Back to school books

Back to school means back to learning. So how can you get your kids ready for what's going to happen both in and out of the classroom? With books, of course, according to author Katie Davis. She was back on Good Morning Connecticut Sunday with a selection of books that will help get children in the mood for school.

Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree by Betsy Franco, illus by Shino Arihara
This is a unique counting book, essentially, about nothing. It's only about the number zero. Katie says it's beautifully written and makes the concept of nothing understandable for a young child.

Don't Say Ain't by Irene Smalls, illus by Colin Bootman
This is a book about the nerves that can come along with attending a new school. Set in Harlem in 1957, Dana is admitted to a new advanced school. But she must leave her best friends behind and learn to speak proper English. Katie says this book can make it easier for children to make the difficult transition to a new place.

Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
Katie's own book about a little boy who's not afraid of kindergarten, but his stuffed dog, Rufus, is. As Dexter begins his first day at kindergarten he --er, Rufus-- realizes he has nothing to fear. In fact, as he finds out kindergarten "rocks".

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleishman, illus by David Roberts
A tyrannical teacher gets her just due in a this subversive and outrageously funny tale. Katie says this book will appeal to a wide-range of children, from kindergarten through sixth grade, who will see that their teacher can't be as bad as the one in this book.

Song of Middle C by Alison McGhee, illus by Scott Menchin
Every child who has felt the pressure of the spotlight is sure to smile at this story of a little girl facing her first recital. She gets nervous and freezes up, a feeling just about anyone who's ever had to perform knows. Katie says there's a nice story in what happens next.

For more information on Katie Davis, visit her website here.