Clyde the Hippo: Clyde Goes to School

In Clyde Goes to School, Clyde (a young hippo) is anxious about his first day at school. He loves being at home and can’t imagine what the classroom could offer. As his mother describes all the fun things he’ll get to do, Clyde’s imagination runs wild: he envisions all kinds of disasters. He even considers turning back. But when he meets his kindly teacher — who brings in a butterfly habitat — Clyde starts to realize school might be more exciting and welcoming than he feared.

The story addresses separation anxiety, fear of the unknown, and how new environments can be less scary when we find something familiar (or beautiful) to connect to — in this case, butterflies, which also resonate with the metaphor of transformation.

Key Information

Target Age / Suitability

• Age range: 3 to 5 years is most often indicated
• Suitable as a read-aloud for slightly younger or older kids, especially for those preparing for or coping with their first school experience.
• The simple yet emotionally rich narrative makes it ideal for children who feel nervous or uncertain about new experiences (starting school, preschool).

What Makes It Special / Strengths

• Emotional resonance: It captures very real first-day jitters and the “what if everything goes wrong” fears children often have.
• Butterfly motif & metaphor: Butterflies are used both as literal and symbolic elements in the book, as the teacher’s butterfly habitat helps Clyde make a connection to nature and see that change can be gentle and beautiful.
• Art & style: Larissa Marantz’s illustrations bring warmth, humor, and expressive detail to Clyde’s anxiety and imagination.
• Subtle lesson: It doesn’t simply tell kids “don’t worry”; it shows how gentleness, kindness, and a connection to something beloved can ease fear and open the door to new experiences.
• Part of a series: This means children who connect with Clyde can follow more of his adventures in future titles.