Parenting Book List: First Day of School

This is a series, I’ve been wanting to work on for years and I’ve finally been able to get my thoughts and book suggestions together, so over the course of the next few weeks, you’ll be seeing these Parenting Book Lists, filled with suggestions for common occurrences and situations that little ones encounter. Today’s book list is about the first day of school. And yes, I know it’s February, but, I want this list to be up and ready for the new school year this year, so I’m getting it all ready ahead of time!

The first day of school often elicits strong emotions in a lot of kids whether it’s excitement, anxiousness, fear, or happiness. And parents also have a lot of emotions as well – hoping their kids have a positive experience, disbelief that their child is old enough to be in school, and maybe even a little excitement in having a couple hours to themselves or to focus on younger children or work. This time is a learning experience for everyone involved and I’m happy to share a few books that might help ease the transition for kids. If you’re looking for even more great picture books about heading back to school – check out this list as well!

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Parenting Book List: First Day of School

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

In our classroom safe and sound.
Fears are lost and hope is found.

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other’s traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

Bear’s Big Day by Salina Yoon

He wants to be grown up, so he leaves his stuffed bunny Floppy at home along with all his familiar things. But being away from his best friend is hard–and the first day doesn’t turn out quite how like Bear wanted it to. Bear learns that the first day of school might not always be perfect, and being grown up doesn’t have to mean giving up the things he loves.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.

Dinosaur Vs. School by Bob Shea

Dinosaur is starting preschool today. ROAAAR! There are new friends to meet, dress-up outfits to wear, glitter and googly eyes to paste, musical instruments to play, and snacks to eat. What’s not to like? But then… oh, no! It’s Dinosaur vs. Clean-up Time! Fortunately, when friends work together, everyone wins!

First Day, Hooray! by June Sobel, illustrated by Nabila Adani

There’s a lot to check off on the back-to-school list. Lunchbox? Check. Notebook? Paper? Glue stick? Check. And check. Check. But school supplies aren’t the only thing we bring with us. We also bring along our FEELINGS!!

Follow along as a class of young children learns to identify and process the wide array of feelings they meet on the first day of school. Say “hello” to HAPPY, soothe ANGER, jump with EXCITED, and shout HOORAY when a fun day comes to an end.

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

Getting your octopus to school won’t be easy. He would much rather stay home with you and play hide-and-seek or dress-up. But you know your octopus will love school if he gives it a chance. And you’ll tell him that . . . as soon as you can find him . . .

How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

This humorous new book in the beloved HOW TO . . . series takes readers through a fun and busy school year. Written in tongue-in-cheek instructional style, a class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready—for the first day of school, and all the events and milestones that will follow (picture day, holiday concert, the 100th day of school, field day!). And along the way, children will see that getting their teacher ready is really getting themselves ready. Filled with charming role-reversal humor, this is a playful and heartwarming celebration of teachers and students. A fun read-a-loud to prepare for first day jitters, back-to-school readiness or end of year celebrations..

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick and Daniel Jennewein

Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He’s smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?)

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.

Ladybugs Do NOT Go to Preschool by Ali Rutstein, illustrated by Niña Nill

Mom says it’s the first day of preschool, but Ravi’s dressed up as his favorite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybugs do not go to preschool. In fact, this ladybug would rather stay home and eat aphids, thank you very much!

Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight?

Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, illustrated by JT Morrow

Summer days are getting shorter and it’s almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But 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!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?

Ready for Kindergarten by Bethany V. Freitas, illustrated by Maja Andersen

The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement, Ready for Kindergarten is about all the things kids love to do that show they are ready to start school. Created in consultation with education experts, the book highlights skills that teachers will build upon in the classroom—like imaginative play, recognizing colors and shapes, and cooperating with friends—and encourages kids to enjoy and practice them. Look who is ready for kindergarten!

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson

It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?

The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.

This Makes Me Anxious: First Day of School by Courtney Carbone

It’s natural for children to feel anxious about the first day of school, just like the kid in this story. Her chest feels as tight as her old sneakers since there is so much to do to prepare. Good thing she is not alone! Many people are there to help her feel more comfortable so she can have the best first day! Learning how to voice your feelings and count on others, like your family and teachers is an important skill that can help all children.