Best Books for Kids About Back to School

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
— Fred Rogers

Whether your little one is starting school for the very first time or heading into a new year with excitement (or nerves!), stories have a way of helping our family (parents included) process all the big feelings that can come with a new classroom, new friends, and new routines. Here are our favorite books that we’ve already started reading daily to prepare for this year’s back-to-school season:

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
Mae, Rosie, and their teacher Ms. Pearl all find themselves hiding in a tree because of their anxiety about the first day of school. But when they start to talk about their feelings, they realize they can do hard things—especially when they do them together.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love
Sarah Jane Hartwell is absolutely dreading the first day of school, and my kids crack up every single year when we get to the ending — because it turns out Sarah isn’t a student after all... she’s the teacher!

The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems
A classic in our house. The Pigeon is back with all his dramatic flair, and this time he’s worried about school. This book captures the full rollercoaster of emotions kids feel—from dread to excitement—and makes it laugh-out-loud funny.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
We read this book last year and one of our kids adopted the practice instantly—now, whether it's school, swim lessons, or anything else, we always kiss each other’s palms goodbye. A beautiful ritual born from a beautiful story.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name—until she gets teased about it at school. This story opens up thoughtful conversations about kindness, inclusion, and how we treat others, all wrapped up with a sweet and lighthearted ending.

I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas | Illustrated by Priscilla Burris
A tender and reassuring book that reminds little ones that a parent’s love is with them all day long—even when they’re apart. We’ve been reading this one since our boys were babies.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
Starting school can feel lonely when you don’t know anyone or don’t feel like you fit in. This poetic book reminds kids that sharing your story—and listening to others—can lead to connection in the most meaningful ways.

We’re Going to School by Tammi Salzano, illustrated by Chiara Fiorentino
This gentle rhyming story is perfect for preparing younger kids for what to expect on the first day. It walks through routines, friends, feelings, and more, helping the unknown feel a little more familiar.

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett
If you’ve ever tried to convince a child (or an octopus) to get ready for school, you’ll relate to this one. Full of humor and heart, this story celebrates perseverance and the wiggly-wild process of showing up.

1, 2, 3, Off to School! by Marianne Dubuc
This has become the #1 favorite of one of my sons this year. It’s a book that is slow and conversational, and gives insight into what it looks like in many different types of classrooms (in this case, for turtles, sloths, frogs, and more!) at various times of day. This is such a creative play on exploring what school will look and feel like that we have been picking up with excitement every evening.

Love by Corrinne Averiss, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman
A beautiful reminder for kids that love follows them wherever they go. This gentle, calming story gives language to the invisible thread that connects children to the people who love them most, and even explores a thread of repairing with kids when they’re disappointed by us.

The Invisible String Backpack by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Inspired by the bestselling The Invisible String, this book helps kids carry love and emotional tools with them in their metaphorical backpack—perfect for back-to-school transitions and is a great tool to have if and when separation anxiety sets in.

We’ll keep adding to this list as we discover more favorites. Wishing you and your little ones a back-to-school season filled with courage, connection, and lots of good stories. Let me know if there’s a title you love that we should add to the list!