It may be the most wonderful time of the year for parents, but school can cause some mighty big feelings in our small humans. Whether your little is just starting school or returning, reading about it can help ease any anxieties and help kids feel more confident. We’ve put together a list of gorgeous picture books suitable for children under eight. Look for these great titles at your local library, bookstore, or online.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin, Illustrated by James Dean
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 Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they’re looking forward to the most. They’re also ready to meet new friends. . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class.
The Pigeon has to go to School by Mo Willems
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!
KINDergarten by Vera Ahiyya, Illustrated by Joey Chou
It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day.
How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan, Illustrated by Lee Wildish
A class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready for the first day of school, and along the way, children will see that getting their teacher ready is really getting themselves ready.
David Goes to School by David Shannon
David’s teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David’s high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.
We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
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…
Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo
It was the first day of school. But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk? The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. S.
The World Needs More Purple Schools by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart, Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
Penny Purple taught us how to be a purple person. A person who finds common ground with others while celebrating what makes them unique! Now Penny and her pals will put their purple skills into action in their very favorite place — their classroom!
Shy Robin and the First Day of School by Jaime Kim
A little hippo finds that looking out for a new friend can turn shyness into bravery in Jaime Kim’s sweetly illustrated story about the first day of school.
