Off to a Flying Start! Back-to-School 2010

(from "Swarm" in Laura Purdie Salas's Stampede!)

If your kids are like ours, they're giddy to be back at school, but jittery about what to expect. There's so much for them to take in and as parents, we want to jump in and make everything go perfectly.

Of course, we have to let our kids feel out a lot of things for themselves. But a little nudge from us -- subtly done -- can go a long way to fuel their confidence and excitement for school.

One of my favorite things is to slip my kids books to ease them into new social situations and make a subject fun. So this fall I've selected 11 books below to help you help your kids feel bright-eyed and happy to learn.