DATTCO is marking the first anniversary of its free children’s book, The Big Yellow Adventure, after the resource was downloaded more than 4,000 times during its first year, highlighting continued interest from families preparing young children for their first school bus ride.

Introduced in 2025, the digital picture book was created to help ease first-day anxiety by showing children what to expect before stepping onto a school bus. The story introduces basic school bus routines and safety in an age-appropriate format while encouraging conversations between parents, caregivers, and children ahead of the new school year.

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Resource Continues to Reach Families

According to DATTCO, more than 14,000 people have visited the book’s website since its launch, while the book and accompanying 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, DATTCO’s chief operating officer. “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.”

Developed With Behavioral Health Input

DATTCO said the book was developed in collaboration with behavioral health professionals from OPTIMUS Healthcare, who reviewed the content for age appropriateness and emotional impact.

Children’s author Paul Mayer, who also serves as DATTCO’s vice president of marketing and communications, wrote the book, while Nancy Ingenito created the illustrations.

Designed to be read aloud by parents and caregivers, the book introduces children to common school bus routines, safety expectations and the independence that comes with traveling to and from school without a parent or caregiver.

Supporting Families Beyond Transportation

DATTCO President and CEO Don DeVivo said the project reflects the company’s broader approach to supporting the 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 companion coloring book are available free of charge in both English and Spanish through DATTCO’s school bus website.

Based in Connecticut, DATTCO transports more than 120,000 students each day and provides school transportation services throughout New England.

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Last Updated: August 14, 2026

Source: Bus and Motorcoach News