Regular readers of the site will know that I believe books are the perfect vehicle for introducing children to new life experiences, and today I’m sharing some of the best start teaching I hope this helps your kids as they helped mine with their transition to big school!
Since different kids (and families) have so many different considerations when starting school, I’ve divided the books into a few different sections, including back-to-school books for kindergarten and first graders, and books for kids who are feeling worried or anxious (including separation anxiety) and more! Please see each section below for further instructions.
21 best picture book about School starts
Each book is linked to Amazon (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and more information about each book.
For those of you with children starting preschool, day care, or other early education services, check out our listings 10 books about starting preschool.
Children’s books about starting school
Stories can provide a positive, low-stress way to introduce children to new experiences at school. The following children’s books about starting school are perfect for those starting school for the first time.
“First Day” by Andrew Daddo
We love this book! The first day can be challenging for both kids and parents! This book explores all the things kids need to do each day to get ready for school, reinforcing the message that mom or dad will come back with a fun twist – “The best part about waving goodbye is that the next wave will It’s you” ..
“The Wild Guide to Back to School” by Laura Bunting
The easiest, fun introductory textbook to help prepare your child for kindergarten or first grade. You won’t find any better advice for starting school (be it a child or an adult!) than some very funny advice from a group of Aussie animals!
“Pigeons Must Go to School” by Mo Willems
Fans of Pigeon and anyone looking for something new in a back-to-school book will enjoy this hilarious style. Pigeon definitely doesn’t want to go to school – after all, he already knows everything! And it’s very difficult to read with one big eye! This will make the kids laugh out loud.
I like school things by Trace Moroney
exist I like school thingsIn Trace Moroney, Trace Moroney focuses on the fun aspects of being at school, including learning lots of new things and trying new things, as well as having fun and making new friends. I love how it ends, “I wonder what I’ll learn tomorrow. I love school!”
Zhu’s First Day at School by Neil Gaiman
Chu, the sneezing panda, went to school for the first time. He wants other boys and girls to be kind. Will they like him? What will happen in this strange new place called school? What would happen if Chu sneezed?
“I’m Too Young for School” by Lauren Child
We are long time fans of Charlie and Lola. Lola (or rather her imaginary friend Soren Lorenson) is nervous about starting school – after all, why does one even need to know how to count when one never eats more than 10 cookies at a time to 100? – Charlie tried his best to assure her that it would be fun and that she would make friends. On her first day, she did make a very special friend.
go to school by Anna Silvadi
Percy and Polly Peach are starting school and we get to spend their first day with them. This book is a simple story that guides children through many experiences in a play-based first grade curriculum – the story begins with the twins getting up and getting ready, all the way to meeting and meeting the teacher. , lots of games, crafting, music and story time before heading home.
Miss Bindergarten gets ready for kindergarten Author: Joseph Slater
My girls loved the audio version of this story, and I’m pretty sure it’s because of the lovely pace of the text. As Miss Bindergarten gets her children ready for class, the kindergarten students are also preparing for their big first day.
“Countdown to Kindergarten” by Alison McGhee
There are many rules in school. But what if you can’t tie your shoes? Because this is also the rule. Kindergarten countdown Explores the anxiety of a little girl about to enter kindergarten during the first ten days of school. Will she be the only one who can’t tie her shoes?
Books for kids who are worried or anxious
The idea of starting school is very exciting for both children and families, but for many children, there’s a fine line between excitement and over-excitement or anxiety. These introductory materials are great for children who are feeling worried or anxious.
color monster goes to school by Anna Linus
Color Monster is nervous – it’s his first day of school and he doesn’t know what to expect! This is a great introductory textbook for Color Monsters fans who are nervous about their first day.
Relevant: If you’re a fan of Color Monsters, be sure to check out our Colorful Monster Mood Jar Activity.
Kevin Henkes worried about Wimberley
Wimberly has many worries─big and small! But her biggest worry is the start of school. With the help of her family, new teachers, and new friends, Wimberly made it through her first day successfully.
Butterfly on the first day of school Author: Anne Silvestro
Rosie was excited to start school, but she didn’t feel well on her first morning. “You have butterflies in your belly,” her mother told her. When Rosie was talking to her new friends on the school bus, she was startled when a butterfly flew out of her mouth! Over time, Rosie released all her butterflies and even helped another shy student let go of hers.
back to school books
This book series takes a fun, often funny, look at going back to school to start the new year.
Kate Berube’s May’s first day of school
As May’s first day of school approaches, she announces that she won’t be going! This is a reassuring, gentle, and funny story for kids who are nervous about starting school.
First Day Nervousness by Julie Danneburg
Here’s a super funny story about Sarah Jane Hartwell, who didn’t want to get out of bed and go to school on her first day. Fun fact, Sarah Jane turns out to be a teacher! It’s the first day of the new school year and it’s a great way to connect with students and teachers.
“Chair Strike” by Jennifer Jones
A fun rhyming story about a group of school chairs who despair at the way they are being treated on strike! Great for back to school books to set behavioral expectations.
Books about being yourself
Doubts about school can take many forms, including concerns that a child may be different from classmates or less capable. Parents and teachers can support children through these feelings through a story (or two!) about learning to be themselves.
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex the dinosaur is about to start her first day of school. The problem is that Penelope is a carnivorous dinosaur and her classmates are just kids! The book humorously tells the story of Penelope’s struggle to resist the urge to eat her classmates and the challenges she faces in making friends and fitting in.
Jory John’s Smart Cookies
No matter how hard she tries, Cookie will never feel as smart as her friends! It’s a lovely story that explores the different ways children learn, and it’s a great option for kids who feel a little nervous about not being as smart as the other kids at school.
“Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum, I like her name very much. Why wouldn’t she? Her parents chose it just for her. However, when she finally went to school, the experience was not what she had hoped for. Her peers laughed at her because of her beautiful and unique name. How will she deal with this unexpected problem?
Relevant: For more books that help children accept themselves and learn to respect the differences of others, check out our collection Books about diversity and difference.
Books for Children with Separation Anxiety Disorder
The following books provide additional support for children experiencing separation anxiety from their primary caregiver.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Payne
Chester the Raccoon is sad about school starting and is worried that he will miss his mom, his toys, and all the things he loves to do around the house. His mother assures him that once he starts, he will love school and it won’t be so strange and scary, and then she shares a secret with him – the secret of The Kissing Hand. I think this book is suitable for both moms who are worried about being sad about missing their children, as well as for little ones.
Patrice Castor “The Invisible Rope”
This simple, innovative idea can help children overcome separation anxiety from family members and is perfect for children who are worried about losing their caregiver when school starts.
Relevant: For more books to help kids face their fears, check out our Books about fear.
More back-to-school resources
For more handy back-to-school resources, check out these related posts;
