Garmann's Summer

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as the first day of school, and feels like they are the only one who is afraid. This surreal and poetic story follows six-year-old Garmann during the final days of summer as he waits for his first tooth to fall out and his first day of school to arrive. Through quiet conversations with his elderly aunts, Garmann discovers that fear is a lifelong companion even for the adults he admires. By centering on the universality of anxiety, the book provides a unique mirror for children aged five to nine. It moves away from easy platitudes about bravery, offering instead a realistic and comforting validation of feelings. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to normalize worry and foster deep, philosophical connections with their children during times of change.