About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is expressing 'big feelings' about the transition to school by trying to exert control over their environment. It is the perfect choice for the child who wants to pack their entire bedroom into their backpack just to feel safe. The story follows a young boy who meticulously plans to bring everything from his teddy bear to his kitchen sink to kindergarten, only to realize that what he truly needs is already within him. Through silly rhyming verse, it addresses the underlying anxiety of leaving home and the comfort of familiar objects. It is developmentally ideal for ages 3 to 6, offering a humorous way to validate a child's need for security while gently nudging them toward independence. Parents will appreciate how it transforms a stressful milestone into a playful conversation about what really matters on the first day.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book approaches school anxiety through a secular, metaphorical lens of 'packing' feelings. There are no heavy topics like divorce or death; the resolution is realistic and empowering, focusing on self-reliance.
