100 Best First Day Of School Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

First Day Jitters

Julie Danneberg, Judy Love

5.0

Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by M

2

Wemberly Worried

Kevin Henkes

5.0

A back-to-school favorite from Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten's First Full Moon, and Chrysanthemum. This picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Wemberly worried about spilling

3

The Kissing Hand

Audrey Penn, Ruth Harper

4.9

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their p

4

Chrysanthemum

Kevin Henkes

4.6

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Vic

5

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Mo Willems

4.6

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!?!
Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!

Recommended by Shannon Miller and Thrifty Nifty Mommy.

Shannon Miller

It’s here!!!! I am in love with this new @The_Pigeon book, The Pigeon HAS To Go To School! This will be the perfect book to share in our “You’ve Been Book’d” Bags at @vanmeterschools when school starts! ❤️#kidlit #kidlitart #futurereadylibs #tlchat #vanmeter https://t.co/3CDWL3VgNi [source]

Thrifty Nifty Mommy

It's @The_Pigeon party time! The brand new Mo Willems book, ''The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!' is out. So we threw a party and ate some delicious cookies. Head over to learn more and print an awesome Roll Out Sugar Cookie Recipe: https://t.co/86EVZAyziR #ReadMoWillems #recipe https://t.co/whk6hdIcR3 [source]

6

Llama Llama Misses Mama

Anna Dewdney

4.6

Strange new teacher.
Strange new toys.
Lots of kids and lots of noise!

What would Llama like to do?
Llama Llama feels so new . . .

It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama

7

A Bad Case of Stripes

David Shannon

4.6

"What we have here is a bad case of stripes. One of the worst I've ever seen!"

Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out in...a bad case of stripes!

8

My Name Is Yoon

Helen Recorvits, Gabi Swiatkowska

4.6

Getting to feel at home in a new country

Yoon's name means Shining Wisdom, and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out differe

9

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Patty Lovell, David Catrow

4.5

Molly Lou Melon is different, but this doesn't slow her down.

10

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

Ryan T. Higgins

4.5

Penelope the dinosaur starts school, but it’s hard to make friends when her classmates are so delicious!

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all... Readers will g

11

David Goes to School

David Shannon

4.5

David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.

12

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School

Herman Parish and Lynne Avril

4.5

The New York Times bestselling picture book! Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character.

The first book in the nationally bestselling series about the childhood of America's favorite literal-minded housekeeper, Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school—after all, what's not to love? But af

13

School's First Day of School

Adam Rex, Christian Robinson

4.5

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially . . . the school.

14

The Name Jar

Yangsook Choi

4.5

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by t

15

The Giving Tree

Shel Silverstein

4.5

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and

Recommended by Kaci Lambe Kai, Neal Layton, and Todd Gordon.

Kaci Lambe Kai

I cry every time I read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. That story breaks my heart. I recently read it to my nephew (then five at the time) and I cried the whole time. [source]

Neal Layton

It’s a book full of questions, about a boy and a tree, but whether there are any answers there or not is another thing. [source]

Todd Gordon

I got to spend lunch with this wonderful group of 5 yr olds reading The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein. Great book and good lesson about the value of friendship! (note, I have permission to post this). https://t.co/HahANdNYpq [source]

16

Splat the Cat

Rob Scotton

4.5

It's Splat's first day of school and he's worried. What if he doesn't make any new friends? Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunchbox. The teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons. But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat's worried

17

I Like Myself!

Karen Beaumont, David Catrow

4.5

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.

At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.

About the Au

18

The Day You Begin

Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López

4.5

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

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 wher

19

The Night Before First Grade

Natasha Wing and Deborah Zemke

4.5

It's the night before the Big Day—first grade. Penny is excited to startthe year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers—as well as the “heroine” of the story—and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own backto- school jitters.

20

Miss Nelson Is Missing! (Miss Nelson, #1)

Harry G. Allard Jr., James Marshall

4.4

The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.

So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Mi

21

The Little Engine That Could

Watty Piper, George Hauman, Doris Hauman

4.4

The story of a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children. After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill.

Recommended by Christian B Miller and Doug Devos.

Christian B Miller

One of our family favourites. It is all about moral character. [source]

Doug Devos

A great book and such a simple, motivational message for our @amway business owners. Be like the train! I think I can, I think I can. https://t.co/sQsNoDjWjM [source]

Cover unavailable

22

If You Take a Mouse to School

Laura Numeroff, Felicia Bond

4.4

The Barnes & Noble Review
Bringing a plucky mouse to school isn't the wisest idea, no matter how much fun it might seem. Thankfully, the bestselling duo of author Laura Numeroff and illustrator Felicia Bond -- creators of If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie -- have teamed up to show us the hijinks a whiskered school guest could cause.

Starting with asking for your lunc

23

Love You Forever

Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw

4.4

An extraordinarily different story by Robert Munsch is a gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child--forever. Sheila McGraw's soft and colorful pastels perfectly complement the sentiment of the book--one that will be read repeatedly for years.

Recommended by Evan Goldberg.

Evan Goldberg

A beautiful book that I give to anybody who has a kid. [source]

24

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Mo Willems

4.4

Trixie can't wait to show off her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny at school. But a dreadful surprise awaits - Trixie's bunny is not so one-of-a-kind after all. And matters get worse that night when Trixie realises that she has brought home the wrong bunny.

Recommended by Paul Howard.

Paul Howard

I love that the dad in this story seems to be the main carer. He takes her to school and he picks her up. [source]

Cover unavailable

25

Froggy Goes to School

Jonathan London, Frank Remkiewicz

4.4

Froggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation....A charming story to calm tho

26

The Dot

Peter H Reynolds

4.4

With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us.

Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herse

27

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon (Black Lagoon, #1)

Mike Thaler, Jared Lee

4.4

On the first day of school, a boy falls asleep and dreams that he is assigned to Mrs. Green's class. In his nightmare, Mrs. Green is a monster with a tail and smoke coming out of her nostrils. He is so happy when he awakes to see the real Mrs. Green that he gives her a hug.

28

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

James Dean, Eric Litwin

4.4

Time to head back to school with this bestselling groovy Pete the Cat book!

Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunch room, 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.

The fun never stops—download the free groovin’ song.

29

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Dr. Seuss

4.4

For out-starting upstarts of all ages, here is a wonderfully wise and blessedly brief graduation speech from the one and only Dr. Seuss. In his inimitable, humorous verse and pictures, he addresses the Great Balancing Act (life itself, and the ups and downs it presents) while encouraging us to find the success that lies within us.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaran

Recommended by Richard Branson and Chris Goward.

Richard Branson

Founder/Virgin Group

Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. [source]

Chris Goward

Narrowing down a favourite book in either business or non-business from the hundreds of mind-expanding books I've benefited from in the four decades of my life (beginning with Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss) would be impossible. [source]

30

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Anna Dewdney

4.3

Llama, Llama red pajama waiting, waiting for his mama. Mama isn’t coming yet. Baby Llama starts to fret. In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to se

Recommended by Chitra Soundar.

Chitra Soundar

I first read this a long time ago and I didn’t necessarily think of it as an anxiety book but after looking at it again, I realised it was about the ‘Mum hasn’t come home’ worry. The phenomenon of parents working or doing shift work or one parent having to go away or to travel for work is so common. Especially if the mum is working, this book is a great way to talk to the child about this type of anxiety. [source]

31

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

Joseph Slate, Ashley Wolff

4.3

It's the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive. Now the fun can begin! This rhyming, brightly illustrated book i

32

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Robert Coles and George Ford

4.3

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first African American child to integrate a New Orleans school with this paperback reissue!
The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of p

33

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Mo Willems

4.3

When the driver leaves the bus temporarily, he gives the reader just one instruction: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! But, boy, that pigeon tries every trick in the book to get in that driving seat: he whines, wheedles, fibs and flatters. Will you let him drive? Told entirely in speech bubbles, this is a brilliantly original book.

Recommended by Elys Dolan.

Elys Dolan

Funny enough to keep even the most jaded parent entertained. [source]

34

Curious George's First Day of School

H. A. Rey

4.3

It’s the first day of school, and Curious George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper! George is just the right monkey for the job—until he starts to wreak his usual havoc, that is. Red and yellow paint makes orange, yellow and blue makes green . . . and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! Curious George and the First Day of School is a story based on H. A.

35

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

Ibtihaj Muhammad, Hatem Aly

4.3

A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of b

Recommended by Shannon Miller.

Shannon Miller

I love this new picture book from Olympic Medalist @IbtihajMuhammad with @skalibooks and art by @metahatem which comes out September 2019 from @littlebrown It’s such a beautiful story and one I can’t wait to share with our students and teachers at @vanmeterschools ❤️#kidlit https://t.co/v1rj6831n5 [source]

36

New Kid

Jerry Craft

4.3

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents

Recommended by Bunmi Laditan, Krishna Grady, and Todd Nesloney.

Bunmi Laditan

Best book I’ve read all year. Absolutely wonderful, touching and fun. I bought it for my oldest daughter and ended up reading it, too. 📚 ♥️🌹 https://t.co/IkV115zyJo [source]

Krishna Grady

It’s about a kid, Jordan Banks, who transfers to the Riverdale Academy Day School. He’s in seventh grade and he can’t help seeing privilege everywhere. He’s one of the few African American students in the school. The beauty of the story is that he’s regularly dealing with racism and microaggressions and bullying, but there’s also friendship and learning who you are, which is especially hard in middle school. Craft just created this really intimate and relatable world that invites kids in and holds them there. [source]

Todd Nesloney

I love this book from @JerryCraft and even got to interview him for #TellYourStory!! https://t.co/Hnmx0usD4u [source]

37

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Kevin Henkes

4.3

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.

Lilly, the star of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And

Cover unavailable

38

Wonder

R. J. Palacio

4.3

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING JULIA ROBERTS, OWEN WILSON, AND JACOB TREMBLAY!

Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face.

The book that inspired the Choose Kind movement.

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born wi

39

The King of Kindergarten

Derrick Barnes, Vanessa Brantley-Newton

4.3

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten.

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 pancak

40

Butterflies on the First Day of School

Annie Silvestro, Dream Chen

4.3

The first day of school is exciting—but it can be scary, too! Meet Rosie, a brand-new student who just happens to have butterflies in her stomach.

“Silvestro and Chen take a common figure of speech and transform it, literally, into a lovely expression of a universal experience.” —Kirkus
“A cheering first-day story.” —Publishers Weekly

Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils shar

Recommended by Shannon Miller.

Shannon Miller

This is so sweet and what a wonderful book to kick off the first day of school! ❤️🦋I know our readers would love this one at @vanmeterschools 😊 https://t.co/Fm5Md5kYJP [source]

41

The Sandwich Swap

Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio, Tricia Tusa

4.3

Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus--but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them?

The smallest things can pull us apart — until we learn that fr

42

Chu's First Day of School (Chu, #2)

Neil Gaiman, Adam Rex

4.3

It is Chu's first day of school. Chu is nervous.

He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him?

What will happen at school today?

Will Chu do what Chu does best?

43

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?

Jane Yolen, Mark Teague

4.2

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!
As in their previous books, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague capture children's rambunctious natures with playful read-aloud verse and wonderfully amusing pictures.

44

First Grade Stinks!

Mary Ann Rodman, Beth Spiegel

4.2

No share time! Only one recess! Writing is hard! The stories don't end right! FIRST GRADE STINKS!
It is the first day of school and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She is a first grader. Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways! The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergart

45

The Night Before Kindergarten

Natasha Wing, Julie Durrell

4.2

'Twas the night before kindergarten,
and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.

It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations ill

46

The Berenstain Bears Go to School

Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

4.2

Illus. in full color. A sympathetic story about Sister Bear, who conquers her fear of starting kindergarten.

47

Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma

Keith Calabrese, Juana Medina

4.2

In the tradition of School’s First Day of School, debut author Keith Calabrese and Pura Belpré Award winner Juana Medina share a sweet, universal story about a clever little girl whose shoes are nervous about the first day of school.

Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there’s just one problem…

Lena’s shoes are nervous.

Lena doesn’t want to miss out on her fi

48

David Gets In Trouble

David Shannon

4.2

Caldecott Honor artist and bestseller David Shannon make readers laugh aloud in this next story about the troublemaking David!
"When David gets in trouble, he always says . . . 'NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!'" Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault.

Soon, though, David realizes that making e

49

No, David!

David Shannon

4.2

When author and artist David Shannon was five years old, he wrote a semi-autobiographical story of a little kid who broke all his mother's rules. He chewed with his mouth open (and full of food), he jumped on the furniture, and he broke his mother's vase! As a result, all David ever heard his mother say was "No, David!" Here is his story.

50

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

James Dean, Eric Litwin

4.2

Don't miss the first and bestselling book in the beloved Pete the Cat series!

Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes!

But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...becau

51

Kindergarten Rocks!

Katie Davis

4.2

Dexter is ready for kindergarten. Sort of. Well, actually, he's maybe kind of a little bit scared, perhaps even terrified, one might say. Because what if he gets lost? Or, what if the teacher is mean? Or, he misses his mom or dad? Or, worst of all, he loses his most important ally, Rufus?

With the same warmth, exuberance, and sly wit that have made her a favorite of booksellers and children, Katie

52

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.)

Peter Brown

4.2

Bobby has a problem.

You see, his teacher is a monster.

But when Bobby runs into his teacher outside of school, he learns there is more to her than meets the eye.

53

Suki's Kimono

Chieri Uegaki, Stéphane Jorisch

4.2

Suki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school --- no matter what anyone says.

When it's Suki's turn to share with her classmates what she did during the summer, she tells them about the street festival she attended with her obachan and the c

54

The Important Book

Margaret Wise Brown, Leonard Weisgard

4.2

Margaret Wise Brown, the New York Times bestselling author of the perennial classics Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny, asks children to think deeply about the importance of everyday objects, from apples to spoons. With lyrical words and vivid illustrations by Caldecott winner Leonard Weisgard, The Important Book shows children just how important everyday objects can be. This picture book is an exc

55

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come

Nancy Carlson

4.2

The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can't wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergar

Cover unavailable

56

Owen

Kevin Henkes

4.2

Owen had a fuzzy yellow blanket. "Fuzzy goes where I go," said Owen. But Mrs. Tweezers disagreed. She thought Owen was too old for a blanket. Owen disagreed. No matter what Mrs. Tweezers came up with, Blanket Fairies or vinegar, Owen had the answer. But when school started, Owen't mother knew just what to do, and everyone -- Owen, Fuzzy, and even Mrs. Tweezers -- was happy.

57

Mom, It's My First Day of Kindergarten!

Hyewon Yum

4.2

It's a child's first day of kindergarten, but who is worried about all the new people and the different things he'll meet--the child? No! The mother. In a refreshing reversal of roles, the child takes it upon himself to comfort and reassure his mother that everything will be fine, she'll get used to him going to big-kid school, and yes, he is ready for the first day of kindergarten. Utterly charmi

58

Jessica

Kevin Henkes

4.2

"There is no Jessica," said Ruthie's parents. But of course there was. She ate with Ruthie, played with Ruthie, and was sorry when Ruthie was bad. Nobody could see Jessica -- except Ruthie. When it came time for Ruthie to go to school, Jessica went with her. Her parents hoped Ruthie would find a friend at school who would replace Jessica. They were in for a (happy) surprise!

59

I Love School!

Philemon Sturges, Shari Halpern

4.2

What's your favorite part of the school day?

Come along to a warm, friendly world of reading and writing, singing and painting, and all-around fun that will make you want to yell, "I love school!"

60

The Rainbow Fish

Marcus Pfister

4.2

The Rainbow Fish is an international bestseller and a modern classic. Eye-catching foilstamping, glittering on every page, offers instant child-appeal, but it is the universal message at the heart of this simple story about a beautiful fish, who learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions, that gives the book its lasting value.

61

This School Year Will Be the BEST!

Kay Winters and Renee Andriani

4.2

On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids? hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it?s looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone?s wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt?this school year will de

62

Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

Carol McCloud, David Messing

4.2

Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behaviour as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.

63

Go to School, Little Monster

Helen Ketteman, Bonnie Leick

4.1

Welcome, Little Monster, to your first day of school.

Little Monster is going to school for the very first time. That means he’ll be meeting all the other little monsters, including one who has really big teeth and draws scary pictures. Who will ride the ogres and dragons with Little Monster at recess, and listen with him during story time? And what happens when—gulp—Little Monster realizes he forg

64

Corduroy

Don Freeman

4.1

A picture book classic!

One of School Library Journal’s "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time (2012)
One of the National Education Association’s "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."

Don Freeman's classic character, Corduroy, is even more popular today then he was when he first came on the scene in 1968. This story of a small teddy bear waiting on a department store shelf for a child’s friendship ha

65

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

D.J. Steinberg

4.1

Get ready for school with these fun poems!

This adorable picture book celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it's the first-day-of-school jitters or the hundredth-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced with a light and funny poem--not to mention charming illustrations.

66

Ready For Kindergarten, Stinky Face?

Lisa Mccourt, Cyd Moore

4.1

Stinky Face is full of "What ifs" as he gets ready for kindergarten!

It's time to go to kindergarten, but Stinky Face has a question . . .

"But, Mama, what if the sink in my classroom pours grape juice instead of water?"

As the situations grow stranger, Stinky Face's mama always has just the right answer to make him feel better.

With Lisa McCourt's zany ideas and Cyd Moore's motion-filled illustration

67

Yo! Yes?

Chris Raschka

4.1

An effective, unusual 34-word story of the beginnings of a friendship, accompanied by wild and wonderful illustrations. Against pastel backgrounds, in vibrant, colorful images, an African-American boy and a white boy meet on the street. [Their] one- and two-word exchanges on each spread lead to a tentative offer of friendship, sealed as both boys jump high in the air and yell Yow!" With a beautifu

68

Ally-saurus & the First Day of School

Richard Torrey

4.1

You can call her Ally-SAURUS! When Ally roars off to her first day at school, she hopes she'll meet lots of other dinosaur-mad kids in class. Instead, she's the only one chomping her food with fierce dino teeth and drawing dinosaurs on her nameplate. Even worse, a group of would-be "princesses" snubs her! Will Ally ever make new friends? With its humorous art, appealing heroine, and surprise endin

69

Hooray For Diffendoofer Day!

Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky, Lane Smith

4.1

Based on characters and a storyline developed by Dr.Seuss before his death in 1991, this tale focuses on the strange goings-on in Diffendoofer School, where kids are taught, among other things, yelling, listening and smelling. It highlights the importance of thinking for yourself.

Cover unavailable

70

Franklin Goes to School

Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark

4.1

With his new pencil case packed with a ruler, eraser and 12 colored pencils, Franklin is ready for his first day of school -- until it's time to board the bus. In this Franklin Classic Storybook, Franklin faces the excitement and fear of starting school.

71

Mae's First Day of School

Kate Berube

4.1

As Mae's first day of school approaches she decides she IS. NOT. GOING. School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her? Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae's anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?

72

Thank You, Mr. Falker

Patricia Polacco

4.1

The real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. A perfect gift for teachers and for reading students of any age.

Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she cou

73

Kindness Starts with You - At School

Jacquelyn Stagg

4.1

Kindness is the single most powerful thing that we can teach our children.

Follow Maddy through her day at school, where your child will learn how easy it can be to spread kindness!

From taking turns on the swing to including everyone in the game - this storybook shows that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted!

A lightbulb lesson of kindness is found on each page!

Included in the bo

74

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School

Deborah Diesen, Dan Hanna

4.1

Turn little pouts into big smiles!

Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he frets about not knowing how to write his name, how to draw shapes, and how to do math—until he’s reassured that school is the perfect place to learn how to master all of these new skills, in this new Pout-Pout Fish book from Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna.

75

Big Boys Cry

Jonty Howley

4.1

Let boys cry! This picture book imagines a world in which boys are encouraged to express their full range of emotions.

It's Levi's first day at a new school, and he's scared. When his father tries to comfort Levi, he falls back on the line his own father used to use with him: "Big boys don't cry." Though he immediately understands his misstep, he can't find the words to right the ship, and Levi lea

76

My New Teacher and Me!

Al Yankovic, Wes Hargis

4.1

"Weird Al" Yankovic's new tale of Billy, the irrepressible star of the New York Times bestselling When I Grow Up, is an uproarious back-to-school delight. Dazzling wordplay and sparkling rhyme combine in a unique appreciation of the rewards of unabashed originality and the special joy of viewing the world gently askew.

Cover unavailable

77

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (Junie B. Jones, #1)

Barbara Park, Denise Brunkus

4.1

"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." --Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man

Barbara Park's #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for more than twenty-five years. Over 65 million copies sold!

Meet the World's Funniest Kindergartner--Junie B. Jones! Remember when it was scary to go to school? In the first Junie B. Jones book, i

78

Bear's Big Day (Bear and Bunny)

Salina Yoon

4.1

In this third story in the adorable and critically acclaimed Bear and Bunny series, the duo face a new experience--going to school!

It's Bear's very first day of school! 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 Bear wanted it to. Bear learns tha

79

Back to School, Splat!

Rob Scotton

4.1

How can there be homework when it's only the first day of school? Splat must pick only one of all of his fun summer adventures to share with his classmates at show-and-tell. But in the end, Splat may find that the best part of his summer wasn't an adventure at all. . . .

Cover unavailable

80

Whoever You Are

Mem Fox and Leslie Staub

4.1

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when, unfortunately, the lessons of tolerance st

81

Oliver and His Alligator

Paul Schmid

4.1

Oliver is nervous about the first day of school, so he picks up an alligator at the swamp, just in case. And boy, does it come in handy! Whenever anything scares Oliver--be it a teacher, a classmate, or the prospect of learning "everything"--the alligator makes the problem go away. Quickly, school becomes much simpler . . . and a little lonely. But Oliver knows just what to do! Paul Schmid's gentl

82

Welcome to Kindergarten

Anne Rockwell

4.1

Join Tim as he visits his future kindergarten classroom and learns what he will be doing during his first year of school. Explore the reading, math, and art centers. Sit at the desk where he will practice writing, counting, and telling time. The classroom may look a little too big at first, but after finding out about all the fun ahead, it doesn't seem too big at all. In fact, it's just the right

83

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books!

Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee

4.1

There was an old lady who's ready for school!

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for the first day of school. Now she's swallowing items to make the very best of her first day back. And just in time for the bus...

With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of the classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page--a fun story for the first day of s

84

Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School

Adam Auerbach

4.1

Edda is a Valkyrie (an ancient Norse goddess who guides and protects heroes). She lives in a magical land called Asgard where she has everything she wants. Well . . . almost everything. Edda wants to find a friend her own age. Edda’s wise papa knows of a place where she can make friends: a place on Earth called “school.”

School is very different from Asgard. Edda’s not sure if she likes it at first

85

The Class

Boni Ashburn, Kimberly Gee

4.1

Count along with twenty young students from nineteen different homes as they get ready for their first day of kindergarten.

Alarm clocks go off and students all over town wake up and get ready for their big day. Some feel eager, others are nervous, and a few are even grumpy! But they all get dressed, eat breakfast, pack backpacks, and make their way to school, where they will meet their new teacher

86

I'm New Here

Anne Sibley O'Brien

4.0

Maria is from Guatemala, Jin is from Korea, and Fatima is from Somalia. All three are new to their American elementary school, and each has trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, lan

87

Dad's First Day

Mike Wohnoutka

4.0

All summer Oliver and his dad played together, laughed together, sang together, and read together.

Now it's time for Oliver to start school!

On the first day, Oliver's dad isn't quite ready. . . . Suddenly he feels nervous. His tummy hurts, and he would rather stay home.

But Oliver isn't convinced. What if the first day is really fun? What if it's the start of an exciting year?

In this charming story

88

The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher

Harry K. Wong, Rosemary T. Wong

4.0

The best-selling book ever on classroom management and teaching for student achievement with over 3.6 million copies sold. The book walks a teacher, either novice or veteran, through structuring and organizing a classroom for success that can be applied at any time of the year at any grade level, pre-K through college.The book is used in thousands of school districts, in over 116 countries, and in

89

Truman

Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins

4.0

An NPR Favorite Book of 2019
A New York Times Best Children’s book of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019
A School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2019

"An enchanting tale of bravery, heroism, and undying devotion." —The New York Times Book Review

After his best friend Sarah leaves for her first day of school, a tortoise named Truman goes on an adventure across the living room and lear

90

Through Rosalie Colored Glasses: An Illustrated Novelette of Kindness and Friendship

Carrie J

4.0

91

Monsters Love School

Mike Austin

4.0

Have some monstrous fun going back to school!

Celebrate the first day of school with hilarious, energetic monsters in Monsters Love School by author-illustrator Mike Austin.

Summer is over, and now it's time for the biggest adventure of all...Monster School! Join these colorful monsters as they go to school for the first time. Reading and writing and learning your monster history has never been so m

92

The Grouchy Ladybug

Eric Carle

4.0

From Eric Carle, New York Times bestselling author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and From Head to Toe, comes the classic story of one very grouchy ladybug. Eric Carle's bright artwork and signature style will charm both ardent fans and new readers alike.

As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits o

Cover unavailable

93

Crow Boy

Taro Yashima

4.0

"A shy mountain boy in Japan leaves his home at dawn and returns at sunset to go to the village school. Pictures and text of moving and harmonious simplicity". - Saturday Review.

94

I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness

Kerascoët

4.0

This simple yet powerful picture book tells the story of an elementary school girl named Vanessa who is bullied and a fellow student who witnesses the act and is at first unsure of how to help. I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining

95

Kind Ninja: A Children’s Book About Kindness (Ninja Life Hacks)

Mary Nhin

4.0

96

The Night Before Preschool

Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer

4.0

It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child's fears about the first day of school.

97

The School Book

Todd Parr

4.0

Beloved and New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr uses his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity to introduce readers to all the wonderful things they can do at school, where everyone is welcome!
With his trademark bright colors and bold lines, Todd Parr introduces readers to a perennial source of childhood anxiety and excitement both: school! From morning routines to meeting new peo

98

Planet Kindergarten

Sue Ganz-Schmitt and Shane Prigmore

4.0

This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!

99

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

Lauren Child

4.0

"The children's relationship is refreshingly noncombative, with Charlie as the protective and affectionate older brother who is appreciative of, rather than annoyed by, his sister's quirkiness." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it's up to

100

Shiloh and Dande the Lion: Embrace diversity, accept others, and courageously be yourself!

Ciara L Hill

4.0

Embrace diversity, accept others, and courageously be yourself!

Shiloh and Dande the Lion is an imaginative story that explores diversity, tolerance, and empowerment through the fantastic dream of a young boy. Shiloh, whose name means peace, is bullied at a new school for the color of his skin. After talking to his mom about it, Shiloh discovers a dandelion in his backyard. He makes a wish, goes to