15 of the Best Back-to-School Books
Whether your little one is stepping into a classroom for the very first time or heading back with a new backpack and a whole lot of feelings, the start of a new school year is a big deal.
Exciting? Yes.
Nerve-wracking? Also yes.
One of the best ways to ease those jitters (for both of you!) is by curling up with a good book. Stories can help kids see what school might be like, laugh at the silly stuff, and feel understood in all their emotions, from butterflies to bold confidence.
So here are 15 of our favorite books about going back to school to help your child feel reassured, ready, and maybe even excited for that first day.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
A beautiful, reassuring story about separation anxiety that’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten kids (and their moms) starting school for the first time. The story follows Chester Raccoon, who doesn’t want to go to school. His mama gives him a “kissing hand”, a kiss pressed into his palm to hold onto whenever he misses her. Cue all the mama tears! It’s the perfect read to cuddle up with the night before school starts.
2. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex is starting school, and she’s got one tiny problem…her classmates are delicious! This laugh-out-loud book helps kids learn about empathy, making friends, and, yes, proper classroom behavior (no biting, please!). It’s a silly must-read that’ll help chase away some of those first day jitters.
3. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Told from the school building’s point of view, this is a creative story that shows everyone, even the school itself, gets back-to-school butterflies. This clever and imaginative tale is both comforting and relatable, reassuring kids that it’s okay to feel a little unsure on the first day and reminding them that things will turn out just fine.
4. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
It’s hard not to relate to poor Sarah Jane, who doesn’t want to go to a new school. The story builds to a funny ending that’ll have your kids giggling…and maybe even feeling a little braver about their own jitters.
5. Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Llama is nervous about starting preschool, but he soon finds out that school can be fun and that Mama always comes back. A must-have for your little Llama fans, this sweet story captures all the emotions of that big first day while gently reassuring kids that even though Mama leaves, she’ll always be waiting with a hug at pickup time.
6. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worries about everything, especially starting school. She’s nervous about making friends, following the rules, and every little “what if” you can imagine. She’s basically all of us before a big life event, fretting over every detail. This sweet and funny story is a great way to help young kids talk about their own first-day-of-school worries and realize they’re not alone.
7. Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz
Rosie gives your child a sneak peek at what they’ll do during the school day, from painting to snack time to making new friends. It’s a simple, cheerful book perfect for toddlers and preschoolers starting school for the first time.
8. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
That silly pigeon is back, and this time he’s got a lot of reasons why he doesn’t want to go to school. Kids will laugh and relate to one of the funniest back-to-school books. From worrying about math to wondering if the teacher will like him, Pigeon is basically a dramatic toddler in bird form. It’s silly, smart, and totally relatable for kids who are feeling a little extra about school.
9. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
A cute rhyming story that goes through the ABCs while preparing for the first day of kindergarten. Miss Bindergarten (yes, a dog!) is hard at work getting her classroom ready as her 26 new students prepare for their big day. Kids will love matching each letter to a new animal student while seeing how everyone gets ready for kindergarten in their own way.
10. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin & James Dean
Pete’s back and he’s got brand-new school shoes! Through catchy tunes and a can-do spirit, Pete helps kids see that school can be cool, even when things are new and different. His laid-back attitude and fun rhythm make this a back-to-school favorite that encourages kids to go with the flow.
11. Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
Rosie has been counting down the days until school starts, but when the big day finally arrives, she feels fluttery inside…and not in a good way. As she heads off to class, she starts to notice actual butterflies flying out of her mouth every time she speaks! This sweet, symbolic story is a beautiful way to show kids that it’s okay to be nervous, and that those anxious feelings often turn into excitement once they settle in.
12. My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown
A clever look at how first impressions can change, and how teachers aren’t always what they seem! At first, Bobby thinks his teacher is a green, grumpy monster, but a chance encounter outside of school changes everything. This witty, illustrated story helps kids see their teachers as real people who maybe, aren’t so scary after all.
13. On the First Day of First Grade by Tish Rabe
A fun, rhyming book set to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” that follows a cheerful first-grade class through their exciting (and silly!) first days of school. This playful twist on a classic song is perfect for getting first graders excited about school. It’s rhythmic, colorful, and so fun to read aloud you might find yourself singing it long after the book is closed.
14. Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
A heartwarming read that helps students see their classroom as a safe, caring place where they belong. It’s a perfect book for teachers to read aloud at the start of the year to set the tone for kindness, connection, and community.
15. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
This playful story follows a mouse through a day full of silly adventures at school, all kicked off by one little favor. With its familiar cause-and-effect style and fun illustrations, it’s a great way to get kids laughing and excited about the school day ahead.
Back-to-school season brings all the emotions…excitement, nerves, and everything in between. But a few well-chosen stories can work real magic: calming fears, sparking confidence, and reminding kids they’re not alone.
Whether you're snuggled up the night before or winding down after that big first day, these are the best books for back to school. They’re a perfect way to connect, ease into new routines, and get ready for whatever this school year brings!
