Coloring and activity book · Ages 4 to 7
Cora's First Day Jitters
A Coloring Story About Courage, Friendship, and Starting School
Cora's First Day Jitters: A Coloring Story About Courage, Friendship, and Starting School is a 58-page coloring and activity book for children ages 4 to 7 about the nervous butterflies of starting something new. It follows Cora, a curious little Corgi, through her first day at puppy school, where she learns that being brave does not mean not feeling scared and that a friendship can begin with one small hello. Written by Adam S. Dince and self-published under Wagglewood, it is available as a paperback on Amazon and as a printable digital download on Etsy.
| Title | Cora's First Day Jitters |
|---|---|
| Subtitle | A Coloring Story About Courage, Friendship, and Starting School |
| Author | Adam S. Dince |
| Age range | 4 to 7 years |
| Pages | 58 |
| Formats | Paperback on Amazon; printable digital download on Etsy |
| Topic | Starting school, courage, friendship, new beginnings |
| Publisher | Wagglewood (self-published) |
| Publication date | October 18, 2026 |
| ISBN | 979-8163197033 |
What is Cora's First Day Jitters about?
Cora is a curious little Corgi who loves discovering new things. When Papa tells her that tomorrow is her first day at puppy school, she imagines games, adventures and new friends. But thinking about tomorrow makes her tummy feel fluttery, and she wonders, “What if nobody wants to play with me?”
Papa listens and promises to be back after school. At the gate, Cora’s butterflies flutter again, so she asks for one more hug. Inside, her teacher, Ms. Fern, shows her a cubby of her own. Cora tries to say hello during a busy game, but nobody hears her, and she wishes she felt brave.
Then she notices a little Beagle named Tilly sitting alone. Even though she feels nervous, Cora asks, “Would you like to sit with me?” A friendship begins with one small hello, a new game and a Dalmatian pup named Bixby. When Cora’s paintbrush slips, a kind friend helps her turn the smudge into a shooting star. At the end of the day, Cora still has butterflies, but this time she has friends waiting on the other side.
Who are the characters?
What activities are inside?
Between story pages, children get pages where they can color, draw and imagine:
There is also a “This book belongs to” page, with spaces for something the child is excited about at school and something they would like to feel brave enough to try.
Is it only for the first day of school?
No. The school in the story is a puppy school, but the feelings are familiar anywhere something is new: a new class, a new activity, a new neighborhood.
Peek inside Cora's First Day Jitters
These are real pages from the book: black and white line art, ready to color. Tap a page to see it larger.
Story pageCora was a curious little Corgi who loved discovering new things. 
Story pageBut thinking about tomorrow made Cora’s tummy feel fluttery. 
Activity pageEvery feeling has a color! What colors will your butterfly wear today? 
Story page“Would you like to sit with me?” Cora asked, even though she felt nervous. 
Activity pageDecorate a paw print to help a new friend feel welcome. 
Activity pageDecorate this badge for something you tried, even when it was hard.
How do you use Cora's First Day Jitters?
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy this book.
- Start with the story.Read the complete story aloud, page by page, including the captions on the activity pages. There is no need to stop and color every illustration as you read.
- Return to color and explore.After the story, revisit the pages together. Invite your child to color the pictures and complete the activities at their own pace.
- Let conversations happen naturally.You might gently ask: What do you think Cora was feeling? What would you say to a puppy who felt nervous? What are you looking forward to at school? What’s one little brave thing you’d like to try?
- Take your time.You do not have to finish in one sitting. Some children return to a favorite picture or hear the story several times. Follow your child’s lead.
- Remember that bravery can be small.The goal is not to make every nervous feeling disappear. It is to help children discover that they can feel unsure and still take a small step forward.
Questions parents ask about Cora's First Day Jitters
What is Cora's First Day Jitters about?
Cora is a curious little Corgi who is excited and nervous about her first day at puppy school. She worries that nobody will want to play with her, finds one small act of courage, and makes friends. Along the way children color the story and fill in activity pages about their own feelings.
Who is Cora's First Day Jitters for?
It is a coloring and activity book for children ages 4 to 7 who are starting school or another new place, and for the grown-ups who read with them. We suggest reading the story aloud first, then coloring and doing the activities together at the child's pace.
Is it only for the first day of school?
No. The story takes place at a puppy school, but the feelings in it show up in many new situations: nervous butterflies, hoping for a friend, saying goodbye at the door. A child starting a new class, activity or neighborhood can relate to Cora too.
How can I use the book before a first day?
Read the story aloud a few days ahead and talk about what Cora is feeling, using questions like "What do you think Cora was feeling?" and "What are you looking forward to at school?" The book's note for parents also suggests talking about what the day will look like, practicing goodbye routines and meeting the teacher and classmates when possible.
What is the difference between the paperback and the digital version?
The paperback is a printed book that Amazon ships to you. The digital version is a printable download from Etsy: you print the pages at home, and nothing is shipped.
What should I use to color Cora's First Day Jitters?
Crayons and colored pencils are a safe choice. If you use markers, slip an extra sheet of paper under the page you are coloring in case the ink comes through.
Does this book replace professional advice?
No. Cora's First Day Jitters encourages family reading, conversation, coloring and creative activities, but it is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health advice. If your child's worries seem overwhelming or keep getting in the way of daily life, talk with their pediatrician or a licensed professional.
Does Wagglewood have other books?
Yes. Benny Misses Daisy is a coloring story about love, loss and remembering a pet or loved one, and a third Wagglewood book is on the way.
Where can I buy Cora's First Day Jitters?
Not sure which to choose? Read the paperback and digital questions above.
Also from Wagglewood
Benny Misses Daisy is a 55-page coloring story about love, loss and remembering a pet or loved one. See all the Wagglewood coloring books.
About the author
Adam S. Dince is a dad, hypnotherapist and animal lover. He wrote Cora's First Day Jitters as his daughter’s first day of school approached. A book they read together, though well meant, left her more frightened than excited, so he wanted to create a story that acknowledges the butterflies children feel while reminding them of the good things waiting on the other side of those worries.
Read Adam S. Dince’s story · Wagglewood, self-published.