But I Don't Wanna Go To School - Paperback

by Nk Navarro (Author)

But I Don't Wanna Go to School!

By Nakia Navarro

Caidon is not ready for school today! His favorite pajamas are cozy, his bed is warm, and his imagination is full of adventures that have nothing to do with classrooms, pencils, or teachers. But his mom knows something he doesn't yet understand-school is a place for new stories, new friends, and new kinds of courage.

From the moment he wakes up, Caidon has one phrase on repeat: "But I don't wanna go to school!" His mom listens patiently and helps him name each of his feelings-nervousness, excitement, fear, curiosity-and shows him gentle ways to handle them. With loving reassurance and a few deep breaths, Caidon learns that trying something new doesn't mean facing it alone.

Inspired by real-life moments between a mother and her young son with low vision, this heartfelt picture book celebrates the power of calm encouragement, emotional awareness, and inclusive learning spaces. Written with warmth and humor by educator and author Nakia Navarro, this story offers comfort to every child who has ever faced a "first day" with butterflies in their stomach and hope in their heart.

As part of the Caidon Meets Sebastian and Seeing with Courage series, But I Don't Wanna Go to School! continues Navarro's mission to create children's literature that centers diversity, self-advocacy, and representation for learners of all abilities. It's a perfect read-aloud for families, educators, and counselors supporting children through big emotions, new experiences, or transitions from home to classroom.

Beautifully illustrated with expressive Pixar-style imagery and accessible storytelling, this book helps young readers build social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as:

• Recognizing and naming emotions
• Managing anxiety and uncertainty
• Building confidence through positive self-talk
• Practicing empathy and understanding others
• Embracing differences and inclusion

Whether you are a parent preparing your child for preschool or kindergarten, a teacher building an inclusive classroom, or a counselor introducing emotional literacy, But I Don't Wanna Go to School! offers a gentle and empowering reminder: it's okay to feel nervous, it's brave to try, and every new beginning starts with courage.

Recommended for ages 4-8.

Themes: Back to school, inclusion, courage, emotional regulation, empathy, disability awareness, family connection, and celebrating diverse learners.