First Day Critter Jitters Verified listing

When your child is facing the stress of a new school year, social anxiety, or fear of the unknown, it’s hard to find the right words—or the right support.

First Day Critter Jitters is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud picture book by Jory John and Liz Climo that helps kids feel seen and understood in their back-to-school nerves. Through charming animal characters, it normalizes the jitters of the first day—reminding readers that they’re not alone and that even the most confident critters get anxious sometimes.

With humor, empathy, and an uplifting ending, First Day Critter Jitters turns anxiety into something kids can laugh about—and talk about.

🧡 Best for parents who...

• Want to ease their child’s back-to-school anxiety
• Are supporting a kid with social fears or separation anxiety
• Value emotional literacy and gentle conversation startersAre building a child’s book collection with meaning and heart

💛 Best for kids who...

• Are starting preschool, kindergarten, or a new school
• Feel nervous about new routines or meeting new people
• Love animals, silly stories, and vibrant illustrations
• Need reassurance that their feelings are normal—and okay

🧠 Why It Helps:
First Day Critter Jitters models vulnerability, compassion, and community. It encourages kids to name their fears and see bravery in every small step forward.

💡 What’s Inside:

• Relatable Critter Characters: From a turtle afraid of being late to a snake worried about holding a pencil
• Light Humor with Big Heart: Turns anxious moments into laugh-out-loud ones
• Gorgeous Illustrations: Friendly, colorful artwork by Liz Climo
• Reassuring Story Arc: Ends with connection, courage, and new friendships

First Day Critter Jitters helps kids embrace big changes, feel understood, and know they’re not the only ones with first-day butterflies.