More Than a Storybook

The first day of school is filled with big feelings.

For some children, it's excitement. For others, it's nervousness. And sometimes, it's both.

Atlanta Primary School counselor and gifted and talented teacher LaVon Francis knows those feelings well. They inspired her first children's book, “Little Rabbit Goes to School,” a story about a young Rabbit discovering that it's OK to miss home while learning to love school.

Little Rabbit is excited for her first day of school. But when lunchtime arrives and she opens her lunchbox, she begins to miss home. With the help of a caring teacher, she learns that two emotions can exist at the same time—that it's OK to feel excited and nervous all at once.

As LaVon developed the story, she realized it wasn't just about Little Rabbit. It was about her, too.

While preparing to transition into her new role as Atlanta Primary's social-emotional learning counselor, she found herself experiencing many of the same emotions as the character she was writing.

"I realized I could be excited and nervous at the same time," she said. "I really related to how Little Rabbit was feeling."

The story is rooted in Atlanta Primary School and the Atlanta community. The illustrations feature familiar places throughout the campus, including the cafeteria, library, gymnasium and playground, allowing young readers to recognize the spaces where they'll spend their days.

"I wanted it to be a book our teachers could read during the first week of school," LaVon said. "I wanted the children to see themselves in the story and recognize the places they'll be eating lunch, playing at recess and spending their day."

For LaVon, that sense of familiarity matters.

She remembers how intimidating school felt as a child and hopes Little Rabbit's story helps make those first days feel a little less overwhelming.

The book concludes with Little Rabbit celebrating a successful first day over ice cream with her mom before heading to a Friday night football game, a reminder that school is about much more than classrooms. It's about becoming part of a community.

"I hope every reader—whether they're a student walking through the school doors for the first time or a staff member preparing to welcome them—knows it's OK to feel excited, nervous or even a little of both," she said. "More than anything, I hope they find a school community that reminds them they belong exactly where they are."

Little Rabbit Goes to School on Amazon