Times are hard right now…. very hard. As a teacher and mom, I am also struggling with the inner battle of decisions that I am not equip to make. My heart and mind are heavy, but I am trusting in those making the decisions to do what is best for everyone. I am also praying daily that they have the guidance and strength they need.
Since this will not be a traditional “back to school” this year I debating even posting, but thought it may be helpful. I have put together a list of back to school books that can help ease your little one into their transitions. The list showcases books for many different ages and school levels. I hope that you are staying safe and know that I am praying for peace and health for you all. Happy reading!
Preschool Specific
Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool by Kimberly & James Dean
This is one of my little one’s favorite books right now. If you haven’t met Pete you are truly missing out! We LOVE Pete the Cat and Pete the Kitty definitely does not disappoint. This cute story is perfect for your youngest babies who are off to daycare or preschool.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Audrey Dewdney
Llama Llama is staring preschool! Mama has gotten everything ready for him. They’ve met the teacher and some of his friends. When Mama gets ready to leave, Llama quickly loses his excitement and starts to miss Mama. Don’t worry, his friends swoop in and help him see how much fun he can have while Mama is away.
Kindergarten Specific
King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
This book is a MUST for your kindergarten students. This adorable story spotlights all of the excitement of starting school.
All Ages
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
This book is another must have. I have shared this book in previous posts because I love it so much. This sweet story is relatable for all students, especially after this pandemic. This sweet character feels different in many ways. She listens as friends share of their elaborate summer travels and begins to feel even more uncomfortable. She then realizes that she has also traveled all over (thanks to her books) and got to spend the summer with her best friend (her sister). This is such a sweet, heart-warming story!
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Everyone gets nervous on the first day of school, even the school building. All summer it has been the custodian and the school and that was fine! Now school is so anxious to have all of the children come back. What is things go terribly wrong? What if they don’t like him? The school day starts of very rocky, but eventually the school gets comfortable and things settle down. This is such a fun read!
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems
If you don’t love Pigeon books we cannot be friends. Just kidding! Seriously though, you need to know the Pigeon books. Mo Willems is always a winner in my book. All children love the Pigeon! This book did not disappoint. It’s just as fun and cute as all of Mo’s other books. Perfect for all ages!
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex is so excited to start school! She cannot wait to meet all of her new friends. She soon discovers that her new classmates are humans. It’s very unfortunate that humans are so delicious. She tries so hard not to eat them, but they’re just so tasty! Eventually she gets a taste of her own medicine and realizes it’s not fun to be eaten. This story is hysterical!
Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin
Again, Pete is a MUST! We love singing along to this fun story. Pete has new school shoes, but keeps stepping in things that change the color of his shoes. This is a simple, fun story. You can sing this story on the way to school to ease your child’s nerves.
David Goes to School by David Shannon
David is one of our favorite (naughty) characters. He is too funny! As expected, naughty David has a hard time listening and following the rules at school. This book is a great opportunity to discuss the expectations of school with your little one while making them giggle at the same time.
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
Pout-Pout Fish is off to school! He is full of nerves and worries. What if he is the only one who can’t write his name? What if everyone else can do math? Read along as he uncovers that school is just the place for him.
Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
This book is so sweet. It’s Mae’s first day of school, but she is NOT GOING. Her mother walks her to school and meets another parent. She turns to introduce herself and Mae disappears up a tree. Another little girl climbs up and states that she is not going to school. Good thing since Mae isn’t either! Eventually even the teacher climbs up. They express their fears and worries and decide to face them together.
