Everyone — parents, teachers, and children — is gearing up. The big day is right around the corner: the first day of school.

It’s a tense time for children and the adults in their lives — even for a child returning to the same school. There’s so much to do in preparation, so many new things to deal with.

My son always wondered if he’d have a friend, and later if his best buddy would be back and if they would still be best friends.

Friends, like fears, come in all shapes and sizes. And it’s probably a good thing to remind children of this.

Two new personalities, Elephant and Piggie, in books by Mo Willems (Hyperion) can remind young readers in a playful, pleasurable, and easy-to-read and downright funny way that even the most unlikely characters can become friends. They’re a little like Lobel’s much beloved Frog and Toad (HarperCollins).

So here’s to friendship and beginnings as the new school year is almost upon us. May they be filled with fun and happy surprises.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
August 16, 2007
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