NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — A children’s book created by DATTCO to help ease anxiety among first-time school bus riders is marking its first anniversary with more than 4,000 downloads.
“The Big Yellow Adventure” was introduced last year to help young children understand what to expect when riding a school bus for the first time. The free digital picture book uses an age-appropriate story to address first-day nerves, introduce basic school bus safety, and help children become comfortable with the daily routine.
DATTCO says more than 14,000 people have visited the book’s website since its launch, while the book and related resources have been downloaded more than 4,000 times.
“When we created “The Big Yellow Adventure,” our goal was simple: help children feel more comfortable and confident the first time they ride the school bus,” said Kyle DeVivo, chief operating officer of DATTCO. “One year later, seeing how many families have used this resource tells us there was a real need. It gives parents a way to talk through the experience, answer questions and make that first bus ride feel less intimidating.”
The book was developed in collaboration with behavioral health professionals from OPTIMUS Healthcare, who reviewed the content for age appropriateness and emotional impact.
Paul Mayer, a children’s author and DATTCO’s vice president of marketing and communications, wrote the book. Nancy Ingenito provided the illustrations.
Designed for parents and caregivers to read aloud, the book gives families a way to discuss what children may experience on their first school bus ride. It covers bus routines and safety expectations while helping children prepare for the independence that comes with traveling to and from school without a parent or caregiver.
Don DeVivo, DATTCO’s president and CEO, said the project reflects the transportation provider’s efforts to support the families and communities it serves.
“At DATTCO, school transportation is about more than safely getting students from home to school and back again. We are part of the communities we serve, and we believe that means looking for meaningful ways to support families beyond the bus ride itself,” DeVivo said. “This book is a great example of how DATTCO goes above and beyond to serve children, parents, schools and the broader community.”
The digital picture book and accompanying coloring book are available free in English and Spanish through DATTCO’s school bus website.
DATTCO transports more than 120,000 students daily and provides school transportation services to communities throughout New England.
