Books put kids back in school spirit

It's countdown time. School's starting date looms on the calendar, and all the summer plans — extra swimming lesson, hikes to admire the wild flowers in the canyons or camping out under the stars — need to be crunched into the final few days.

There are also reminders that shopping must be scheduled: Shoes are suddenly showing holes, and jeans and T-shirts have taken a beating.

The old backpack may or may not be intact for the upcoming year. And certainly new pencils and crayons will be a must.

There are other preparations that can be made for the beginning of school, too.

Heading off to school for the first time can be a tearful event for both parent and child. One way to combat this is by reading stories that provide positive ideas and images.

Here are a few suggestions:

"ADVENTURE ANNIE GOES TO KINDERGARTEN," by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Amy Wummer, Dial, $16.99

Annie needs to follow the Gold Star Rules, which somehow seem to get in her way. Ultimately, she figures out the key to becoming a Gold Star Deputy for the class.

"MY KINDERGARTEN," by Rosemary Wells, Hyperion, $9.99

Wells has organized this book with activities from September through June for home and classrooms. "My Kindergarten" is a couple of years older but on most library and bookstore shelves.

"EMILY'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL" by Sarah Ferguson, illustrated by Ian Cunliffe, Sterling, $7.95

This is one of the Helping Hand series books that treats children's fears and wishes with clear understanding. After Emily is cautious about a first day at school, her reaction is one of looking forward to the second one with pleasure.

"CLIFFORD GOES TO DOG SCHOOL," by Norman Bridwell, Scholastic, $3.99

Clifford fans will love the fact that he has some rules to follow but finds lots of new friends and activities in his first school days.

Older children may enjoy a "launch" into the school year with:

"GET READY FOR SECOND GRADE AMBER BROWN," by Paula Danziger, Penguin, $3.99 (ages 5-8)

Amber really does try to curb her summertime energies. Active children will relate to her attempts to fit in the classroom schedule.