Oliver and His Alligator

Reach for this book when your child is facing a big transition, like the first day of preschool or kindergarten, and is expressing a need for a security blanket or extra protection. It is a perfect choice for the child who feels small and overwhelmed by the noise and bustle of a new environment. Oliver decides that the best way to handle his nerves is to bring an alligator to school. While the alligator physically protects him by eating anything that makes Oliver nervous, the story uses this absurdist humor to show how isolation can get lonely. It is a gentle, imaginative exploration of social anxiety that helps children realize that while walls (or alligators) keep things out, they also keep friends away. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need for safety while encouraging them to eventually step out from behind their defenses.