Four Back-to-School Feelings Books
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If you're searching for wonderful diverse books that are perfect for back-to-school season, especially ones that talk about the nervousness that can come with periods of transition, you're in the right place! Enjoy some examples of our expert-curated collection below, and discover more when shopping our Member Add-On Store!
All Members have access to our Member Add-On Store before each shipment! You can choose books to add to your regularly scheduled OurShelves book boxes.
Without further delay, check out these wonderful books that affirm that it's okay to feel nervous when trying something new and during times of transition.
1. GLAD, GLAD BEAR by Kimberly Gee
Bear is so excited that today is dance day! He has his new leggings, slippers, and tutu, and he is ready to go. But when he gets there, he feels a little shy, a little unsure, and even a little afraid. What can make him feel better? Dancing, of course!
This charming companion to Mad, Mad Bear is a celebration of how stepping out and doing the things we love makes us feel happy…even if we are a little apprehensive at first!"
2. PUNKY ALOHA by Shar Tuiasoa
"Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying 'aloha' to experience exciting and unexpected adventures!
Punky loves to do a lot of things—except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough.
So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.
Will she be able to get the butter for grandma?
Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O’ahu."
(This description comes from this book's publisher, HarperCollins).
3. ABDUL'S STORY authored by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow,
illustrated by Tiffany Rose
"A 2022 New York Public Library Best Book for Kids!
A little boy who loves storytelling but struggles with writing learns that it’s okay to make mistakes in this charming and encouraging picture book from the author of Mommy’s Khimar.
Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes."
(This description comes from this book's publisher, Simon & Schuster).
4. TIMID by Harry Woodgate
"Timmy loves to perform, but only when there isn't an audience! When Timmy feels most nervous, their shy inner lion roars all their confidence away. This gorgeous, uplifting picture book by British Book Award winner and Stonewall Book Award Honoree, Harry Woodgate, shines a spotlight on childhood anxiety. With bravery, courage, and friendship, Timmy learns to embrace their inner lion and follow their dreams.
"A gorgeously flamboyant picture book with a non-binary protagonist and a gentle, supportive message."- The Guardian
(This description comes from Simon & Schuster, the distributer of this Little Bee Books title.)
Members, check out these books from our Add-On store!
Prospective members, now's the time to join OurShelves and add books like these to your first book box! Please reach out to support@OurShelves.com with questions.