Starting a new school can feel like stepping onto another planet for a child. The nervous flutter in the stomach, the fear of being alone, and the uncertainty of new faces can be overwhelming. In LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY by Alexandra Kuehn, young readers are gently guided through those very emotions with warmth, sparkle, and a delightful dose of magic. Through the eyes of Vivienne, a little girl facing her first day at a new school, this enchanting picture book helps children navigate the unfamiliar with courage, creativity, and heart.
At the heart of this story is Vivienne—nervous, unsure, and scared of eating lunch alone. With a swirl of imagination and a handful of glitter, Vivienne creates a magical friend named Libby to help her face the day. Libby isn’t your average lunch buddy. With fuzzy ears, a bushy colorful tail, and hair that cascades in a rainbow waterfall, she sparkles—literally and emotionally. Libby is not just a product of Vivienne’s imagination; she’s a reflection of Vivienne’s inner strength, a personified symbol of bravery waiting to be discovered.
The magic unfolds when Vivienne, trying to calm her nerves before bed, draws a colorful character that embodies fun, friendship, and confidence. She smiles at the creation and goes to sleep. But what happens next is the heart of the story—Vivienne wakes up the next day, all the anxious feelings rush back, and the drawing is momentarily forgotten. It’s a powerful representation of how kids often prepare themselves mentally, only to be hit by a wave of real emotions when the moment finally arrives.
And then comes the sparkle. Literally. On the bus, after a monumental sneeze, a puff of rainbow smoke swirls—and there she is. Libby. Vivienne’s creation comes to life with a cheeky voice and glowing purple eyes, and gently reassures her that everything will be okay. “Don’t worry, it will pass. It’s just the glitter,” Libby says. It’s a charming and symbolic way of showing that our worries, while often overwhelming, do fade—and sometimes, a bit of magic helps.
What makes LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY more than just a cute story is how it addresses social-emotional learning in a way that is accessible to children. Vivienne’s imaginary friend isn’t there to solve her problems; she’s there to help Vivienne realize that she already has the strength within her. This isn’t about escaping reality—it’s about facing it with creativity, imagination, and support.
By the time Vivienne gets off the bus and walks toward her new school, she begins to notice other children who look just like her—nervous, curious, and a little unsure. That warm tingling she feels? It’s confidence bubbling up. It’s empathy, the beginning of friendships, and the slow fading of fear.
For parents and teachers, LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY offers a brilliant tool to start conversations about change, emotions, and making friends. It invites children to explore their feelings in a non-threatening way and empowers them to use their imaginations as a source of comfort and courage. It reassures kids that it’s okay to feel afraid, and more importantly, that they have the power to get through tough moments.
This beautifully illustrated picture book also resonates with adults who understand the ache of wanting their child to fit in, to be accepted, and to thrive in a new environment. It’s a hug wrapped in pages—a sparkling reminder that with a little imagination and a lot of heart, we can all find our place.
Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for a new school year or a teacher welcoming new faces into your classroom, LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY is more than a story—it’s a celebration of growth, friendship, and the incredible resilience inside every child. So open the book, meet Libby, and let the glitter work its magic.