Back-to-School Reads
It’s almost time to head back to school! Starting a new school year can create all sorts of nerves and excitement. There are big kids, new classrooms, and the potential for new adventures! Whether it’s your little one’s first or thousandth day of school, these books will be sure to soothe their fears about all the change going to school comes with.
It’s the first day of school and everywhere our small hero looks there are big kids! Big kids are shouting, playing, and high-fiving each other. Big kids are crowding the halls and hanging out on the playground. It all feels a bit overwhelming. And since it’s Buddy Day, the big kids are pairing off with little kids. But maybe having a big buddy won’t be so bad—he shows him where to find his classroom and where to hang his coat. He even uses his big kid arms to reach the chocolate pudding! Maybe big kids aren’t so scary after all?
With K. L. Going’s insightful text and Reggie Brown’s energetic art, this perfect back-to-school read shines humor and empathy on that intimidating feeling every kid experiences starting at a new school!
Henry loves the way he feels in his sparkly fish costume. He wears it everywhere he goes: to the grocery store, at the dinner table, and even when taking his fish, Marigold, for a walk. On his first day of school, Henry is feeling anxious. He wishes he could take Marigold with him, but his mom says fish don’t go to school. That’s okay—Henry knows just what to wear to make himself feel braver.
This heartwarming story follows Henry as he faces his fears and makes new friends, all while staying true to himself.
From art to science, history to math, there are so many things to learn at school! But Mr. Gill’s students are most interested in learning about the empty chair that sits in the front of their classroom. He tells them a story from his childhood about his Black best friend, Archie, the racism they experienced at a classmate’s birthday party, when Archie was told there wasn’t a chair for him, and how it inspired Mr. Gill to prioritize inclusivity and love.
In this true story of bravery and belonging from longtime elementary school teacher Dan Gill and gorgeously illustrated by Susan Gal, readers will learn to always keep an extra chair in their home and in their hearts.
Bulldozer is nervous about his new school year and worried he won’t fit in. His friend Millie tries to reassure him, but Bulldozer isn’t convinced…especially when he gets to his classroom and things start going wrong. But just when he’s sure his day couldn’t get worse, something amazing happens! The first day of school proves to be special for everyone, all because of Bulldozer.
Keyana has come up with the perfect idea for a class project, and getting it done is pretty fun! All she has to do is pick the people and places she loves around her school. But when the teacher asks Keyana to present the project in front of everyone, she’ll have to find a little bit of confidence and a big way to share.
In this hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book, a backpack deals with first-day-of-school nerves and feeling out of place. Filled with crowded hallways, lonely cafeteria tables, toilet stalls, and the signature existential angst of Simon Rich, this fun read-aloud will have kids braving classrooms with a smile (and maybe taking better care of their trusty backpacks…).
It’s Mila’s first day of school, but mixed with excitement is worry. What if she can’t find her classroom? What if no one likes her? What if she’s too nervous to speak up? With a little advice from her brother, she learns that she has everything she needs right in her Invisible Backpack: an Invisible Microphone to help her find her voice, an Invisible Flashlight for when she’s feeling lost, an Invisible Net to catch her if she falls, and much more. Her pack is bottomless! The Invisible String is the very first thing that she puts in her pack—and each time she uses it, it gets bigger and better.
Patrice Karst, the bestselling author of the modern classic The Invisible String, gives readers the tools to confront every obstacle by teaching them to always hold onto their inner strength, to put on their Invisible Wings…and fly.
Read all the books in The Invisible String series:
The Invisible String Backpack: Your very own tool kit for school—and life!
The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm, and Connect
The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet
The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Universal Connection
You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby
On the first day of elementary school, Abuela soothes Gloriana’s nerves by telling her stories from their family home in la República Dominicana. But as soon as Gloriana enters the classroom, the tropical scenery crumbles and la música is replaced with English phrases she does not understand. When other kids approach her to play at recess, she freezes, uncertain about how to exist between her two homes, or how to make new friends between her two languages. Abuela recognizes echoes of her own immigration journey on this challenging day at school, and she gently guides Gloriana towards newfound confidence. This beautifully painted, imaginative picture book celebrates the magic of existing in-between, and the transformative power of self-soothing to build confidence.
An essential read for fans of The Queen of Kindergarten.
Teachers are amazing! They teach you new things, make you laugh, and help you meet new friends. They always encourage you to do your best. They make the classroom a great place to be! A perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Day bursting with positivity about school and the people who make it special, I Love My Teacher! is sure to become a classroom and at-home favorite.
A young boy named Bobby has the worst teacher. She’s loud, she yells, and if you throw paper airplanes, she won’t allow you to enjoy recess. She is a monster! Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Until one day… he finds his teacher there! Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.
Each page is filled with “monstrous” details that will have kids reading the story again and again. Caldecott Honoree Peter Brown takes a universal and timeless theme, and adds his own humorous spin to create another winner of a picture book.
More picture books by Peter Brown:
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Children Make Terrible Pets
You Will Be My Friend!
The Curious Garden
Fred Gets Dressed
The Flight of the Dodo
Chowder
The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder