The Best Picture Books to Prep for Back-to-School
If you are thinking, “I have a ‘big kid,’ so I don’t need this post”— think again!
Picture books are so valuable from the toddler years right on through the upper grades. Many chapter books are very simple because they target transitional readers — readers learning to read chapter books! There are also, of course, plenty of complex chapter books.
Picture books can be simple, but also quite complex. You can revisit the themes found within a picture book time and time again. I love that you can finish an entire book in one sitting, have a deep conversation about it, and then revisit it again with new eyes later. Maybe the themes resonate a different way, or you discover something new within it.
Picture books are a wonderful way to prepare your child for back to school. The themes and characters within them help little ones conceptualize the big first day. They expose kids to themes swirling around in their head and allow them to ground those worries in a story or a character. Picture books are amazing “exposure therapy.”
Here are some of my favorites!
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Who DOESN’T love Mo Willems? His books are classroom favorites every single year, and this one is no exception. I love this book because it addresses so many typical “back to school” anxieties in a silly and hilarious way. Your kiddo will request this one over and over again, and I don’t think you’ll mind.
The King of Kindergarten
This is another fun one! I tend to lean towards the more upbeat back-to-school books, as opposed to the sappy or sentimental. I think that’s why this one has a spot in my heart. It is obviously targeted for Kindergartners. It follows a young boy, dubbed “The King of Kindergarten” by his mom, as he confidently marches through his first day of school. It is a warm and comforting story that highlights how great Kindergarten will be. It is an excellent choice for some young ones in need of a little confidence boost!
School’s First Day of School
This book tells the story of the first day of school from the school’s perspective. The school is nervous about how the day will go. They book conveys all the typical back-to-school worries in a not-so-typical package. The story is very heartwarming and soothing; it’s one you could read over and over (especially with younger children). With the perspective of school coming from within the school’s walls, School’s First Day of School really incapsulates the HomeBloom philosophy of bridging home and school together for kids.
All Are Welcome
While this makes an excellent book to read in the classroom, it is a great addition to a home library. The book repeats the refrain “all are welcome here." The poetry and beautiful illustrations celebrate the value of a diverse community.
What Should Danny Do? School Day
This book is a part of a series. I have only read the classroom edition, but I love it so much that I’m sure I will add the others to my collection! For all my fellow Goosebumps fans of decades past, you will LOVE this book. It is a "choose your own adventure" story, which kids LOVE. The main character, Danny, allows the reader to make different choices for him on his first day of school. The reader then is able to process how different choices affect Danny and others. You can read this book many times, each with a different plot and lots of great conversations.
The Day You Begin
Jaqueline Woodson is one of my very favorite children’s authors. The language and illustrations in this book are incredibly poetic and moving. The Day You Begin shares the worries that many children have about feeling different or not worthy enough to share their stories. The book encourages children to own their voice and value in the idea that their story is like no one else’s. True connection and friendships are born out of that bravery.
The Dot
Peter Reynolds is yet another one of my favorites! This book is simple and encouraging to all the little perfectionists out there. It speaks to the kiddos who are afraid to start, or feel like art (or whatever else) is not for them because they are “bad at it.” It is the story of a teacher who places value on the beginning of the journey, and the pride that comes from trying, again and again and again.
What are your favorite books for back-to-school? Please share below so I can add to my collection!
