Looking for Good Children's Book to Help Prepare 4 Year Old for a New School

I don't have a suggestion for a book, but we just we through this with our sons (3yo and 1 1/2 yo) last week. We were very nervious about changing daycares since they had been at the same school since they were each 12 weeks old. We choose not to make a big deal out of it. We didn't hype it up or even talk about it until the night b/4, b/c we didn't want to get my 3 yo anxious. Then I talked to him about meeting new friends and teachers and some of the activities this school offered. We decided that for the first two days they would only be there 1/2 and we stayed with them (one of us in each of the boys class). This worked well. Today is their first full day by themselves. For my older son, I have found it's best to tell him what's expected or what's going to happen. He isn't big on change, but so far things are good. This morning he said " I want to go to my new school" so that was encourageing. Good luck.

Alexander and the terrible, horrible, very bad, no good day, by Judith Viorst.

At Preschool With Teddy Bear; by Jacqueline McQuade; Dial Books for Young Readers, 1999
Basil Bear Goes to Preschool; by Marilyn Woody; Gold'n'Honey, 1999
I Can Go to Preschool; by Bonnie Worth; Golden Books Pub. Co., 1999
Little Bunny's Preschool Countdown; by Maribeth Boelts; Albert Whitman; Biblios, 1999
My Giant Preschool Lift-the-Flap Book; Playskool Books, 1999
My First Day at Preschool; by Jean Bay; Golden Books, 1999
Rosie Rabbit Goes to Preschool; by Patrick Yee; Simon & Schuster, 1997
The Berenstain Bears Go to School; by Stan and Jan Berenstain; Random House, 1978
Starting School; by Janet Ahlberg; Puffin, 1990
Will I Have a Friend?; by Miriam Cohen; Econo-Clad Books, 1999
We Love Preschool; by Tim Warnes; Millbrook Press, 1998
When Dinosaurs Go To School; by Linda Martin; Chronicle Books, 1999

Primrose is AWESOME. Is Susan Johnson still the director?

My son attended the Primrose School of Breckinridge Park in Richardson, where Ms. Johnson was the Assistant Director before being promoted to Director at the Bent Trail school. We absolutely loved her!

I was in a similar situation as you when my son left the security of the Primrose school (where he had been since age one) and began public Kindergarten this past school year.

I, too, was very worried about the transition, but his preschool teacher did a very good job in preparing the kids for the transition into Kindergarten (it was actually part of their curriculum - having them walk to class independent from their parents to prepare them for having to enter the building on their own in Kindergarten, etc.).

I spent all last Summer, agonizing about the transition and spent many sleepless nights prior to the start of school, but my fears were unfounded.

My son awoke on the first day and every day thereafter EXCITED about "big boy school"!

I do not have any advice or books to recommend, but just know that your child is probably a lot more adaptable than you think.

Also know that he is transitioning into a school with a very good reputation. The teachers are excellent and the educational program is phenomenal!

Good luck to you!

I'm sure there are lots of books about going to school. I know we have a video of Franklin going to school. Just know that your 4 year old may surprise you. My 4 year old daughter attended the same day care from the time she was 3 months, too. Then, just this summer we had to change to a place that would accept part time enrollments. I was really worried about her transitioning to a new school. However, she did just fine. The only problem we had was the bathroom. She went from using an open bathroom with toddler sized toilets to using a regular sized bathroom with a grown up sized toilet, which she uses at home anyway. She was a little scared to use their bathroom for a few days, but soon got over it. Now the only problem we have is getting her to drink her drinks.