Clyde Goes to School

Clyde Goes to School is a sweet and reassuring story for young children facing the common anxieties of starting preschool or kindergarten. The book follows Clyde, a purple hippo, as he navigates his initial nervousness about the first day. It gently portrays his jitters and then shows him gradually finding comfort and joy through engaging in activities and connecting with new friends. The emotional arc is gentle and hopeful, starting with mild apprehension and ending with a sense of belonging and happiness. This book is specifically for children aged 3-6 who are experiencing or anticipating their first school experiences. A parent would reach for this book to normalize feelings of anxiety, provide comfort, and open a conversation about what school will be like. There are no sensitive topics that require previewing; the story is straightforward and positive. Younger children will relate to Clyde's initial shyness, while slightly older children might appreciate his journey to confidence. What makes it stand out is its simple, relatable narrative combined with the charming anthropomorphic animal protagonist, making the universal experience of school jitters accessible and less intimidating.