Sumi's First Day of School Ever

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition and feels like an outsider, particularly if they are struggling with a language barrier or cultural shift. It offers a soft landing for children who find the loudness of a new environment overwhelming, providing a mirror for those who need time to observe before they participate. The story follows Sumi, a young Korean girl, through the sensory overload of her first day of school. While she initially feels small and silent among the 'big and noisy' classmates, a gentle encounter with a kind teacher and a new friend helps her find her footing. It is a quiet, realistic, and deeply comforting choice for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 4 to 8) that validates the slow process of building confidence.