Heading into a new school year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for little ones. From preschool to early grade school, first-day jitters aren’t the only trouble. Separation anxiety and the challenge of making new friends are very real for kids… and for parents!
One of the best ways to prepare your child for a new adventure is by reading stories that help them feel confident, understood, and ready to face the unknown. Before you head to the library to stock up on these back-to-school books, get your kids involved by making a personalized DIY Library Bag with them.
For more insights on back-to-school books for kids, check out this Books We Loved podcast episode about back-to-school picture books. It features many of the titles we’ve highlighted and offers fun perspectives for parents and teachers.
Teacher-Recommended Back-to-School Picture Books
Looking for hilarious read-alouds that make first-day nerves melt away? Or are you looking for kindergarten prep books that teach routines and social skills. Maybe your reader could use a story about being brave that help kids embrace differences?
This collection of back-to-school books for kids has something for every reader. Each title is carefully chosen for their powerful messages and fun, engaging style.
Why Teachers Love These Books:
- Engaging read-aloud rhythm: Keeps kids focused and excited to listen.
- Clear SEL takeaways: Teaches empathy, kindness, courage, and making friends.
- Repeatable phrases and humor: Children shout, giggle, and join in, creating an interactive classroom moment.
- Supports first-day-of-school routines: Introduces concepts like lining up, riding the bus, and navigating new experiences.
Hilarious Reads to Make School Fun
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
By Author-Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
48 Pages | Recommended for Ages 3-5
It’s hard for Penelope Rex to make friends at school . . . because she wants to eat them! A hilarious and charming story about going-to-school anxiety and friendship.
– The Scrap Library
It’s Penelope Rex’s very first day of school, and she’s eager to make new friends. There’s just one tiny problem: all of her classmates are delicious little humans!
When her hunger for friendship is overshadowed by a desire to nibble on her peers, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about empathy, school etiquette, and what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a big, toothy appetite.
With laugh-out-loud illustrations and clever storytelling, this book transforms first-day jitters into giggles while reinforcing important social lessons.
Why Parents and Teachers Love We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
This is the perfect book to make kids giggle first and learn second. It’s a fresh and funny take on first-day-of-school jitters that turns a common fear into a lighthearted and memorable lesson.
- A Hilarious Way to Teach School Etiquette: The book’s flawless comic pacing and laugh-out-loud moments make it an ideal icebreaker for the first week of school. The story uses a young T. rex’s struggle to teach valuable lessons about social skills, self-control, and making friends.
- The Power of Empathy: Penelope Rex’s journey from predator to empath provides a simple yet powerful lesson about thinking of others’ feelings. Her realization that her classmates are not snacks, but friends, helps children understand the importance of kindness and respecting others.
- Super Cute and Engaging: The super cute illustrations and expressive visuals make this book a joy to read aloud. Customers rave about how the pictures are just as effective as the words at telling the story and making them laugh.
To extend the fun and learning, you can also download the official We Don’t Eat Our Classmates activity sheets.
Dino-School
32 Pages | Recommended for Ages 5-9
Author: Lihttps://www.lisawheelerbooks.comsa Wheeler
Whether it’s on the first day of school or the last, there is something for dinosaur-loving children in this rhyming romp of a story.
– The Scrap Library
Welcome to Dino-School! From the first day of class to the last day of school, this high-energy book follows a group of adorable dinosaurs as they navigate a full school year of exciting events.
Through rhyming verse and lively illustrations, you’ll see them decorating the classroom, celebrating special holidays, and playing together on the playground, proving that school is always an adventure.
This book takes kids on a school-year journey that’s equal parts silly and heartwarming.
Why Parents and Teachers Love Dino-School
This newly released book is the perfect pick for high-energy, dino-obsessed kids who are about to start school. It makes the idea of school fun by blending humor, heart, and prehistoric antics.
- Rhyming Fun for the Win: The book’s playful rhyming makes it a fantastic read-aloud. The rhythm and humor will keep kids engaged and entertained. This makes it a great way to talk about expectations for starting school in a lighthearted way that shows kids that school is more than just work; it’s also full of laughter, friendship, and discovery.
- A Full-Year Look at School: Unlike books that just focus on the first day, this story gives children a glimpse into a whole year of school routines and fun activities. This can help ease anxiety by showing them what a full school experience looks like by introducing key milestones like the 100th day of school and Field Day.
- The Go-To Pick for Dino-Loving Kids: If you have a child who loves dinosaurs, this book is an absolute must-have. It leverages that interest to make the concept of school seem exciting and familiar, turning a new experience into a prehistoric adventure.
For the Kid Who Needs a Confidence Boost
The King of Kindergarten
32 Pages | Recommended for Ages 3-6
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
A jubilant tale of a boy’s first day of kindergarten. Empowering and sure to give new kindergarteners-to-be the reassurance they are looking for.
– The Scrap Library
On the morning of his first day of school, a little boy is reminded he’s not just a student with a special nickname from his mom: the King of Kindergarten. With his crown of confidence, he embraces the big day with infectious enthusiasm.
From the morning bus ride to making new friends and conquering the playground, he navigates the new routines of school like a true ruler of his new kingdom. This story transforms an ordinary first day into a celebration of bravery, community, and pride.
Why Parents and Teachers Love The King of Kindergarten
This book is a teacher-approved kindergarten pick for a reason… It is an instant confidence boost for any child about to start a new chapter! It goes beyond simply reassuring kids and instead gives them an empowering framework to feel brave and capable.
- Builds First-Day Confidence: Rather than focusing on nerves, this book flips the script by telling kids, “you’ve got this,” replacing their nerves with excitement. Parents love that it reframes the first day as an exciting adventure rather than a source of worry, helping children build first-day confidence and take on new experiences with courage.
- Focuses on Kindness and Positive Social Skills: The main character’s “royal” duties aren’t about ruling over others… They’re about being kind, welcoming, and helpful. Teachers point to this as a perfect model for community in the classroom. From lining up to sharing lunch, the story highlights simple school routines in a way that feels fun and exciting, making it easier for kids to know what to expect.
- Celebrates Joy and Uniqueness: With its vibrant illustrations and a cheery, lively tone, this book is a joyous read-aloud. It’s a wonderful choice for parents who want stories that instill a sense of pride and happiness for their child.
The Queen of Kindergarten
32 Pages | Recommended for Ages 3-6
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
An empowering and joyful story of a girl’s first day of kindergarten helps kindergarteners-to-be know what to expect.
– The Scrap Library
It’s MJ Malone’s first day of kindergarten, and her mom gives her a special tiara, crowning her the Queen of Kindergarten. This sparkling accessory isn’t just for show, it’s a reminder to brighten every room she enters. MJ shows her new classmates that a queen is someone who helps, cares, and makes friends with open arms.
Full of warmth, joy, and dazzling illustrations, this story celebrates bravery, leadership, and the excitement of starting something new.
Why Parents and Teachers Love The Queen of Kindergarten
This captivating companion to The King of Kindergarten is a teacher-approved kindergarten pick that’s perfect for empowering young girls and setting them up for a successful school year.
- Instills a “Can-Do Spirit” for Nervous Kids: Parents and teachers appreciate that MJ is a strong, self-assured role model. Her “can-do spirit” and confidence shows children that they can take on new challenges and thrive. The story gives children an empowering lens for the first day of school.
- A Gentle Lesson on Kindness and Leadership: The story reframes what it means to be a “queen.” MJ’s journey teaches that being a leader is about using your positive energy to help others. It provides concrete examples of kindness, caring, and helpfulness, making this book a great tool for teachers introducing classroom expectations and positive social behaviors.
- Inclusive and Empowering Representation: Families love that MJ is a confident African American girl surrounded by a supportive community. Teachers note how valuable it is for all children to see diversity celebrated in such a joyful way.
- Joyful Read-Aloud Experience: With its vibrant illustrations and lyrical rhythm, the book makes kindergarten look like a happy and welcoming place for everyone. The energetic artwork and captivating story will help build first-day confidence and get kids excited about going to school.
Truman
48 Pages | Recommended for Ages 4-8
Illustrator: Lucy Ruth Cummins
“A fun twist on the first day of school anxiety, told from the perspective of a pet tortoise. A charming story of bravery and adventure.”
– The Scrap Library
Truman the tortoise has a big heart and lives a quiet, predictable life with his best friend, Sarah. But on her very first day of school, Sarah gets on a big yellow bus and disappears.
After a long wait, Truman decides to do something brave and unexpected: he sets off on a perilous journey across the living room to find her! This sweet and heartwarming story shows that even the smallest creatures can have big courage.
Why Parents and Teachers Love Truman
This is a quiet, yet powerful, book that perfectly captures the anxiety and bravery of a child’s first journey into the unknown of going to school.
- A Story of Courage and Devotion: The book is a beautiful analogy for a child’s first day of school. Truman’s journey, which feels like an impossible adventure from his perspective, helps readers relate to their own small acts of big bravery. Parents love that the story addresses the emotional challenges of school drop-off and reassures kids that they’ll be okay at school with the comforting message that loved ones always come back. Teachers love how it validates children’s emotions while encouraging resilience.
- Emotional Anchor in Love and Affection: The sweet bond between Sarah and Truman reassures kids that love stays constant, even during times apart. The book is great for talking about the strength of love and the bonds of friendship.
- Endearing and Engaging: Readers find the illustrations to be wonderful and Truman himself indisputably adorable. The book’s gentle tone and simple, heartfelt narrative make it a perfect read-aloud for kids, as it encourages them to name their own feelings.
To enhance the reading experience, author Jean Reidy has created a free Storytime & Curriculum Guide filled with discussion prompts and classroom activities to extend learning.
The Day You Begin
32 Pages | Recommended for Ages 5-8
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Buy it here (Also available in Spanish: El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres.)
[image of book cover]
Jaqueline Woodson’s lyrical text celebrates bravery and new beginnings, even when we feel like an outsider. The world is a better place when we share our stories.
– The Scrap Library
There are times when you’ll feel like the only person in a room who is different, maybe because of how you look, where you’re from, or the things you’ve experienced.
This lyrical and heartfelt story follows children who feel like outsiders, showing them that with a little bravery, sharing their own story can be the first step toward finding a connection and realizing that you’re not so different after all.
Why Parents and Teachers Love The Day You Begin
This beautiful and empowering book is a great choice for any child who feels scared or alone. It’s a powerful tool for teaching empathy, courage, and belonging.
- A Lyrical Embrace for Every Child: The book’s poetic language and stunning illustrations help children who feel different, whether in looks, language, or background, see that they’re not alone. It’s a go-to recommendation for its message of inclusivity and identity, helping children from all backgrounds feel seen and valued.
- Builds Classroom Community: This story is perfect for the beginning of the school year. By focusing on a “bridge to connection,” it helps kids understand that sharing their unique experiences can help them find common ground. This is a great way for teachers to start conversations with their students about sharing their story and building a welcoming classroom community.
- A Timeless Message: Customers praise the book for its gorgeous language and heartwarming message that resonates with readers of all ages. It’s a powerful reminder that every person’s story has value, and that bravely sharing it will always help the world “make some space” for you.
A Book for Parents, Too
The Yellow Bus
48 Pages | Recommended for Ages 3-6
Author-Illustrator: Loren Long
“A gorgeously illustrated contemplation on change and new beginnings. For students of all ages.”
– The Scrap Library
This heartfelt and timeless story from beloved author-illustrator Loren Long follows the journey of a bright yellow school bus over the course of many years. From carrying joyful children on their morning commute, filled with laughter, pitter-patters, and giggles, to finding a new purpose in unexpected places, the bus experiences the passage of time.
As her life unfolds with new routes and new passengers, she discovers that change is a natural part of life and that there is always a new beginning just around the corner.
Why Parents and Teachers Love The Yellow Bus
This beautiful book is a thought-provoking journey about the passage of time that resonates with readers of all ages. Unlike typical back-to-school stories, it provides a tender way to talk about big concepts.
- A Gentle Way to Discuss Change: Parents and teachers find this to be an ideal way to frame the school routine and the topic of separation. By focusing on the bus and its journey, the story helps children understand the transition of leaving home and the reassurance of coming back through its “you go to school … and then you come home” rhythm, which helps ease first-day separation anxiety and provides a sense of reassurance.
- Spans Generations With Warmth: While children ages 3-6 can connect with the story on a literal level, older kids and adults will appreciate its deeper themes of finding purpose and repurposing throughout life.
- An Instant, Modern Classic: With its gentle message and wonderful illustrations, this book is praised for being a timeless story that will likely become an “instant classic.” It offers a hopeful and reassuring perspective on life’s inevitable changes.
Looking to expand beyond the read-aloud? Only Picture Books offers a lovely accompanying activity sheet featuring a “Bus Adventure Map” where children re-create the bus’s journey using visuals and discussion prompts.
Must-Read Author Feature
Fish Don’t Go To School
40 Pages | Recommended for Ages 3-7
Author-Illustrator: Deb Pilutti
Henry loves his sparkly fish costume because it shimmers, swishes, and feels like a hug, which gives him courage. So when the first day of school arrives, he knows exactly what he needs to feel brave. While his parents encourage him to try on new clothes, Henry insists on wearing his fish suit.
As he bravely faces a new environment and new friends, Henry learns that being true to himself is the best way to feel safe and to find others who love him just the way he is. With playful humor and heartfelt storytelling, Deb Pilutti turns first-day-of-school jitters into a celebration of courage and individuality.
Why Parents and Teachers Love Fish Don’t Go To School
This charming and empathetic story is an instant favorite for its ability to address first-day-of-school anxieties with a lighthearted yet meaningful approach.
- Playful Humor and Logic: Readers are drawn to the book’s lively logic and how it perfectly captures a child’s viewpoint. Henry’s choice to wear a costume is a delightful and relatable way to discuss how kids use comfort objects to manage fear. It’s a great read-aloud to break the jitters and a simple way to help children with their nervousness about new situations.
- Celebrates Individuality: The book’s core message, that it’s “perfectly okay to be unique,” is a powerful one for both parents and teachers. Henry’s determination to stay true to himself, even in a sparkly fish costume, reminds children that it’s okay to stand out. This makes it an ideal tool for starting conversations about self-expression, confidence, and belonging.
- Beautiful and Engaging Illustrations: The artwork is consistently praised for being vibrant, engaging, and adorable. The illustrations are just as effective as the words at telling the story, making this a delightful read for the whole family.
How to Encourage Kids to Be Themselves on the First Day of School
Reading the right books is a fantastic first step, but what else can you do to help your child feel confident on the first day? Many of the themes from these stories, like bravery, kindness, and self-acceptance, can be put into practice at home to help your child navigate social situations at school.
Here are a few actionable tips to help your child navigate this big milestone with confidence.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarity can help ease the anxiety of a new situation. Take your child to see the school building, the playground, or,if possible, even the classroom. Practice the morning routine together, from packing their backpack to walking to the bus stop. This helps your child feel prepared and in control.
- Focus on Their Strengths: Remind your child of the amazing qualities that make them unique. If they’re a good friend, a great listener, or have a silly sense of humor, highlight these traits. Reinforce that these are the very things that will help them connect with others and build confidence in the classroom.
- Talk About Emotions: Openly discuss feelings of separation anxiety and first-day jitters. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel nervous. You can use examples from the books you’ve read, like Truman’s big adventure or Penelope’s worries about making friends. This helps them learn to express their emotions and feel understood.
Keep the Reading Momentum Going
From first-day jitters to building confidence, the stories in this post help children feel brave, seen, and ready to be themselves at school. Whether it’s the hilarious antics of Penelope Rex in We Don’t Eat Our Classmates or Henry’s courage and individuality in Fish Don’t Go to School, these titles are perfect for easing back-to-school transitions for kids and creating meaningful moments for parents and teachers alike.
Want to keep the storytime magic going? Check out our heartwarming horse books for kids. These books are packed with adventure, life lessons, and lovable characters. They are perfect for sparking imagination and inspiring young readers beyond the first day of school.