
Welcome to our new COMMUNITY BLOG! Throughout the year we will feature information, updates, and resources from the people who work with our children in our community.
The first day of the new school year is fast approaching. Starting a new school or a new grade means having to deal with a lot of changes including new routines, places and people. Sue Sherman, the Children’s Librarian at DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY has provided us with a list of BACK-TO-SCHOOL books for you to chose from to share with your children during these last days of summer in preparation for the big day!
Reading books with your children on this subject:
The first day of the new school year is fast approaching. Starting a new school or a new grade means having to deal with a lot of changes including new routines, places and people. Sue Sherman, the Children’s Librarian at DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY has provided us with a list of BACK-TO-SCHOOL books for you to chose from to share with your children during these last days of summer in preparation for the big day!
Reading books with your children on this subject:
- Helps your child know what to expect on their first day and helps ease the transition from summer days to school routines.
- Encourages your child explore any fears or anxieties they may have about school. Be prepared to ask and answer questions to help your child to talk about their feelings.
- Develops your child’s vocabulary by introducing them to new words they might hear at school.
- Provides you and your child the chance to share in the excitement of a new adventure together ahead of time!

Back to School Titles
Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
You’re Wearing That to School?! By Lynn Plourde
A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Kindergators series by Rosemary Wells
First Grade, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
Best Seat in Second Grade by Katharine Kenah
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger
I Love School by Philemon Sturges
Ready, Set, School! by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Wow! School by Robert Neubecker
Starting School by Janet Ahlberg
My New School by Kirsten Hall
Hello, School Bus by Marjorie Parker
Scholastic Series: Back to School Safety, Going to School, Getting Ready for School
For Parents
What Your Preschooler Needs to Know by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
Kindergarten Success by Amy James
Kindergarten Success: Helping Children Excel Right From the Start by Jill Frankel Hauser
Starting Out Right: a Guide to Promoting Reading Success by M. Susan Burns
THE DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY will also be hosting the following back to school events:
Kindergarten Day – Friday, August 23 at 11:30 a.m. for children entering kindergarten in the Derby school system this school year. This is an opportunity for children to apply for their own library card, listen to stories, tour the Children’s Room and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is requested.
First Day of School Blues and Yahoos!! – Wednesday, August 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. (following school drop off). Parents are invited to attend this 1st annual back to school social to share their feelings whether they be excitement, relief, anxiety or joy. Come and enjoy coffee, donuts, and a shoulder to cry on, a friend to celebrate with or just some good conversation.
For information on what is on offer at the Derby Neck Library or Ansonia Libraries please visit their websites. Links can be found in the Quick Links section of this website. For information on Kinder Kamp, offered at the FRC in Derby call Ayanna Williams on (203) 736-5420 x208
If you have any questions about the blog or any suggestions for topics you would like us to cover, you can contact us on the My First 8 Facebook page or at myfirst8@yahoo.com
Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
You’re Wearing That to School?! By Lynn Plourde
A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Kindergators series by Rosemary Wells
First Grade, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
Best Seat in Second Grade by Katharine Kenah
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger
I Love School by Philemon Sturges
Ready, Set, School! by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Wow! School by Robert Neubecker
Starting School by Janet Ahlberg
My New School by Kirsten Hall
Hello, School Bus by Marjorie Parker
Scholastic Series: Back to School Safety, Going to School, Getting Ready for School
For Parents
What Your Preschooler Needs to Know by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
Kindergarten Success by Amy James
Kindergarten Success: Helping Children Excel Right From the Start by Jill Frankel Hauser
Starting Out Right: a Guide to Promoting Reading Success by M. Susan Burns
THE DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY will also be hosting the following back to school events:
Kindergarten Day – Friday, August 23 at 11:30 a.m. for children entering kindergarten in the Derby school system this school year. This is an opportunity for children to apply for their own library card, listen to stories, tour the Children’s Room and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is requested.
First Day of School Blues and Yahoos!! – Wednesday, August 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. (following school drop off). Parents are invited to attend this 1st annual back to school social to share their feelings whether they be excitement, relief, anxiety or joy. Come and enjoy coffee, donuts, and a shoulder to cry on, a friend to celebrate with or just some good conversation.
For information on what is on offer at the Derby Neck Library or Ansonia Libraries please visit their websites. Links can be found in the Quick Links section of this website. For information on Kinder Kamp, offered at the FRC in Derby call Ayanna Williams on (203) 736-5420 x208
If you have any questions about the blog or any suggestions for topics you would like us to cover, you can contact us on the My First 8 Facebook page or at myfirst8@yahoo.com