First Day, Hooray!

First Day, Hooray! is a rhyming picture book that celebrates the emotions of starting school. Written by the author of the bestselling The Goodnight Train, this book teaches young children to identify, name, and embrace their feelings as tools for navigating new experiences. Follow a classroom of children as they encounter a spectrum of emotions on their first day—from HAPPY and EXCITED to ANGRY and beyond. Through engaging rhymes and relatable scenarios, kids learn that all feelings are valid and can guide them through big moments. Grounded in how educators approach emotional literacy, First Day, Hooray! supports social-emotional learning both in and out of the classroom. It's the perfect companion for rising kindergarteners preparing for school transitions, or any child facing a milestone change. An included educator's note offers guidance for teachers and caregivers to deepen conversations about emotions and help children build confidence in understanding themselves.