal choice for preschoolers and kindergartners because it validates the physical sensation of anxiety without being clinical. It uses the metaphor of a tortoise's shell to represent the child's internal world and need for safety. Parents will appreciate how the story normalizes the 'stop and go' nature of bravery, showing that it is okay to take your time as long as you eventually take that first step.