Children who start preschool and kindergarten with basic skills, access to books and plenty of confidence are usually better equipped to conquer and squash first day (or week) fears. These new early learning books and cards make smart back-to-school primers.

"What are Clouds Made Of?" from Scholastic; 16 pages; $10.99.

Real kids' questions add to the sturdy pages of this colorful lift-the-flap book, aimed to get youngsters interested in caring about the world. The first page features a cheerful yellow bird pair and asks, "Who wakes the birds up in the morning?" When a bird's wing flap is lifted, the answer reads, "The change from darkness to light wakes birds up as night becomes day. They like to start singing and finding food early."

Other questions range from "What are bees looking for?" to "What is thunder and lightning?" and "Can we drink rain?" Children ages 2 to 6 will enjoy moving the unique interactive features to find the answers, from sliding the top of the sun in a circle to pulling a tab that not only reveals an informative fish-related answer, but also colors bubbles blue.

"Little Einsteins: Numbers Adventure" from Disney Press, $9.99.

Whether kids are familiar with Disney's popular "Little Einsteins" television show or not, they'll have a blast with this book's many number-based activities. As little readers take off on their "numbers-adventure mission," they can play a scavenger hunt alone or with friends to choose enclosed cards to see who can find the most items. There's also a look-and-listen scope for more counting challenges as well as magnetic puzzle pieces to encourage children to work simple math facts.

A super way to encourage preschoolers ages 3 and up to count and recognize numbers; Disney's kit is great fun as well.

Younger siblings, who are getting ready for day-care time, can become familiar with emotional cues and communication skills with Baby Einstein's "Look at Me! Mirror Discovery Cards," ($9.99). The large, durable cards, just right for little hands, help babies comprehend and practice nonverbal cues and body language — all vital skills in early learning concepts.

Also from Disney Press, "Baby Einstein Touch and Feel Neighborhood Animals" board book, ($6.99), introduces tots to creatures they may encounter every day: dogs, squirrels, birds, cats and butterflies. And for fun, the book features furry and smooth touch patches.

"Dr. Seuss Concept Cards" from Scholastic; $10.99 each.

Featuring the whimsy and classic coolness of Dr. Seuss' story characters, this foursome of learning card sets is smart for car trips and errand-running diversion time. The sturdy box of "Beginner Counting Cards" teaches youngsters how to count and play with numbers just as they do in their favorite Seuss stories. "Beginner Opposites Cards" encourage kids to understand that some words have opposite meanings, an important step in the development of math and language skills. "Colors & Shapes" and "Alphabet" cards also feature fun games and learning activities, plus an instruction sheet on more games and basic tips for parents and educators.

"Richard Scarry's Great Big Schoolhouse" from Sterling Publishing; 70 pages; $14.95.

A big and bold picture book that's perfect as a back-to-school gift, Sterling Publishing's brand new tale stars Scarry's Huckle Cat and friends as they jump on the school bus and head to school. But this isn't simply a school tale; it also "zigzags" readers through the alphabet, days of the week, counting, shapes and colors — all with the frenzied flair of Richard Scarry's lovable characters.

I like that the 70 pages makes this schoolhouse read big enough for youngsters to explore for months to come.

"Motown for Kids" and "Songs for the Car" from Universal Music Co.; $12.99 each.

Studies show music helps kids relax, rejuvenate and think spatially — all great for learning. Done by original artists, these two new children's music CDs are equally parent-friendly. Stevie Wonder sings "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," while The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and others croon and jive on "Motown for Kids."

"Songs for the Car" is an eclectic collection of rock tunes with Madness, ("Our House"), Chuck Berry, ("Route 66") and many other popular artists and tunes ripe for singing out loud.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.