About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, like starting nursery school or preschool, and is expressing their anxiety through 'big behaviors' or defiance. While many books focus on the quiet, shy child, this story validates the experience of the child who acts out because they are scared. Billy is a little monster who tries his hardest to be 'bad' to prove he doesn't belong at school, but his teacher meets his outbursts with gentle redirection and positive reinforcement. Through Pat Hutchins' signature humor and colorful monster characters, the story reframes school nerves in a way that feels safe and funny rather than clinical. It is a perfect choice for children aged 3 to 6 who need to see that their feelings are normal and that their teachers (and parents) can handle their strongest emotions. It opens a natural door to discuss how we act when we are nervous and how to find our place in a new group.
