Book to School We Go!

Summer has drawn to a close, and it’s back to school we go. As much as we love the freedom that comes with summer vacation, we also adore the promise and possibility of school. There’s so much to discover!

But we also know that the first day of school can induce some anxiety in children — about being away from their parents, having to make new friends, and the general strangeness of new schools, new classrooms, and new teachers. We find that books can harness the power of imagination to help quell those fears and smooth the summer-to-school transition. Here’s a list of our seven favorite back-to-school books to share with your little ones!

Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool

By Kimberly Dean and James Dean

Before he became Pete the Cat, Pete was just a little kitty going to preschool for the first time. And he finds out it’s FUN! Take your kids on a little adventure through a school day with our favorite excited little kitty! (Ages 1–4)

Llama Llama Misses Mama

By Anna Dewdney

It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool, but he finds it extremely daunting because he’s struggling with separation anxiety. For your little ones who are afraid of being away from you, they will find a kindred spirit in Llama Llama, who learns that school is an exciting place with diverting activities and new friends. (Ages 3–7)

School’s First Day of School

By Adam Rex, illustrations by Christian Robinson

This adorable little back-to-school book tackles the first day of school from a unique perspective: the school’s! This brand new school has been built, named, and cleaned, and is now waiting for students and teachers to come for the first time. What will its day be like? Let your kiddos know they’re not alone in feeling a little fear around school, that even the school can’t wait to see them! (Ages 4–8)

All Are Welcome

By Alexandra Penfold, illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman

This poignant picture book celebrates our differences and diversity, and shows us how we all go to school together. Children going to school for the first time will meet people of all backgrounds, and this sweet story shows them a day in the classroom where kids in hijabs and yarmulkes hang out with kids in baseball caps, and they all learn from each other and celebrate old and new traditions alike. (Ages 4–8)

The King of Kindergarten

By Derrick Barnes, illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

A little boy’s mother deems him the “King of Kindergarten,” and he takes on school with the confidence of a royal. This is an entertaining romp for little ones who could stand to borrow some of the King’s confidence for themselves. (Ages 3–6)

Wemberly Worried

By Kevin Henkes

Wemberly is a little worrywart. She worries about everything — especially the first day of school. Wemberly is the perfect literary pal for a little one worried about going to school for the first time, and together they can go on a journey to manage their anxieties. (Ages 3–7)

The Pigeon Has to Go to School

By Mo Willems

This tale of a little pigeon who thinks he knows EVERYTHING will charm your children into wanting to go to school! Even if you know everything, you can always learn more. Just ask Pigeon! (For ages 3–5)