Kids of all ages can get back-to-school jitters, whether they've attended school before or not. Maybe they're attending school for the first time, switching schools or just have a lot of nervous excitement that a new school year brings. Help soothe their fears with back-to-school stories.

Little ones starting daycare or preschool for the first time may feel apprehensive about being "left" by their grown-ups. Stories like "Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney and "Sad, Sad Bear" by Kimberly Gee validate those sad, fearful feelings while emphasizing the excitement of meeting new friends and doing activities at school. Most importantly, they end with reassurance that grown-ups come back at the end of what proves to be a fun day.

Creating a small, simple ritual before school can help. The classic book "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn features a young raccoon nervous about starting school. His mother kisses his palm and tells him to press his hand to his face whenever he misses her to feel her love. Creating a similar ritual with your child can boost confidence throughout the school day.

Most people feel nervous when unsure what to expect from a new situation. Kids are no different; their imaginations can create worries about the unknown. Reading books about what happens during a typical school day can alleviate fears and help them visualize their day. Natasha Wing's books "The Night Before Preschool," "The Night Before Kindergarten" and "The Night Before First Grade" show children preparing for and going through their first day of school. "The School Book" by Todd Parr also lays out a simple, colorful look at fun things that take place during the school day.

Sometimes kids just need a confidence boost. "Butterflies on the First Day of School" by Annie Silvestro uses butterfly imagery to represent a young girl's jitters. As she grows more comfortable throughout the day by introducing herself to other kids and speaking up in class, the butterflies fly away. Derrick Barnes' "The King of Kindergarten" and "The Queen of Kindergarten" get kids excited about being confident leaders and friends in the classroom. "A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School" by Shannon Olsen has a teacher share excitement for the beginning of the school year and how much they look forward to getting to know each student.

While older kids know what to expect from school, they may have other worries, such as bullying, starting at a new school or feeling less confident than others.

There are many choices for graphic novel readers. "Curlfriends: New in Town" by Sharee Miller stars Charlie, the new girl at school who learns the best way to make and keep friends is by being herself. Similarly, "Timid" by Jonathan Todd is about overcoming shyness and being true to yourself. Additionally, "New Kid" by Jerry Craft is a modern classic about overcoming the feeling of not fitting in with classmates.

Bullying can be difficult to discuss, but books help start conversations. "Save Me a Seat" by Sarah Weeks handles bullies from two bullied students' points of view, Ravi and Joe, and how they handle their situation. On the flip side, "Restart" by Gordon Korman shows bullying from the bully's point of view. Chase has amnesia and is shocked to discover upon his return to school that he was a big bully. As he tries to remember his old life, he also tries to repair his bad reputation and make amends. Reading about others' experiences can help kids prepare for any bullying they encounter — or stop their own bad behavior.

"Genesis Begins Again" by Alicia D. Williams is a great reminder that you can be your own biggest bully, and to treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Finally, on a lighter note, "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty is a fantastical book that encourages embracing what makes you different rather than trying to fit in.

Back-to-school can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time for kids. Books can help ease the transition, make them feel more prepared or simply bring comfort. As always, there are many other titles to find at your local library, and you can always ask your librarian for help in finding them.

Dana Giusti is the children’s librarian at Lovett Library.