Back to School Books

Many of us have little ones heading back to school soon, or heading to school for the very first time. Here are some of our favorite books for young readers preparing to make the big transition to the classroom. (Blurbs provided by the books’ publishers. The love and recommendation are all ours, though.)

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin & James Dean

Pete the Cat is back—and this time he’s rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song . . . because it’s all good.

Kindergarten Rocks  by Katie Davis

Dexter already knows everything there is to know about kindergarten. His big sister, Jessie, told him all about it. So Dexter is not scared. Not even a little bit. But his stuffed dog, Rufus, is scared. Actually, he’s terrified. But Dexter–er, Rufus–has nothing to fear: As he’ll soon find out, kindergarten rocks!

Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There’s painting and snack time, stories and nap time (and a bathroom break in between). Soon everyone’s ready to haul out the instruments and make some noise, then head outside for a turn at the sandbox or slide. In a bright, full-size storybook full of familiar scenes, this child-friendly look at a day in the life of a preschooler is one that newcomers and seasoned pros alike will be happy to share.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

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?) Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? is a hilarious look at first-day-of-school jitters from author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Daniel Jennewein.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish

Amelia Bedelia is sure she will love everything about the first day of school: New friends; a new teacher; her own desk; music, books, gym, art; recess and lunch. Amelia Bedelia can’t wait. What could be better? School! School! Hooray for school!

Skippyjon Jones: Class Action by Judy Schachner

Skippyjon Jones really wants to go to school. School is for dogs, his mama tells him. It’s where they go to get trained. But nothing can stop Skippy-once inside his closet, he finds himself on the playground of his imagination, surrounded by dogs of all kinds. He bays with the beagles, learns French with the poodles, and checks out a Chihuahua book from the library. And when a bully starts sending shiver-itos down the spines of the little yippers, Skippy saves the day and earns the biggest gold star.

Curious George’s First Day of School by H. A. Rey

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. A mixture of red and yellow paint makes orange . . . a mixture of yellow and blue makes green. . . . and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! After a speedy adventure up and down the halls of the school, George and Mr. Apple clean up the classroom—with a little help from George’s new friends.