5 books to ease your kid's school anxiety

THE BUTTONS FAMILY: FIRST DAY AT PLAYSCHOOL
By Vivian French and Sue Heap, Walker Books, $12.89, from Bookaburra

It's time to start playschool, but Cherry is hiding under the table instead. When Dad lets her bring her favourite stuffed animal along, Cherry slowly loses her shyness and has a great day at school. Playschool is lots of fun after all. The colourful book is great for little ones who are feeling nervous about starting childcare, and comes with a sheet of stickers. Recommended for kids aged two to four.

CURIOUS GEORGE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By Margret and H.A. Rey, Walker Books, $12.28, from Bookaburra

George has been invited as a special helper at the first day of school. And what a good helper he is all through story time, counting, games and snack time. When art time rolls around, George wants to help by creating more colours for the kids to paint with. Will he be able to help with painting, too? This edition of George's fun adventures at school also comes with a read-along story CD. Recommended for kids aged two to four.

MONDAYS AT MONSTER SCHOOL
By Ruth Louise Symes and Rosie Reeve, Orion Children's Books, $7.90, from www.closetfulofbooks.com

Fred isn't so sure he wants to go to Monster School, but when he everyone tells him Mondays at the school is full of mud-splashing and howling and growling, he gives it a go. And what fun is it. He doesn't even want to leave school when Monday is over. But Mr Stinkwart tells him not to worry, because if Fred thinks Mondays are great, just wait until Tuesday. Recommended for kids aged three to five.

THE BEAR WITH STICKY PAWS GOES TO SCHOOL
By Clara Vulliamy, Orchard Books, $31.57, from Bookaburra

Pearl doesn't want to go to school today. It's silly and she has no friends. "Come to my school!" says the bear that shows up on her doorstep. So Pearl goes, but Bear School is absolutely chaotic. The bear is messy with his paints, noisy with his drum and gooey with his cooking. Perhaps regular school isn't so bad after all, Pearl decides. The story also weaves in simple counting lessons. Recommended for kids aged three to five.

MOM, IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
By Hyewon Yum, Frances Foster Books, $35.26, from Bookaburra

His lunch is made, his backpack is packed, and one little boy is excited to start kindergarten. It's the first day of school, but, oh - who is that feeling blue in the corner? Mummy isn't ready to send her little boy off to the big kids' school. Then it's time to enter the classroom, but who isn't ready for kindergarten now? This sweet story will appeal to mums with separation anxiety as well. Recommended for kids aged three to five.

This article first appeared in the January 2015 of Young Parents magazine. Young Parents, published by SPH Magazines, is available in both digital and print formats. To subscribe and for more parenting stories, go to www.youngparents.com.sg/subscription.