As summer starts to wind down, back to school season is around the corner! While we are preparing for the new school year, many of our younger patrons will be going to school for the first time and there are a lot of feelings around that. Here are some of my favorite back to school picture books you can recommend to families!
Shy Robin and the First Day of School by Jaime Kim (Candlewick Press, 2023)
As Children’s Librarians, we meet all kinds of personalities, including very shy children. It is usually parents of shy children that approach me about their worries for their child. Will my child make friends? Will they be able to adjust? This book is great for shy children starting school, as the main character is quite shy and goes through the highs and lows of starting school. Children will see themselves in Robin and can learn to put themselves out there, just like Robin.
Getting Ready for Preschool by Vera Ahiyya (Penguin Random House, 2024)
Throughout your summer, you most likely had children in your storytime that are starting preschool this year. This book is perfect for those families, as this book covers the nerves around starting school and the routine in preschool. I find this book to be a great guide for children that may not know what to expect in preschool. Also, I recommend Ahiyya’s other book, Getting Ready for Kindergarten for new kindergartners.
This Makes Me Anxious: First Day of School by Courtney Carbone (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2024)
This early reader is very direct about anxiety and school. Not only does it cover preparing for school, but it is also honest about how anxiety feels. From wanting to hide to racing thoughts, this book is perfect for families that want to have honest and open discussions about anxiety and how to combat it to have a successful school year.
Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo (Penguin Random House, 2024)
Children that are new to the country will also be starting school this year and not only are their nerves around starting school, but these children may be dealing with homesickness. This book tells the story of a child who has moved to the United States from China and has a taste from home at lunchtime. It is a deeply moving story about balancing one’s love for their homeland, while adjusting to a new place.
What are your favorite back to school picture books?
This blog post relates to ALSC Core Competency IV: Collection Knowledge and Management.