Tomas Returns to School is an excellent book to read in preparation for the start of a new school year for all children, especially those who are highly sensitive. It clearly explains Tomas’s feelings in a manner easy for young children to understand and provides concrete examples of how to deal with those feelings. This book is helpful for both children and caregivers alike, with a child knowing that he is heard and an attentive caregiver not only hearing but listening. Highly recommended!

Sheryl Jawetz, M.D.

Tomás regresa a la escuela will be an essential addition to every educator’s SEL Spanish book collection. This book presents a delightful story with cultural inclusive illustrations the Latino community will embrace. This relatable story will resonate with children who struggle with separation anxiety, new beginnings, and environmental changes. This is a wonderful resource for caregivers and educators to have. This book will help equip children with simple and effective tools to help them navigate overwhelming emotions, work out their fears and know they can count on their teachers for support. As a school counselor for almost 20 years, I can confirm that helping others is a superpower Highly Sensitive Children- have as a strength. The author nailed it.

Milly Canales, Bilingual School Counselor

"Tomas Returns to School" by Xiomara Gallego-Bernard, is a very thoughtful, relatable read-aloud story, that provides opportunities for classroom discussions about helping students communicate and manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviors at the start of the school year and beyond! The lively, colorful illustrations and familiar emotions will appeal to young readers. The strategies, tips and support it offers caregivers is very helpful. As a first grade teacher, this book is a 'must read' during the first few days of a new school year!"

Jennifer Plunkett , First Grade Teacher

Tomas Returns to School is a sweet book to read to your little one with big emotions! It is a story that I know many children can relate to. Life transitions can be challenging for anyone so when Tomas struggles with returning to school he remembers the guidance given from Mama to have a successful day! Personally, my favorite part of the book was at the end where the author shared resources and tools to help any family that may be experiencing similar situations as Tomas.

Dr. Divina Lopez, Pediatrician and Parent Coaching

Tomás Returns to School is a wonderful book that helps kindergarten and first grade students acknowledge and respond in a positive way to their “big feelings”. Each year children often have separation anxiety after being home with their families for an extended time during summer vacation. Tomás Returns to School shows a warm and supportive way using mindfulness to help Tomás turn his anxiousness around in a positive way to help other classmates who may be stuggling with the same feelings. This in turn helps Tomás to realize that he has the ability to use a whole toolbox of strategies he has learned, that he is a superhero, and that he is amazing. Tomás Returns to School will be a wonderful addition to my “first week of school” books that I share with my class. It will also be an amazing addition to any guidance counselor’s bookshelf.

Loretta Borghi, Kindergarten Teacher

The kids and I read it last night and they absolutely loved it. My highly sensitive kiddo has the same fear as Tomas and really paid close attention to the story. 

Melissa H.

Parents and teachers can use this valuable resource to learn how to be the support systems highly sensitive children need and teach them how to manage their emotions. There are questions to ask children after reading the story as well as strategies to help them manage big feelings. I found the notes and tips for caregivers very insightful.

I love this inspiring story that empowers both parents and children on how to be brave when facing new situations and recommend it heartily. The illustrations and cover design by Irina Chasov completes the text fittingly.

Louise Viljoe,

Maverick Independent Book Reviews

As a mama of a highly sensitive 2ndgrader, this book hit home. Tomás’story is tender,relatable, and such a beautiful reminder that courage looks different for every child. Theillustrations are vibrant, the cultural details make it shine, and the parents’guide in theback with tips for navigating big feelings and playdates is worth its weight in gold. This isn’tjust a children’s book-it’s a conversation starter for families about empathy, bravery, andraising kind kids.

Ceci T.