Back-to-school time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for both parents and students. Whether this is your student’s first year or they are a returning student, heading back to school can be a little scary. Check out these awesome books to help little learners get ready for a fun-packed school year!
All title descriptions are from the publisher.
Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya
Leo, a quiet kid who is not ready for his first day of kindergarten, ends up having a great day when he makes a kindness pledge and discovers he knows a lot about being kind to others.
The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
Instilled with confidence by her parents, a young girl has a great first day of kindergarten.
Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
Mae is nervous about her first day of school. She discovers she has something in common with her new teacher Ms. Pearl.
Stanley the Dog: The First Day of School by Bobby Bones
Tells the story of Stanley the bulldog’s first day of school, during which he learns the importance of being himself.
Sounds Like School Spirit by Meg Fleming
Rhyming text follows these kids as they go back to school, make new friends, and build a community.
Little Yellow Bus by Erin Guendelsberger
Little Yellow Bus is nervous on his first day of picking up kids, but as he drives along his route he notices that many of the children are also anxious and he begins to gain confidence.
El Cucuy is Scared Too! By Donna Barba Higuera
Ramón is worried about his first day at a new school, but it helps to remind El Cucuy, the monster who lives in his cactus pot, of how brave and strong they both are.
Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas
Tomorrow is Kalamata’s first day at a new school, and she’s nervous! If only Kalamata and Al Dente could go back to the Indian spice market they visited this summer, then maybe she’d remember how to feel brave when new experiences seem scary. Luckily for Kalamata, all the magic required for her journey is right in her own kitchen! As Kalamata and her alligator friend, Al Dente, transport themselves to a magical land filled with tasty ingredients, she realizes being brave is exciting!
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
Mom, It’s My First Day of School by Hyewon Yum
It’s his first day of school. He’s excited for his first day as he meets his teachers and makes new friends.
