A new school year is coming! But it’s good to remember that school may be a source of anxiety for some kids: some kids are nervous about being away from home without their grownups for the first time, and some kids may be anxious about being in class; having to speak up in class, afraid of not knowing an answer, any number of reasons. There are some books out geared to help younger learners navigate this anxiety. Let’s take a look.
Just for Today, by Charlotte Agell/Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González, (July 2026, Scholastic Press), $19.99, ISBN: 9781546181323
Ages 4-8
Elba is a hippo who worries a lot; her worries can keep her up some nights. Norris is an alligator who believes that worry comes from “telling yourself the wrong story”. Norris persuades Elba to create a new story together with him, but the story takes an unexpected turn when they attempt to make the story a reality, sending Elba on an unexpected and frightening adventure! Elba discovers she must rely on herself and not to give in to her worries, and finds herself comforting Norris when the two friends reunite. The point of the story: sometimes, the story changes, but it’s within ourselves to write the ending and a good friend can help co-author a happy one. Cheerful, bright watercolor and graphite illustrations are soft and comforting, and Norris’s and Elba’s large, expressive eyes encourage interaction with the reader. All in all, a sweet and optimistic story that encourages resilience, especially when experiencing the unexpected.
Love, Panda, by Elaine Su/Illustrated by Charlene Chua, (July 2026, Scholastic Press), $19.99, ISBN: 9781546179580
Ages 4-8
A series of letters written by a panda in distress is as hilarious as it is charming. Panda’s human, Benny, left in the new baby’s room, and things are a little damp. (Panda’s ears. Panda’s ears are damp.) In a series of letters to Benny, Panda pleads for rescue: the baby doesn’t know what’s funny! The baby’s crinkly book isn’t entertaining! As the book progresses, we slowly see Baby Lou endear herself to Panda, who discovers that maybe they should stay with Lou a little longer. Panda is a stand-in for children with a new baby in the home: at first, there may be discomfort with a new situation; scoffing at things that Baby doesn’t do that they can do, being praised for rolling over, or just pooping! Panda also shows kids how to be a caring older sibling, noticing little things like Baby’s need for the “Nighty-Night water sounds” in order to fall asleep and the pride of being a baby’s chosen person to speak baby babble to. As Panda sees memories of Baby Benny in Baby Lou, parents can talk about what things were like when the older child was a baby, creating a bridge between the two siblings. Adorable illustrations show a put-upon Panda in laughable situations. Different notepapers give readers the feel of Panda grabbing whatever they could find to scribble missives. An adorable addition to new baby/social-emotional collections.
Mom Read It 