Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of Books for Heading Back to School
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Ready, Set, Learn! 20 Wonderful Picture Books for Heading Back to School
The start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a few butterflies. Whether children are walking into school for the very first time, starting at a new school, or simply returning after a fun-filled summer, books can help ease worries and build confidence. These heartwarming, funny, and reassuring stories celebrate new beginnings, friendships, learning, and the many adventures that await in the classroom. They are perfect for Back to School Month and make excellent read-alouds for classrooms, libraries, and families.
1. The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper & Nancy M. Leak
When Chester Raccoon is nervous about his first day of school, his mother shares a family tradition that reminds him he is always loved. A beloved classic for easing first-day jitters. https://amzn.to/4fFadz8
2. First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Danneberg
Illustrator: Judy Love
Everyone assumes Sarah is nervous about starting a new school—but readers are in for a delightful surprise ending! A favorite for teachers and students alike. https://amzn.to/4wcPaZI
3. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Author: Joseph Slate
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Miss Bindergarten prepares her classroom while her students get ready for their exciting first day of kindergarten. https://amzn.to/4fzEpLW
4. Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Author: D.J. Steinberg
Illustrator: Mark Chambers
A cheerful collection of poems celebrating all the milestones of beginning kindergarten. https://amzn.to/457cH3a
5. Llama Llama Misses Mama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama struggles with being away from home but soon discovers that school is full of fun, friendship, and learning. https://amzn.to/4xlwgAK
6. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems
The Pigeon has plenty of reasons why he shouldn’t have to go to school—until curiosity begins to win him over. A hilarious read-aloud. https://amzn.to/4c5sX8z
7. Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool
Author: Kimberly & James Dean
Pete discovers that preschool is filled with songs, stories, new friends, and exciting adventures. https://amzn.to/4hPlrSU
8. David Goes to School
Author & Illustrator: David Shannon
David tries his best to follow the classroom rules—with mixed results! Children will laugh as they recognize familiar classroom situations. https://amzn.to/4pX26RG
9. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex is excited about her first day of school but learns an important lesson about friendship and kindness. https://amzn.to/4fNG0Ot
10. Wemberly Worried
Author & Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worries about everything, especially starting school. A gentle story that reassures anxious children. https://amzn.to/3RzEW7w
11. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Humorous illustrations show dinosaurs learning the right—and wrong—ways to behave at school. https://amzn.to/45rfdS5
12. School’s First Day of School
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Told from the school’s perspective, this imaginative story reminds readers that everyone experiences first-day nerves. https://amzn.to/4wKShsQ
13. Chrysanthemum
Author: Kevin Henkes
When classmates tease Chrysanthemum about her unusual name, she learns valuable lessons about kindness, confidence, and celebrating differences. https://amzn.to/4yZb5WO
14. The Name Jar
Author: Yangsook Choi
A beautiful story about a young girl from Korea who wonders whether she should choose an American name after moving to a new school. Perfect for discussions about identity and inclusion. https://amzn.to/4w6rlm2
15. A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke
Written as a heartfelt letter from a teacher to students, this reassuring book reminds children that school is a safe place where they are valued and encouraged. https://amzn.to/4fN2Tjz
16. Mae’s First Day of School
Author: Kate Berube
Mae is excited for her first day—but not when she realizes her favorite stuffed rabbit has been left behind. A comforting story about finding courage. https://amzn.to/4fTwFmM
17. Butterflies on the First Day of School
Author: Annie Silvestro
Illustrator: Dream Chen
Rosie discovers that everyone has butterflies on the first day of school, and together they learn that those nervous feelings don’t last forever. https://amzn.to/4hkFPLH
18. The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
A beautiful story about finding the courage to share your own story, make friends, and discover that what makes you different also makes you special. https://amzn.to/4w8cPdI
19. Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
Author: Jessica Hische
This encouraging picture book celebrates bravery, curiosity, kindness, and resilience—wonderful qualities to carry into a new school year. https://amzn.to/4w8edNy
20. Our Class Is a Family
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke
This heartwarming story reminds children that classrooms are communities where everyone belongs, supports one another, and grows together. https://amzn.to/459iLIp
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Going Back to School
- The tradition of beginning school in late summer or early fall grew from agricultural schedules, allowing children to help their families with summer farm work before returning to the classroom.
- Kindergarten was first introduced in Germany by educator Friedrich Froebel in the 1800s. The word kindergarten means “children’s garden.”
- Every school year gives our brains new opportunities to grow. Scientists call this neuroplasticity, which means our brains become stronger every time we learn something new.
- Reading together for just 20 minutes a day can expose children to thousands of new words each year and help build lifelong literacy skills.
- Feeling nervous before the first day of school is completely normal—even teachers often say they have “first-day butterflies!”
- Libraries are one of the best places to discover new interests, make friends, and continue learning long after the school day ends.
- Many schools celebrate the first week with special traditions such as classroom community-building activities, scavenger hunts, and getting-to-know-you games.
- Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year for children’s librarians, who help students find books, discover new series, and develop a love of reading.
Every new school year is a fresh opportunity to learn, grow, and make new memories. Whether children are stepping into a classroom for the very first time or returning to familiar hallways after summer break, these books remind them that they are capable, welcomed, and ready for the adventures ahead.
Celebrate Back to School Month by creating a back-to-school display, inviting students to recommend their favorite school stories, hosting a “Meet Your Library” scavenger hunt, or encouraging children to write or draw one goal they have for the new school year. A great book can help turn first-day jitters into first-day excitement!
I have not read all of these books. Please preview them for yourself before adding them to your school library.
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