Back-to-School Books to Kick-Off the New School Year

With summer activities coming to an end and schools getting ready to start again, now can be an anxious time for your children. Check out this list of great, back-to-school books to get your children excited for the new school year and ease them back into learning

Biscuit Goes to School

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Author) &

Pat Schories (Illustrator)

Biscuit can't wait to go to school! Even though no dogs are allowed, he is determined to see and do everything that takes place at school. But what will happen when the teacher discovers a puppy in the classroom?

Curious George's First Day of School

by H.A. Rey (Author)

It’s the first day of school, and George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper. George is just the right monkey for the job—that is, until he starts to make his usual mischief.

Llama Llama Back

to School

by Anna Dewdney (Author), Reed Duncan (Author), & JT Morrow (Illustrator)

Llama Llama isn’t ready for summertime to end. It's been full of backyard camping, family picnics, and ice cream with friends. All he wants is for summer to go on forever! He’s anxious about his first day back at school but maybe, with some help from his friends and Mama Llama, going back to school will be fun after all!

Rufus Goes to School

by Kim T. Griswell (Author) &

Gorbachev Valeri (Illustrator)

All Rufus Leroy Williams III wants is to go to school so he can learn to read his favorite book. But theres one problem: he's a pig and Principal Lipid says: “NO PIGS IN SCHOOL!” Rufus even gets a backpack, a lunchbox, and a blanket to prove he's ready. But Mr. Lipid wont budge. Is there ANYTHING Rufus can do to change his mind?

The Crayons Go Back to School

by Drew Daywalt (Author) &

Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)

The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends... and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class!

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?

by Jane Yolen (Author) &

Mark Teague (Illustrator)

Everyone's favorite dinosaurs are back — and this time they are going to school. More fun dinosaur antics await. These prehistoric pupils are in a class of their own!

Hello School!

by Priscilla Burris (Author, Illustrator)

A diverse class of excited youngsters are about to start school and experience all its wonders! Small moments like discovering one's own cubby space and big moments like a first nature walk are all brought to life with inviting artwork. This is a great book to help familiarize children with all the activities they can expect at school, all while sharing the experiences with lots of great new friends.

Milk Goes to School

by Terry Border (Author, Illustrator)

First days of school are tough, and making new friends is even tougher. Milk's dad gave her a sparkly new backpack and told her that she was the creme de la creme, but most of the other kids don't seem to agree. In fact, some of her new classmates think Milk is just little a bit spoiled....

My First Day of School

by Michelle Medlock Adams (Author)

In this lively board book, a young boy starts his first day of school not knowing what to expect. Follow along as he explores his classroom, makes new friends, and enjoys all the creative and interesting activities school can offer. My First Day of School helps first-time students, from preschoolers to kindergartners, understand what happens at school, while providing parents the opportunity to answer questions their child may have.

Preschool, Here I Come!

by D.J. Steinberg (Author) &

John Joven (Illustrator)

From saying goodbye to parents on the very first day of school to watching butterflies hatch in spring, D. J. Steinberg celebrates all the landmark moments of preschool. Because the year is full of so many firsts, this collection of funny, joyful poems is a must-have for all small scholars in the making.

Time for School, Mouse!

by Laura Numeroff (Author) &

Felicia Bond (Illustrator)

In this board book, Mouse searches high and low for his homework, finding lots of other things in the process. Time for School, Mouse! teaches kids new words while celebrating the fun of going to school!

Little Mole Goes

to School

by Glenys Nellist (Author) &

Sally Anne Garland( Illustrator)

It's Little Mole's first day of school, and he's nervous. What if he's not good at anything? With a good bit of anxiety, Little Mole heads to class and begins to compare himself to his peers. But soon a crisis on the playground reveals that he has everything he needs in his own two paws to save the day.

Lola Goes to School

by Anna McQuinn (Author) &

Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator)

A comforting, cheerful read that demystifies the school day for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Lola and her family prepare for the first day of school the night before, then get up early, take pictures, and head to class. Lola puts her things in her cubby, chooses her activities, reads, plays, and has a snack. Before she knows it, it's time to sing the good-bye song and rush into Mommy's arms for a warm reunion.

Time for School, Little Blue Truck Big Book

by Alice Schertle (Author) &

Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)

Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are excited to meet a bright yellow school bus on the road. They see all the little animals lined up in the school bus’s many windows, and Blue wishes he could be a school bus too.

Bye-Bye Time

by Elizabeth Verdick (Author) &

Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a babysitter means saying goodbye to Mom or Dad — and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn’t forever, it’s just for a while.