About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing the daunting transition to a new school or struggling to find their place in a classroom social circle. It is a gentle, chapter-by-chapter exploration of Oliver Pig's first days at school, where he encounters common hurdles like a loud classroom, the search for a true friend, and the vulnerability of being away from home. Oliver’s experiences are grounded in realistic emotions that many children feel but may not have the words to describe. This book is an ideal choice because it validates the messy, uncertain feelings of early childhood without being overly dramatic. Jean Van Leeuwen uses Oliver’s loving family as a secure home base, showing parents how to support a child through these milestones with patience and humor. It is perfectly pitched for 5 to 8-year-olds who are ready for short chapters but still need the comfort of a familiar, animal-centric world.
