For childcare centers, preschools and early-learning programs
Help Little Ones Feel Brave on Big First Days
Starting daycare, preschool or kindergarten brings excitement, uncertainty and sometimes fear. Cora's First Day Jitters is a gentle coloring story your program can offer children and families, so nervous butterflies have somewhere to go.
The book
What is Cora's First Day Jitters?
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. 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.
The story is warm and honest, and it never pretends the butterflies disappear. Children color the story and fill in activity pages, like “Every feeling has a color! What colors will your butterfly wear today?” and “Draw someone or something that helps you feel safe.”
| Ages | 4 to 7 |
|---|---|
| Pages | 58 |
| Format | Coloring and activity book |
| Author | Adam S. Dince |
| ISBN | 979-8163197033 |
| Publisher | Wagglewood |
Why it matters
Why do first days feel so big for young children?
New faces, unfamiliar routines, saying goodbye to a parent and wondering whether they will make friends can bring feelings of excitement, uncertainty and sometimes fear. Those mixed emotions are natural.
Young children do not always have the words for what worries them. Talking about a character’s experience can feel easier than talking about their own. Every child approaches new experiences differently: some are excited from the start, some need extra reassurance and time, and many feel both at once.
For your program
How can this book support your childcare program?
Your team already has welcome routines and ways of helping children settle in. Cora's First Day Jitters is a small, friendly addition that fits alongside them.
Practical ideas
How could your program use Cora's First Day Jitters?
Programs can use the book in the way that fits their day. Here are four common ideas.
- Welcome-week gift or enrollment packet.Give each new child a copy to take home, so the story is waiting before the first day.
- Circle-time read-aloud.Read the story together and pause to ask: What do you think Cora is feeling? What would you say to a puppy who felt nervous?
- Quiet-corner coloring.Keep copies where children can color, draw something that helps them feel safe, or decorate a welcome paw print.
- Send-home copy for families.The book’s note for parents suggests talking about what the day will look like, practicing goodbye routines and meeting the teacher when possible.
What do the pages look like?
Real pages from Cora's First Day Jitters: clean black and white line art, ready to color with crayons or colored pencils.
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.
Let’s talk
Request bulk pricing, a sample, or a partnership conversation
Fill in the form and Adam S. Dince will reply personally, with bulk pricing, a sample, or a conversation about working together. Your details are used only to answer your request.
Just need one copy? Order the paperback on Amazon for $11.99 or the printable download on Etsy for $5.99.
The author
Who wrote Cora's First Day Jitters?
Adam S. Dince is a hypnotherapist, an animal lover and a dad. 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.
Who stands behind this book?
Questions from childcare programs
Is Cora's First Day Jitters appropriate for my classroom?
It is written for children ages 4 to 7. Cora feels nervous, and the story says so plainly, but it stays gentle and ends with friends waiting on the other side. We suggest reading it yourself first, then reading it aloud with children.
How could a childcare program use the book?
Programs can include a copy in a welcome-week or enrollment packet, read it aloud at circle time, keep copies in a quiet corner for coloring and activity time, or send a copy home to families before the first day. You can use it in whichever of these ways fits your routine.
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 whenever something is new: a new class, a child who joins mid-year, a change in routine, or a hard goodbye at the door.
Can we photocopy pages for a class?
Please ask us first. Each book is designed for one child to color and keep. If you would like to reproduce pages for a group, tell us what you have in mind in the inquiry form and we will reply.
Is there a quantity discount?
Organizational pricing for larger orders is available. We do not publish a price list because pricing depends on the quantity and shipping. Tell us roughly how many copies you need in the inquiry form and we will send you a quote.
How does shipping work for bulk orders?
Single copies from Amazon or Etsy ship under those stores' terms. For organizational orders, we confirm shipping cost and timing in your quote before you commit to anything.
Can the book be customized for our program?
Tell us what you have in mind in the inquiry form. We have not set up customization options yet, so we will tell you honestly what is possible. The book itself, including its story and illustrations, stays the same.
Can we get a sample copy before ordering?
Yes, you can ask for one. Choose Request a Sample Copy in the form and add your program's mailing address in the box about how you would use the book. We will reply to confirm.
Does the book replace professional guidance?
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 a child's worries seem overwhelming, talk with the child's family and the appropriate professional.