Kick off the back to school season with these beautiful and fun Back to School books for kids.
This list of kid books is perfect for pre-k and kindergarten aged kids. Each book on this list tackles an important topic from the way we feel, to the way we behave, and the way we treat others.
Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning to the classroom after a break, these books can help them feel more confident, excited, and prepared for the new school year. Each book offers a unique perspective on the first-day experience, from the jitters and anxieties that can come with a new environment to the joys and adventures of making new friends and exploring new subjects.
By reading these books together, parents and children can start a conversation about what to expect on the first day of school, and how to make the most of the learning opportunities ahead. So, without further ado, here are some of our favorite back-to-school books for kids!
How to Pick the Perfect Back-to-School Book
Picking out the perfect back-to-school book doesn’t have to be a drag! With a little bit of effort and the right considerations, you can choose a book that will make your child excited for the first day of school. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting books:
Age-Appropriateness
When it comes to choosing a back-to-school book for your child, one of the most important things to consider is age-appropriateness. You want to choose a book that is not too easy or too difficult for your child to understand. For younger children, you might look for books with shorter sentences and simpler language. Older children might enjoy books with more complex plots and themes.
Relevance to the First-Day Experience
The first day of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for kids, so choosing a book that speaks to their experience can be a great way to ease their jitters. Look for books that touch on common first-day themes, like making new friends, discovering new subjects, and getting used to a new routine. A book that features characters your child can relate to and situations they might encounter on their own first day of school can help them feel more confident and prepared.
Engaging Illustrations or Storylines
Kids are drawn to books with engaging illustrations and storylines that capture their imaginations. Look for books with bright colors, interesting characters, and fun settings. Whether it’s a picture book with a simple storyline or a chapter book with a more complex plot, the key is to choose a book that will keep your child hooked from beginning to end.
Reflecting the Needs and Interests of the Kids
Every child is unique, with their own set of needs and interests. When choosing a back-to-school book, it’s important to keep your child’s individuality in mind. Look for books that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives, and that encourage kindness and understanding. If your child is passionate about a particular topic or subject, find a book that speaks to that interest. By choosing a book that resonates with your child, you’ll help them feel seen, heard, and valued.
Activities to Make Back-to-School Books Even More Fun!
Reading a book is just the beginning! Here are some fun activities to make the reading experience even more engaging:
Discussion Prompts: After finishing a back-to-school book with your little one, don’t let the fun end there! Spark even more excitement and discussion by asking them some questions. With simple yet engaging questions, you’ll be surprised at how much your child opens up and shares about their own experiences. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together!
Related Crafts: Explore different craft ideas that relate to the book, such as creating a funky friendship bracelet or keychain after reading a story about making new friends. Or, get your child excited for the first day of school by making a cool collage with pictures of their favorite school supplies after reading a book about getting ready for school. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and enjoy some quality time together!
Writing Prompts: Let your child’s imagination run wild with a writing prompt that’s related to the book you just read! After a story about starting school, ask your child to write a story about their own first day. Or, after reading a book about overcoming obstacles, encourage your child to write about a challenge they faced and how they overcame it. These writing prompts will help your child develop their creativity and self-expression, while also making a fun connection to the book they just read.
And if you want to take the learning experience beyond the pages of the book, try out this Free School Scavenger Hunt! This fun activity involves exploring the school and getting familiar with the surroundings before the first day of school.
Back to School Books for Kids
Rex Wrecks It!
This fun-filled book tackles the common issue of conflicting play styles in a way that kids will love. With vibrant illustrations and a lovable cast of characters, this is a must-read for any young reader starting school.
My Teacher Sleeps in School
Join the fun and curious students in Mrs. Marsh's class as they embark on a mission to uncover the truth about their teacher's whereabouts during the school day. This delightful and humorous story will keep both kids and adults entertained, with a surprise ending that will leave everyone satisfied.
Chu's First Day of School
A heartwarming story about a nervous little panda heading off to school for the first time. With charming illustrations and a relatable storyline, this book is sure to capture the hearts of young readers and make them excited for their own first day of school.
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma
This book is a charming and relatable story about a young girl's first-day-of-school jitters and how she overcomes them with creativity and determination. Children will love the idea of shoes having their own personalities and will relate to Lena's desire to hold onto her favorite pair. It's a perfect read-aloud for parents and teachers to help ease children's fears about starting a new school year.
The Name Jar
A heartwarming and relatable story about a girl named Unhei who moves to America from Korea and feels embarrassed by her name. With the help of her new friends, Unhei learns to appreciate her name and cultural heritage. This book is a great choice for any child who has felt different or struggled to fit in.
Mae’s First Day of School
An uplifting story that captures the anxieties and fears that can come with starting school, and how making new friends can help alleviate them. It's a great read for kids who are feeling a bit nervous about their own first day of school.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
This book is a hilarious and relatable story about the Pigeon's anxieties and worries about going to school, with a surprising twist that will leave readers laughing and feeling reassured about their own first-day jitters.
Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
This book is a humorous and delightful story that follows the antics of a lovable buffalo as he prepares for his first day of kindergarten. With colorful illustrations and playful text, it's a fun way to help kids get excited about this big milestone.
School's First Day of School
This book is a fun and creative take on the first day of school from a unique perspective - the school itself! With relatable worries and delightful illustrations, young readers will enjoy seeing the school overcome its fears and anxieties as the day goes on.
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
A hilarious and heartwarming story about a dinosaur who learns the hard way that making friends means not eating them. This books is a must-read for kids starting school, as it teaches valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and making friends.
Rufus Goes to School
This book is a heartwarming tale about persistence and determination in the face of adversity, as Rufus Leroy Williams III the pig goes to great lengths to pursue his dream of going to school and learning to read his favorite book. The story is also infused with humor and wit, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults.
The Day You Begin
A beautiful and empowering story that celebrates diversity, encourages self-acceptance, and promotes empathy and kindness. It reminds readers that being different is what makes us unique and special, and encourages them to embrace their differences and share their stories with the world.
My Teacher Is a Monster!
This book is a humorous and heartwarming story about a young boy learning to see his teacher in a different light and finding unexpected connections with her. It also emphasizes the importance of not judging others based on appearances or first impressions.
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