The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and I've switched my Starbucks order back to a Pumpkin Spice Latte. You know what that means it's back-to-school season my guys!! I am a big fan of books, and this is a great time to hit up your local library or bookstore to stock up on some fantastic back-to-school books for your kids. As many children begin to start school again or for the first time, it is so beneficial to help prepare them for school by giving them insight into what they can expect. One of the best ways is through the power of books! Books can help your child feel completely in the know regarding what their first few days of school will look like. From taking the bus, meeting their teacher, and making friends. Alright, let's get down to why you really clicked this link and I'll tell you my Top 10 favorite Back to School Books!!!
1: All Are Welcome
All Are Welcome, written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, is a book about a school that celebrates diversity. This book rocks, I love reading it during the first few weeks of school because it sends children the message that everybody is welcome at school, no matter what their differences are. Rember what I said about children gaining insight into a new experience through books. Well with these illustrations students from all backgrounds are represented and seen. Wouldn't you like to see yourself in a book, wouldn't that make you feel included? Children relate to stories better when they can easily see themselves throughout the pages.
2: School’s First Day of School
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson is all about working through those nervous feelings that come with new things. Everyone gets a little nervous on the first day of school, even the school itself has many questions about what to expect. What will the children do once they come? Will they even like school? The school has a rough start, but as time goes on, he soon sees that he's not the only one with the first-day jitters. I love this book!! It is a great reminder that you are not alone when it comes to your feelings and experiences new things have their rewards.
3: The Circles All Around Us
The Circles All Around Us written by Brad Montague and illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague discusses the circles of a child's life. When a child is born, their circle is very small. As they grow, the circle around them grows to include family, friends, and neighbors. This story is a great way to teach children the benefits of enlarging our circles to include new friends and experiences. I love this story, it's a perfect way to help calm nervous feelings your child might be having.
4: I Got the School Spirit
I Got the School Spirit written by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison is a super fun book that uses rhyming to describe a student's first day of school. Kids will love the call-and-response aspect of this book and it will help them to know that school is fun and great things happen there. Nothing to worry about here when you got the School Spirit!
5: Mae's First Day of School
Mae's First Day of School written and illustrated by Kate Berube is a book about Mae who has decided she is NOT going to school. Mae is feeling very anxious, and these feelings grow on her walk to school. Although, once she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl her anxious feelings are put at ease. This book help kids understand their feelings and know that they are not alone when it comes to first-day of-school anxiety. With some help from the people around you, school turns out to be a not-so-scary place.
6: The Day You Begin
The Day You Begin written by Jaqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez is a lovely book about reassuring kids that they will be okay on their first day of school. Along with validating that "it's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it." This is a great book to help children understand how brave they are for trying something new and embracing who they are.
7: Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First -Day -of -School Dilemmas
Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: First Day of School Dilemmas written by Keith Calabrese and illustrated by Juana Medina is one of my fav books because Lena is the hero of her own story. Lena is so excited for the first day of school, but her shoes are feeling nervous. Thankfully Lena is able to take her shoes into being brave and being able to try new things. Another reason this book is my fav is because it shows kids that their peers have positive feelings toward school. If other kids like their school, then maybe they can too.
8: Even Monsters Go to School
Even Monsters Go to School written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen is a fun book that lets kids imagine what school would be like if monsters attended. Does Bigfoot ride a yellow bus, will Frankenstein show off his new shoes, do Trolls play at recess? Yes, they do because just like you even monsters go to school. So many backs-to-school books talk about dealing with big feelings, which is wonderful but sometimes it's good to talk about school in a funny way! Another reminder that all good things happen at school.
9: Waiting Is Not Easy! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. We love a Mo Willems book, so of course, this book is an A+! Something that is not always talked about is the waiting that goes along with school. Waiting for school to start, then waiting for the bus, then waiting for our grown-ups to pick us up. Kids go through a lot of waiting, but sometimes being patient has its rewards. As we see in this book! This book is a great way to prepare kids for what their school day will look like and what fun surprises come at the end of the day. (Such as seeing our grown-ups pick us up.)
10: The Pigeon Has to Go to School
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willams. Alright, why not one more Mo Willams book let's do it! My students always love this book and find it so funny. Pigeon doesn't feel like he needs to go to school because he already has all the answers. But he's still a little unsure about a few things, what if his teachers don't like him or what if he learns too much stuff? Do you think he needs school? This book gives kids the chance to way the pros and cons of school. But in the end, they find out that there are definitely more pros to going to school.
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