60 Back to School Books to Excite and Reassure Young Students

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

When little ones haven’t spent much time away from their parents, separation anxiety can be real (for kids and adults!). Llama Llama learns that school has a lot to offer—and Mama will always come back.

Open the Preschool Door by Christopher Santoro

Not sure how to help your child know what to expect? Your little one will have fun lifting the flaps to discover what they may find in their own classroom and preschool.

Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

Join Maisy in one of her earliest adventures as she shares her experiences during a full day of preschool. From the personal coat peg to painting and storytime, this book shows kids how fun going to school can be.

Daniel Goes to School by Becky Friedman

The beloved tiger is always ready to support little ones as they take on something new. See how Daniel handles worries about his dad leaving at the start of the school day, and take reassurance from the knowledge that, “grown-ups come back.”

Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool by Kimberly & James Dean

The famous cat was once a kitten himself, feeling excited about starting preschool! Armed with his groovy backpack and plenty of snacks, Pete is ready to show kids how fun school can be.

Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz

This sturdy board book introduces little ones to preschool mainstays like cubbies, reading circles, and snack tables. Gentle and reassuring, it’s a classic back-to-school read.

The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing

In this parody of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, kids learn to calm their jitters and make preparations for the exciting school year ahead.

Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick

Goodbye isn’t forever! Build a ritual together of hugs and kisses, waving hands, big deep breaths, and other soothing behaviors to make saying a temporary bye-bye easier for everyone.

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman

Everyone at school can do something well, but what about Chu the panda? As it turns out, he’s really good at something unique: sneezing!

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

Enjoy the fun rhymes as everyone gets ready for the first day of kindergarten. From the teacher, Miss Bindergarten, to students like Brenda Heath (who brushes her teeth) and Christopher Beaker (who finds his sneaker), this class is ready to have a terrific year.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

While many kids are nervous about starting school, others just can’t wait. Celebrate their excitement with this story about a little boy who’s ready to take his place in a whole new kingdom of kids in his kindergarten classroom.

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

There’s so much to look forward to in kindergarten! Use the included sticker sheet to provide an interactive experience as little ones get ready for an exciting year.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson

Harvey the mouse is sure he’s going to have an amazing time learning at school, but he’s still a little nervous about the first day. Fortunately, he soon realizes school really is fun.

On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe

“On the first day of kindergarten, I thought it was so cool: riding the bus to my school!” Read aloud or sing along to this twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas, sure to become a family favorite.

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

This graphic-novel style picture book presents kindergarten as an important and exciting mission for little explorers, giving young ones a boost of confidence before the first day.

The Twelve Days of Kindergarten by Deborah Lee Rose

Here’s another clever twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas; this one has an emphasis on counting. ONE classroom cubby, TWO yummy snacks, THREE new friends … the ever-increasing list builds excitement and enthusiasm, page by page.

Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! by Hyewon Yum

This kindergartner has no fears about the first day of school—but his mother does! Fortunately, the young student is ready to reassure her that everything is going to be absolutely wonderful.

Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell

Everyone’s favorite big red dog is going to school along with his pal Emily Elizabeth. What will the teacher do when this oversized canine shows up to cause his usual chaos?

KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya

Leo doesn’t really feel ready for school, but when he and his fellow students work together to make a Kindness Pledge on the first day of class, he realizes that everyone there is ready to be his friend.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This message is an important one to share: kindergarten classrooms are places for every student to learn, explore, ask questions, and feel respected and appreciated.

Little Critter: First Day of School by Mercer Mayer

Join Little Critter as he prepares for school: packing a lunch, choosing an outfit, finding his backpack, and saying bye to his mom. Readers will rejoice when he finally gets on that school bus!

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

This has become a back-to-school book list classic, spawning a whole series of books for anxiety-inducing situations. It even includes a Certificate of Courage and a sheet for recording first day memories!

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wembley has always been a worrier, but with the first day of school looming, she’s more anxious than ever. When she finds a fellow worrywort in her class, they both learn school is too much fun to waste time worrying!

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

Little Lola is very nervous about starting school. Fortunately, her older brother Charlie is there to provide reassurance, and with the support of her invisible friend, Lola is ready to face her fears.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

When Chester Raccoon feels anxious about going to school, his mother shares a very special family secret: the Kissing Hand. If Chester feels nervous, he can simply press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmth of his mother’s love.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

Students and even teachers get first day jitters, but what about the school itself? This elementary school worries the students won’t like him and might even be mean to him. Kids will enjoy this sweet variation on typical back-to-school reads.

Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous by Keith Calabrese

If schools can feel anxious, why not shoes? Lena herself feels excited about school, but her favorite shoes aren’t so sure. Can Lena convince them to join her for the big first day?

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

Rosie gets butterflies in her stomach thinking about starting school, and when she says hi to a new friend on the bus, one of them flies out! As the butterflies free themselves one by one, Rosie finds herself feeling better and better about her school experiences.

Dear Teacher by Amy Husband

Michael can’t go back to school, as he explains in a series of letters to his new teacher. He has too many other adventures: visiting the pyramids, going to the moon, even dealing with pirates. But a return letter from his teacher reminds him of all the adventures he’ll be missing at school too.

I Don’t Want to Go to School! by Stephanie Blake

Is Simon excited about the first day of school? “No way!” In fact, that’s his response to everything on the topic. But after his first day is over and his mom tells him it’s time to go home, Simon has just one thing to say: “No way!”

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Mo Willem’s sassy Pigeon doesn’t see why he needs to go to school. He knows plenty—what if he learns too much? In the end, though, this feisty bird learns school is actually pretty terrific.

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen

How can Mr. Fish go to school? He doesn’t know how to write his name or do math. But his friends assure him that school is just the place to learn all those things … and more.

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube

Show little ones that you respect their fears and anxieties with this kind read. Mae’s feelings will be familiar to many kids, who will appreciate knowing that others feel the same way they do.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

For many kids, part of back-to-school jitters is wondering whether anyone in your class will look, sound, or be like you. It’s hard to feel brave about standing out, but this book encourages kids to go forth with courage and expect good things.

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

The world is full of beautiful names that can be difficult to pronounce, and that can make school hard for many students. This book teaches admiration for names of all kinds and urges kids to feel proud of the names they bear—and respect the names of others.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Unhei is one of those children who thinks it might be better if they had a “regular” name like the other kids in their class. But it turns out that choosing a new name from a jar isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish

While kids may be more familiar with the adult version of Ms. Bedelia, they’ll love this book, which is the start of a series about the beloved housekeeper’s childhood. She’s just as likely to get things mixed up as a kid!

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

With a free downloadable song to accompany it, this Pete the Cat book is just right for young readers who can’t wait to move and groove their way back into the classroom!

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London

A bad dream and some spilled milk aren’t enough to keep the unquenchable amphibian down! He’s hopping off on his way to school, ready for all the challenges that await.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant

When the school bell rings, Mr. Putter can’t help wishing he was young enough to go back to the classroom himself. So, he and his pets drop in for a visit and perhaps even to perform a few pet tricks!

Biscuit Goes to School by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

No dogs are allowed in the classroom, so how will the teacher react when she realizes this mischievous puppy has found his way in? This easy reader is perfect for kids starting first grade.

Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob Scotton

On the first day of school, Splat can only share one exciting summer adventure. After considering his wildest stories, he surprises the class with the biggest and best tale of all.

The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan & Jan Berenstain

For years, this good-hearted family of bears has been delighting young readers with their adventures. Join them for another one as Sister Bear prepares to start kindergarten for the first time.

It’s Back to School We Go! by Ellen Jackson

The first day of school looks different in various places around the world, and learning about the wide array of customs and traditions is sure to fascinate kids everywhere.

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

As this book shares, classrooms are about much more than learning reading, writing, and arithmetic. It’s a community made up of students from a variety of backgrounds who come together to learn, support one another, and learn more about the world together.

A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen

Many teachers love to share this book on the first day of the new school year, thanks to its heartwarming message of welcome, acceptance, and excitement.

This School Year Will Be the BEST! by Kay Winters

One by one, a class of students shares their hopes for the school year ahead. Each has their own wishes, but all of them know one thing: this school year will be the best!

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

Each crayon has its own favorite subject, but they’re all looking forward to one class more than any others: art class!

Time for School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Little Blue Truck meets a school bus and can’t help but wish he too could help transport kids on their way to school. He’s too small to carry them all, but maybe he can help one friend who’s missed the bus.

The Color Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas

The Color Monster doesn’t know what to expect when he finds out he’s going to school. But with his trusty friend at his side, he’s ready for all the adventures to come.

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff

It probably won’t surprise fans of this series to learn that if you take a cookie-loving mouse to school, he’ll be most interested in your lunch box! But he’s interested in plenty of other things too, just like young readers will be.

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen

What would it be like to have dinosaurs sitting alongside you in the classroom? Read this clever and imaginative book to find out!

If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen

Hover desks, field trips to Mars, and skydiving wind tunnels? Who wouldn’t want to attend this incredible school?

David Goes to School by David Shannon

If you’ve met David before, you know he’s apt to cause trouble everywhere he goes. His teacher is fed up—David chews gum, runs in the hall, and shows up late. Can David shape up and learn to behave at school?

Click, Clack, Quack to School! by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown is headed to the local elementary school, and all his farm animals really want to go to. But technically, animals aren’t allowed, so these cheeky creatures decide to go in disguise instead.

The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz

John’s feeling a little nervous about his first day at a new school, so he makes up some pretty wild tales about his old one to get everyone to like him!

Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein

Not every lunch box contains a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple, and cookie. Follow the stories of four diverse students and the “lunch box moments” that help them realize how special the food from their own cultures can be.

I Promise by LeBron James

Basketball superstar James started life as an ordinary kid in an ordinary town. In this book, he urges kids to take school seriously, promising to pay attention, do their schoolwork, support each other, and make the most of the opportunities they’re given.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

When the other kids taunt Chrysanthemum for her flower name (“Let’s smell her!”), her first day at school becomes a disaster. But with the support and love of her family, this little mouse manages to find a way to move forward with confidence.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgens

Penelope Rex is nervous about the first day of school. Will she be able to make human friends when she can’t help wanting to nibble on them a little bit? This hilarious read is perfect for the first day of school.