School
Nothing sparks anxiety in both parents and children like the thought of the first day of school. As a new school year approaches, children may begin to ask questions about what their new school will be like, if their teachers will be nice, and if any of their friends will be there. Often, you can get a sense of how your child is feeling based on the questions he/she asks. Pay attention to both the questions and your child’s body language. Does he/she seem excited? curious? anxious? It’s completely normal for both you and your child to feel a mix of all of these.
Here are some of my all-time favorite books for beating the back-to-school jitters:
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Picture Books (Ages 3+)
The Kissing Hand tells the story of nervous Chester raccoon as he prepares for his first night of school. His mom teaches him how to save her kiss in the palm of his hand, which brings him comfort when they’re apart. Available in Spanish and French.
Todd Parr to the rescue, once again, with The Don’t Worry Book, The School Book and Teachers Rock. These are 2 simple, silly and straight-to-the-point books! Also available in Spanish
Under the Love Umbrella - this sweet rhyming book beautifully captures the love between parents and children. Author, Davina Bell, and illustrator, Allison Colpoys, shine a light on the safety net of love that is always there to catch our children when they stumble.
All The Way To Be Smart - a celebration of our strengths, in all of their unique and beautiful ways. This message is an important one for all children. It helps them to understand how vital each of our talents and roles is.
The Day You Begin - an awesome book featuring many diverse characters. This book illustrates the challenges that children face when they feel like they’re too different from their peers. It encourages the reader to take a brave first step and share their stories. Also available in Spanish.
The Magical Yet is a great book I’ve recently fallen in love with. So often our kids get bogged down in all of things they can’t do. This heart-warming book remind them that there are so many things they can already do, and so much more they will achieve.
That’s Me Loving You - this book makes me tear up every time I read it. In this book, Rosenthal helps readers feel connected to their parents through the simple moments of daily life. The opening pages read “wherever you are, wherever you go, always remember and always know…that shimmering star, that’s me winking at you…that drifting cloud, that’s me thinking of you.”
Lola Goes to School - Follow Lola on a new adventure as she and her family prepare for the first day of school. I love the Lola series of books! They’re fun, colorful and very relatable for toddlers and preschoolers.
Mermaid School - if you’ve got a little one who loves mermaids, this book is for you! Follow Molly on her first day of mermaid school, as she learns a new routine, makes new friends and tries many new things.
Elizabeth Makes a Friend - Alex is a new boy in Elizabeth’s class at school. She wants to meet him but doesn’t know how. Her dad’s advice to simply start by saying “hi,” gives Elizabeth the courage to introduce herself, setting off the story of a brand new friendship. Also available in Spanish.
Stay, Little Seed - make sure you have a tissue nearby when you read this one because it will bring a tear to your eye. All the seeds on the tree have flown away, except for one. Little Seed stays with the tree. Each day the tree finds another reason to let the Little Seed stay. This sweet and beautiful book is a heartwarming story about letting our little ones spread their wings!
Play Day School Day- Milo asks his sister about what she does at school. She tells him about riding the bus to school, doing math, reading, writing and more. This simple story is perfect for kids, ages 2+, because it introduces the concept of what to expect from school, while showing readers how much learning happens outdoors in nature.
Choo Choo School - Here’s an adorable story for all our mini engineers. What do trains do at school? They learn to be kind and share. They read, learn and train their brains before chugging home. If you’re preparing for back-to-school, whether in-person or remotely, this book is just right!
In I Love You All Day Long you’ll meet a pig nervously awaiting his first day of school. His mom reminds him that she’ll love him all day long, throughout all of the fun (and possible mishaps) he’ll be having at school.
Most Marshmallows - I LOVE this book! The story and illustrations are so engaging. Most marshmallows go to school, and learn how to be squishy. But some have big dreams, and know that they can accomplish anything. It’s a great story about thinking outside the box and dreaming big.
Go Get ‘Em Tiger! - a super fun and colorful book that encourages our little ones to be brave, take risks, and face challenges. I love the way this book talk about celebrating success and learning from failure. Books with messages like these are so important for nurturing resilience in our kids.
You Are Ready! - an empowering book full of affirmations and positive messages by my favorite author, Eric Carle. This book reminds me of “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” but it’s perfect for young readers.
Ming Goes to School - a perfect book about school for our youngest readers. Follow Ming as she goes to school, the place where anything is possible and where her imagination soars. I love this book because it’s a positive story about the joy of going to school.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? - This fun and silly book has been a big hit in our house! How do dinosaurs learn to read? do they tear up the pages or chew the books? No, of course not! They sound out hard words and turn the pages carefully. A great story for new readers and all kids who love dinosaurs.
When My Brother Gets Home - As this little sister waits for her big brother to get home from school she imagines all of the fun things they’ll do together. This book is so much fun to read and reminded me so much of myself, as a child, waiting for my own big brother and sister to get home from school.
See You Later, Mom! - It’s William’s first day of preschool and he’s not quite ready for his mom to leave. As each day passes, William grows more comfortable, confident and, builds new friendship. But will he be ready to say goodbye to mommy?
I Don’t Want to Go to School- do you have a little one with the back-to-school-jitters? Then this book is for you! Follow Mouse & Dinosaur as they prepare for their first day of school. What will the other kids be like? Will the teacher be mean? Full of bright and cheerful illustrations, and some big surprises, this story is sure to calm your worries!
Becoming Vanessa - Vanessa Brantley Newton is one of my favorite authors/illustrators! I love all of her books, and was very excited to read this new title. Follow along as she prepares to start school and shares her worries about a new school, and making new friends, with her family. Complete with important messages about creativity and being your true self, readers will be drawn into Vanessa’s heartfelt story.
Daddy’s Back To School Shopping Adventure - When it comes to back-to-school shopping with dad, there’s only one rule: it’s gotta be on the list! Join this fun and quirky family as they prepare for a new school year.
Sounds Like School Spirit - a colorful and beautifully inclusive book! Featuring diverse children, and kids with disabilities, as they get excited for a new school year. I love the way this book helps readers develop a sense of pride for their school and learn about building community.
Mae’s First Day of School - It’s Mae’s first day of school and she is NOT going! She’s worried about missing her mom, and not knowing how to read. Can a friend and her teacher help her feel ready? This fun book is full of surprises
That’s Not My Name! - I absolutely LOVED this. My daughter and I both have unique Hebrew names that people often mispronounce, so this story resonated with us on a very deep level. When Mirha begins school, she’s surrounded by people who mispronounce her name. At first, she hesitates to say anything, but when she finds her voice and begins correcting them, she shines with pride. This story is such an important one and it belongs in every home and every classroom.
*NEW*
Walter Finds His Voice: The Story of a Shy Crocodile - Walter is a shy crocodile. He prefers to hide behind the tall grass, or under the surface of the swamp, over being the center of attention. Each morning his friends sing and play, and while he’s too shy to join in, he longs to be a part of the group. Walter just can’t seem to find his voice, until he notices his friend, Turtle, being teased. This book is great for discussions about going back to school because it reinforces concepts of self-advocacy, managing big feelings, and standing up for others.
The Shy Ones - Maurice the Flapjack Octopus is shy. He’s not the kind of critter who stands out in the crowd or raises his hand in class. But just because he’s shy and quiet, don’t assume he’s boring. This book is perfect for all kids heading back to school, whether they’re counting down the days, or feeling hesitant. I love the way this book reminds readers to look deeply at those around is to discover all of the beauty inside of them.
School is Cool! - coming soon!
This is a School - coming soon!
Bus Stop - coming soon!
Rockstar Recess - coming soon!
Books About Kindergarten
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade - Sally McCabe is so small that no one really notices her, but she sees everything. She sees things that others miss, including all of the times her friends treat each other unfairly. So what happens when she decides to speak up? This book is perfect for beginning discussions about bullying with our young readers.
Butterflies on the First Day of School- Rosie is starting school and has lots of butterflies in her stomach. Follow her on her first day, as she grows more confident and makes new friends.
The King of Kindergarten and The Queen of Kindergarten- The perfect books for all of our little ones taking the next big step to Kindergarten. Follow the kind and queen as they eat their royal stack of pancakes, take the royal carriage to school and attend an important meeting about class rules. These fun and colorful books will put a smile on your little one’s face, and help to calm those back-to-school jitters.
First Day Critter Jitters - All of the animals are heading to their first day of school but they’re nervous. Sloth moves slowly and is afraid he won’t make it to class in time, bunny is full of energy and is nervous that she won’t be able to sit still, kangaroo is scared to be out of mommy’s pouch. Together they conquer their fears in this fun and silly book.
Clifford Goes to Kindergarten - Clifford is back and ready to help Emily Elizabeth on her first day of Kindergarten! With her big red buddy by her side, she’s ready to take on a new school and make new friends.
Kindergarten Luck - Theodore is heading to school on a rainy day, but everything changes when he finds a penny on the ground. Soon his gloomy day turns into a day of surprises and good luck. It’s so good, in fact, that Teddy decides to pass his lucky penny on to a friend. This book is great for discussions about sharing, generosity, and philanthropy.
Graduation Groove - The perfect book to celebrate your kindergarten graduate! This fun rhyming book celebrates all the adventures of the year and all that the class has accomplished. This title will have you and your little reader feeling confident and excited for 1st grade!
My Second Year of Kindergarten - this is a fabulous book that will boost your little one’s confidence! Follow our main character as he explores all of the things he’s better able to do this year, from knowing the school routines to being better at counting. Author, Rebecca Eisenberg is a speech-pathologist, educator and parent. She brings her expertise and experience to this story, which will help 2nd year kindergarteners feel more confident and capable.
Board Books (Ages 0-2+)
In my Heart - this is the perfect book for explaining, in the sweetest way, what moms do after dropping their children off at school. I love the way the this book illustrates how parents and kids stay connected throughout their day, even when they’re apart, through looking at photos, eating the same foods for lunch and more. If your little one is starting school again soon, this adorable book is for you!
Bye-Bye, Mommy - a very short and sweet book for our youngest readers! What happens at school after waving goodbye to Mommy? A little play, some snack, a nap and then mommy comes back. If you’re toddler or 2 year old is starting a new school or childcare routine, this book is great!
The Little School Bus - Follow the little yellow school bus throughout the day and see where it goes! My son likes reading this book so much when I sing the words of the story to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot.” A great book for new bus riders and little ones who love vehicles.
I Belong - a gorgeous book, full of affirmations about the special places that we hold in our families and friendships. This book is great for toddlers, twos and young preschoolers, because it helps promote their senses of belonging. Books like these are so important because they help children understand that they are safe and loved.
I’m Going to Preschool - follow Ben on his first day of school in this fun and colorful lift-the-flap book. Your little reader will enjoy the interactive elements of this story and you’ll appreciate all of the advice and tips for parents.
Quick Tips:
Find a time when you and your child can read together without distractions. Find a cozy place to sit together, a couch, a bed or even a rug on the floor works.
As you read, take your time. Pause before turning the pages, let your child take in your words and the pictures. This allows time for thinking. Some questions may be answered and new ones may come up. All of this will help your child process the experience.
Make connections between the book and your child’s experience. For example, you can ask: “do you think your new classroom will have blocks like this?” or “are you excited to play on the playground too?”
Acknowledge what your child is saying, reassure them that whatever they’re feeling is normal. If your child seems nervous, tell them about a time you felt nervous about something.
Re-read these books as often as you like.
Need More Help?
Try arriving to school a few minutes early and let your child enter the classroom when it is quiet. Your child will have time to decide what to do independently, in a quieter space, with fewer distractions. Sometimes children become overwhelmed by noise and too many things going on at once. It can also be intimidating for a child to try to enter a group when play is already in motion. Being the 1st or one of the first ones in the room allows them to get used to increasing noise-levels and stimuli gradually as more children enter.
Check out my posts about anxiety and self-esteem for more related books and great strategies!
Contact your child’s teacher, let them know what your child is feeling and saying. He or she may suggest visiting the classroom before the first day of school.
Can your child bring a favorite item in to school to help make the transition smoother?
Let the teacher know what activities and toys your child enjoys most, ask if they can be available on the first days of school.
Does your child like to be a helper? Ask if he/she can help with a small task, such as choosing paints for the day, or handing out snack.
