Sharky's First Day of School: A Big Feelings Story About Starting Kindergarten

Sharky is so excited for his first day of school... until he isn't.His tummy feels tight. His heart pounds. Big, hot tears well up before he even reaches the door. Mom tries to help him breathe. Dad tells him school is safe. Neither one helps - because sometimes, the scariest feelings just need time, patience, and the right kind of support to work themselves out.Sharky's First Day of School is a gentle, relatable picture book about the very real anxiety young children feel when facing something new - and the small, quiet moments that help them find their courage.Inside the classroom, Sharky discovers bright building blocks, fun fin-paints, and a cozy reading nook. He meets his best friend Tiffany, makes block towers, and by the end of the day, he can't wait to go back. Along the way, young readers learn that it's okay to feel scared and brave at the same time.What makes this book special: - A simple, repeatable calming mantra ("Breathe and tap, breathe and clap...") that kids can use in real moments of anxiety, not just while reading- A note to parents with space to write your own family mantras together- Warm, vibrant underwater illustrations that bring Sharky's world to life- Written by Eve Fedyk, an early childhood educator with over 30 years of real classroom experience helping young children navigate exactly these big feelingsWhether your child is starting kindergarten, daycare, or any new experience for the first time, Sharky's First Day of School offers comfort, connection, and a gentle reminder: new can feel scary, and new can be wonderful too.Perfect for: Parents preparing a child for their first day of school - Caregivers supporting children with separation anxiety - Early childhood educators and classrooms - Bedtime and read-aloud storytimeSharky's First Day of School is the first book in the Sharky and Friends series, exploring emotional regulation through real childhood experiences.