Bumper & McDog: Fun, Friends & the First Day of School
Help Kids Conquer Fear and Build Friendships
Green Pudding Press
This back-to-school SEL picture book helps kids conquer fear, handle big feelings, and build friendships as Bumper the robot and McDog discover the joy of their first day of school.
Bumper & McDog kids’ books build confidence, social-emotional skills, and teamwork while making kindergarten readiness fun.
Look Inside Bumper & McDog: Fun, Friends & the First Day of School...
Help Kids Conquer Fear and Build Friendships
Working through big feelings, our silly robot and curious dog realize school is awesome.
With help from each other, Bumper and McDog learn calming strategies, classroom routines, and how to work as a team. When challenges arise, like sitting still, following new rules, and waiting their turn, they practice patience and courage to keep going and discover how fun school and making new friends can be.
More Than a Story, A Tool for Real-Life Learning
SEL-themed reflection questions and a catchy original song help reinforce the message in a playful way.
Bumper & McDog books go beyond the story with special pages designed to support social-emotional growth long after the last page is read.
Each book includes:
Guided Discussion Prompts that make it easy for grown-ups to spark meaningful conversations about emotions, friendships, and problem-solving with no prep required
A Sing-Along Song that reinforces the core message through rhythm, repetition, and joy
These features are ideal for teachers, parents, and caregivers who want to make storytime meaningful without needing extra prep or materials. Whether used in classrooms or curled up at home, they invite kids to think, feel, and grow together.
Modeling Positivity, Resilience, and Growth
Kids see characters working through challenges with care and optimism, modeling a mindset of growth, resilience, and empathy.
Bumper & McDog don’t just talk about emotions, they live them. In every story, these two lovable best friends forever encounter real situations that preschoolers face: feeling nervous, making mistakes, working with others, or standing up for themselves. But what makes these books different is how the characters approach their challenges, with patience, flexibility, and a sense of fun.
By watching Bumper & McDog navigate each moment with care, kids learn not just what to feel, but how to move through big feelings with confidence. The stories are written to gently model growth, without lectures or labels.
For parents and educators, this means the lessons stick, because kids feel connected to the characters and want to try the same things themselves.
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