School might be a lot different this year, but the "school scaries" are as real as ever for some kids. These picture books provide support and encouragement for young kids, whether they're in school, at home, or a mix of both this year.
'Bunny Braves the Day,' by Suzanne Bloom
When a little bunny is nervous about starting school, his big sister hops right in to help him tackle his first-day jitters.
It's the first day of school, and little Bunny feels like something is flip-flopping in his belly. He won't know anyone. He doesn't know how to tie his shoes or how to read. And what if no one likes him? Can Bunny's sister convince him that the first day won't be a horrible disaster? Award-winning author and illustrator Suzanne Bloom's signature gentle humor, exuberant characters, and reassuring message will resonate with every child who has similar anxiety about the first day of school.
'Grandmother School,' by Rina Singh
Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write. The narrator beams with pride as she drops her grandmother off with the other aajis to practice the alphabet and learn simple arithmetic. A moving story about family, women and the power of education--when Aaji learns to spell her name you'll want to dance along with her.
Women in countless countries continue to endure the limitations of illiteracy. Unjust laws have suppressed the rights of girls and women and kept many from getting an education and equal standing in society. Based on a true story from the village of Phangane, India, this brilliantly illustrated book tells the story of the grandmothers who got to go to school for the first time in their lives.
'Superhero vs. School,' by Ethan Long
Geisel Award-winner Ethan Long shows that every kid has the power to conquer school-day worries once and for all.
In the darkest of nights, when all else is lost, Scotty is ready to vanquish any foe. After all, that's what a superhero does.
But this hero is about to come face-to-face with his greatest fear, his only weakness: the first day of school!
But just when Scotty thinks all hope is lost, he realizes that school is no match for a whole team of heroes--his new friends.
'Choo-Choo School,' by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
No racing in the haul-ways! From the late, beloved author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a look at seven adorable train cars on their first day of school.
All aboard the train-car pool! A new lineup of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules — Work hard, play fair, be kind — it’s time for some math to get the wheels turning. Then everyone’s ready to climb a hill in gym (it’s good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off-key), and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. In one of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s last books, lighthearted verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as the teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life.
'Play Day School Day,' by Toni Yuly
A younger sibling's curiosity about school opens up a world of possibilities in this ode to the great outdoors.
Tomorrow is the first day of the new school year, and big sister Mona can't wait to go back. "What do you do at school?" asks little brother Milo. As he listens to Mona recount the many things she does during the school week -- riding the bus, practicing spelling and reading, learning about science, playing with friends -- Milo's activities illustrate that with a little imagination, nature itself can be a classroom. With delightfully naive artwork and a spare text, Toni Yuly shows that learning is play and vice versa, offering a gentle introduction to school for children who are just starting and a warm celebration for those who are going back.
'Danbi Leads the School Parade,' by Anna Kim
Danbi is thrilled to start her new school in America. But a bit nervous too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games, but she doesn't know the rules and just can't get anything right. Luckily, she isn't one to give up. With a spark of imagination, she makes up a new game and leads her classmates on a parade to remember! Danbi Leads the School Parade introduces readers to an irresistible new character. In this first story, she learns to navigate her two cultures and realizes that when you open your world to others, their world opens up to you.
'I Got the School Spirit,' by Connie Schofield-Morrison
This exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison will have every kid cheering for school to begin!
Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit! She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street--VROOM, VROOM!--and in the bell sounding in the halls--RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends--ABC, 123!
The school spirit helps us all strive and grow. What will you learn today?
'The Color Monster Goes to School,' by Anna Llenas
This fun and inviting back-to-school story stars the lovable, mischievous hero from the international bestseller The Color Monster.
The Color Monster feels a little nervous. Today is his first day at school . . . and he doesn't even have a clue what school is! But, guided by his young friend, the Color Monster has lots of new adventures and makes new friends -- and looks forward to tomorrow.
With bold colors and child-friendly art for young readers -- and an adorable, shaggy rainbow critter as the star -- The Color Monster Goes to School is a showstopping introduction to the joy and wonder of first school days.
'One Golden Rule at School: A Counting Book,' by Selina Alko
Award-winning creator Selina Alko's One Golden Rule at School is a charming story that's two books in one—a counting book and a school primer for little ones.
Young children experience a day of preschool, beginning with morning meeting, story time, and art projects, then on to outside play, puzzles, and snack and nap time, ending with a heartwarming golden rule.
Set against the familiar and dynamic backdrop of a daily school adventure, this vibrant counting book showcases a diverse and inclusive classroom of learners. The text counters from one to ten and back again while the back matter counts higher to twenty.
'Speak Up,' by Miranda Paul
When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.
Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard! From shouting out gratitude for a special treat to challenging a rule that isn't fair, these young students show that simple, everyday actions can help people and make the world a better place.
'First Day Critter Jitters,' by John Jory
It's almost the first day of school, and the animals are nervous. Sloth worries about getting there on time, snake can't seem to get his backpack fastened onto his body, and bunny is afraid she'll want to hop around instead of sitting still. When they all arrive at their classroom, though, they're in for a surprise- Somebody else is nervous too. It's their teacher, the armadillo! He has rolled in as a ball, and it takes him a while to relax and unfurl. But by the next day, the animals have all figured out how to help one another through their jitters. School isn't so scary after all.
'We Will Rock Our Classmates,' by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope is a T. Rex, and she's very good at it. She also likes to rock out on guitar! With the school talent show coming up, Penelope can't wait to perform for her classmates. But sharing who you are can be show-stoppingly scary, especially when it's not what people expect. Will Penelope get by with a little help from her friends?
'The Noisy Classroom,' by Angela Shanté
The first day of school is coming... and I'm going to be in the noisy class. Any class but the noisy class will do!
A young girl is about to enter the third grade, but this year she's put into Ms. Johnson's noisy class. Everything about the noisy class is odd. While all the other classes are quiet, Ms. Johnson sings and the kids chatter all day. The door is always closed, yet sounds from it can be heard in the hallway. With summer coming to an end and school starting, the girl realizes that soon she'll be going to the noisy class. What will school be like now?
Featuring the honest and delightful humor of debut author Angela Shanté and the bold, graphic imagery of debut illustrator Alison Hawkins, The Noisy Classroom encourages those with first-day jitters to reevaluate a scary situation by looking at it from a different angle and to embrace how fun school can be, even in nontraditional ways.
'When My Brother Gets Home,' by Tom Lichtenheld
In this warm, funny story from beloved creator Tom Lichtenheld, a younger sister impatiently awaits her older brother's return from school. As his bus draws closer, she imagines all the fantastical adventures that await them. From climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in the playground to building a cardboard castle, every adventure, large or small, is more fun . . . when my brother gets home.
Siblings of all sorts will cherish this imaginative reminder that the greatest thrill of all is simply being with the people we love.
Last Modified November 23, 2024
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