Our Favorite Books for Back-to-School

Countdown to School by Greg Paprocki

Count down the days to school with this fun, interactive book. From shopping for new clothes to meeting the teacher, each page brings kids closer to the big day, while practicing counting along the way. Don’t forget to spot the hidden objects in each back-to-school scene!

Hello, World! School Day by Jill McDonald

The start of a new school year can bring lots of questions for little ones. This cheerful board book helps answer those questions by showing what a typical school day looks like and giving a fun peek at what to expect.

We Share This School by Dan Saks

A classroom is a place to share.
It is a place to grow.
It’s where you go to make new friends
that you will get to know.

A classroom is a place to grow, make friends, and build community. This sweet board book celebrates the kindness, inclusivity, and shared experiences that make school special.

I Am Ready for School! by Stephen Krensky

Get preschoolers excited for their very first day of school! Inside, they’ll meet a welcoming teacher, explore a bright and friendly classroom, and discover new friends.

School is Cool (A Hello!Lucky Book)

With playful narration and adorable critters, this book brings humor and encouragement to little ones starting school.

We’re also big fans of Kindness Rules! and Go Get ‘Em Tiger!, two more Hello!Lucky favorites that are perfect for back to school. 

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

There are lots of reasons we might feel different—how we look or talk, where we come from, or even what’s in our lunchbox. Walking into a place where no one knows you yet can feel tough, but you find the courage to do it.

This story reminds us that everyone feels like an outsider sometimes—and that it’s truly brave to show up as yourself. Because when you share your story, the world makes more room for someone just like you.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Our favorite Pigeon is not so sure about this whole school thing. Why go when he already knows everything? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? Or worse—what if he learns too much!?!

But then Pigeon discovers he gets to ride the school bus, and suddenly school doesn’t seem so bad after all! In fact, he can’t wait to go!

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

Teachers do so much more than teach—they create a home away from home where kids feel safe, included, and loved. This book reminds little ones that the classroom is a place to be themselves, make mistakes, and build friendships along the way.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

Starting kindergarten is a big deal, and this little hero is ready to shine! After a stack of pancakes and getting dressed for the big day, he’s off to join a whole new crew of kids. The day is packed with new adventures, but he’s excited for it all. A fun and uplifting read that’s sure to boost confidence!

The newer The Queen of Kindergarten is a favorite too!

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

School is about to begin in the forest, but Chester Raccoon isn’t so sure he wants to go. To ease his worries, Mrs. Raccoon shares a special family tradition—the Kissing Hand. With one simple gesture, Chester can carry her love with him wherever he goes.

A true classic, this comforting story is perfect for little ones feeling anxious about the first day of school.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary, and everyone’s a little nervous—including the school itself! What if the kids don’t like him? What if they’re not nice?

Things get off to a bumpy start, but as the day unfolds, the school discovers it’s not the only one with first-day jitters.

Told from the school’s point of view, this clever and comforting story is the perfect way to ease first-day nerves and show that everyone feels a little unsure sometimes.

The Cool Bean by Jory John

Everyone knows the Cool Beans—they’re effortlessly awesome.
And then there’s the has-bean… not so cool.

Always stuck on the sidelines, he tries his best to fit in but never quite gets it right—until the Cool Beans step in and show him what being cool is really about.

A laugh-out-loud story with a big heart, this book is a sweet reminder that kindness is the coolest thing of all.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Sarah Jane Hartwell has a serious case of first-day jitters. She’s convinced it’s going to be awful! But with little encouragement from Mr. Hartwell, she heads to school and is warmly welcomed by the principal, who assures her that those nervous feelings are totally normal.

But readers are in for a big surprise when they learn Sarah Jane isn’t a student—she’s the teacher! This clever and relatable story reminds kids that everyone gets nervous on the first day.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

In this classroom, everyone belongs. Every child has a place where they’re loved and appreciated.

Follow a group of children through their school day, where students from all backgrounds are welcomed with open arms, learn from one another, and celebrate each other’s traditions.

What Should Danny Do? School Day by Ganit and Adir Levy

Danny’s back in a brand-new choose-your-own-adventure—and this time, your kids get to decide how his school day goes! With every choice, they’ll see how actions lead to outcomes, making this interactive read a fun way to explore the power of good decisions.

You Can Sit With Me by Rachel Tawil Kenyon

Sometimes, all it takes to make someone feel welcome is a simple offer, like a place to sit. This sweet story follows a child starting at a new school and the small but meaningful ways their classmates help them feel safe and included. It’s a sweet reminder that kindness can begin with just one simple act.

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

It’s Penelope Rex’s first day of school, and she’s so excited to meet her new classmates. But making friends is tricky when you want to eat them! A surprise encounter with a goldfish shows Penelope what it’s like to be someone’s snack—and helps her realize that kindness is way more important than satisfying her appetite.

All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell

This picture book reminds kids that being “smart” is about so much more than books—it can mean kindness, creativity, curiosity, athletics, and more. Perfect for back-to-school, it encourages self-esteem and celebrates everything that makes each child unique.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

Meet Beatrice Bottomwell, the girl who’s never made a mistake. She always remembers her homework, never mismatches her socks, and even wins the talent show every year. But when Beatrice finally makes a big mistake (in front of everyone!), she learns that life is a lot more fun when you let go of perfection and embrace the oops moments.

With warmth and humor, this story reminds kids that mistakes aren’t failures, but are part of learning and growing.

If you liked this post, you might like these too:

• The 31 Best Halloween Picture Books
• The Ultimate Gift Guide for Kids Who Love Space
• The Best Board Games for Little Kids