Back to school season is here! Do you have a little one headed to school for the first time? Or, are your kids seasoned veterans like mine are now? My kids are excited to return to school, but that wasn't always the case.
A new school year can invoke many emotions (for kids, parents, and teachers)! Back to school books are a wonderful way to ease those first day of school nerves for your kids. They address common worries and showcase positive school experiences.
On the flip side, your kid might be thrilled to go to school, and so you want a book to build on that excitement. While they might feel ready for their first day, you might also want to prepare them for the year ahead. Feelings can change day to day — and new people, situations, and experiences can easily alter kids’ perceptions.
So whether your kids are heading to school for the first time or returning, these books can help make the transition smoother. No matter how they’re feeling, you are sure to find an encouraging story for your crew on this list.
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How Back to School Books Help Kids
Books are important for so many reasons. Beyond building language skills, they can help kids understand new concepts, prepare them for different experiences, and navigate their varying emotions.
Even if your kid seems excited about going back to school, I still recommend reading a few books to help prep them.
Here are a few ways that books about school can help:
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Reduce anxiety or sympathize with concerns. Going to school for the first time, or even entering a new grade, can feel uncertain or scary. Find books that help kids understand what happens at school, relate to their feelings, and ease any worries.
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Boost their confidence. Feeling confident and excited can set kids up for a successful school year. Find back to school books where characters have a positive attitude and are eager to learn, play, and see friends.
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Navigate conflicting emotions. School can be exciting and scary. Find books that normalize kids having different feelings about going back to school — or stories that show how emotions can change.
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Understand how to be a good student, classmate, or friend. Kids who aren’t familiar with the school environment may benefit from books that show them what to do (or what not to do!), how to be kind to others, and how to make friends.
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Encourage ongoing discussions. Back to school books can spark conversations about going back to school and what can happen while there, allowing you to better understand and support your kid.
My Favorite Back to School Books
No matter how your kid feels about school, each year can bring a new set of emotions and experiences for them. This list of books about school includes stories for all ages — from preschool to kindergarten, to grade school to middle school, and beyond.
Time for School, Little Blue Truck
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are excited to meet a bright yellow school bus on the road. When somebody misses the bus, it’s up to Blue to get his friend to school on time. Ages 2+
Llama Llama Misses Mama
This book is perfect for little ones who are new to school and don’t know what to expect. At first, Llama Llama is sad about his mom leaving — everything feels strange and he doesn’t want to join in any of the activities. With some encouragement from his teacher and classmates, Llama Llama joins in and realizes school is fun! Ages 2+
If You Take a Mouse to School
If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils..... and your backpack, too. Ages 2+
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
More fun dinosaur antics await as everyone's favorite dinosaurs are off to school! First, the dinosaurs misbehave so kids will learn what not to do at school. Then they show more positive behaviors, like listening, helping friends, and following school rules. Ages 2+
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes! This is a fun and upbeat story that follows Pete as he sings his way through school. As Pete explores new areas of the school, kids will learn the power of having a positive attitude and feel more confident. Ages 3+
The Crayons Go Back to School
The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. Ages 3+
If I Built a School
My kids all said their teachers read this book to them at school and they love it! If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels, a trampoline basketball court in the gym, and more! Ages 3+
Butterflies on the First Day of School
The first day of school is exciting—but it can be scary, too! Rosie is a brand-new student who just happens to have butterflies in her stomach. As she goes about her school day, the butterflies fly out, and her worries start to disappear. Ages 3+
We Don't Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book
It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! Ages 3+
The Pigeon Has To Go To School!
Pigeon nervously grapples with the idea of attending school for the first time. Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? After going through all of his concerns, he realizes school is a place to practice all of the things he’s worried about. Kids will see that feeling worried is normal and feel excited about school by the end of the story. Ages 3+
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he frets about not knowing how to write his name, how to draw shapes, and how to do math―until he's reassured that school is the perfect place to learn how to master new skills. Ages 3+
Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!
My kids love this series. Splat is excited for the first day of school — until he realizes he has homework! As he talks through his concern of choosing just one summer adventure to share with the class, he navigates through his worries and discovers a happy resolution Ages 4+
First Day Jitters
This is a great read for your little one who might have the first-day jitters. Sarah Jane is nervous and doesn't want to start a new school year. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. The surprise ending will help kids realize that everyone feels nervous sometimes! Ages 5+
Forever a classic! Brother Bear is excited for school, but Sister is about to start kindergarten and isn’t so sure. This is a great way to show little ones what happens at school and help them see how quickly feelings can change. Ages 5+
Back-to-School Rules
Follow Percy's ten simple rules and school will be a lot of fun! He also shows exactly what NOT to do. Ages 5+
How Not to Start Third Grade
Will should be excited to start third grade. Nothing can ruin a new school year...except maybe a pesky little brother. This story has plenty of funny moments while also showing kids how to navigate unexpected feelings and situations. Ages 7+
Save Me a Seat
This story shows the perspectives of two kids in fifth grade who come from different backgrounds, but who are both feeling alone and out of place at school. At first, they don’t think they have anything in common, until they realize they both are being bullied by the same person. Ages 8+
Wonder
A story about empathy, compassion, and acceptance. Auggie was born with a facial difference and was homeschooled until fifth grade. Told from different points of view, readers of all ages will learn to embrace others’ differences, understand that everyone faces challenges, and see why kindness matters. Ages 9+
FAQ for Back to School Books
Which back to school books should I choose for my kid?
Consider your kid’s age, their grade level, and how they may be feeling about school. Use this to figure out which books about school will be the most helpful for your kid to read.
Do I need back to school books if my kid feels excited about school?
Even if your kid is familiar with the school routine and is happy to go to school, they can still benefit from reading books about school. For example, books can help them process and validate whatever feelings they may have, prepare them for unexpected challenges, and help them grow.
Should I avoid back to school books that might make my kid feel worried?
Typically, books that speak to common worries are more likely to be helpful than harmful! Kids’ books are designed to help them better understand a variety of feelings and learn how to cope with them — or empathize with others. However, you know your kid best and may want to focus on books with more positive, encouraging messages.
My kid knows how to read. How can I support them with the back to school transition?
Kids who know how to read can still be read to! Otherwise, you can read the same book as them and discuss the story together. This can help you understand if your kid relates to the characters in the story and open a larger discussion about their own feelings and experiences.
