CMB’s Favorite Children’s Books: Back to School Edition {Series}

The start of school is upon us. It’s an exciting time for those seasoned students who look forward to seeing old and new friends, meeting their teachers, and getting back to a school routine.  For others, the start of school is an anxious time.  New and returning students may get the jitters and have nervous feelings about starting school.  Separation anxiety is also something many children experience.  Whether you have a child starting school for the first time or a child that has a harder time with transitions, separation anxiety can be rough for all involved.

Talking about what is making your child nervous will help calm their nerves.  When they’re so young, it’s sometimes hard to get your child to feel safe and loved when you’re not there.  Books are a great way to start a conversation with your child and help them express what concerns they have.  There are many books out there that are specifically about going back to school jitters, what to expect in kindergarten and preschool, and separation anxiety.  They range from informational to humorous to emotional.

These are some of our favorite Back to School books (preschool – 3rd grade) at CMB!

Preschool and Kindergarten

David Goes To School by David Shannon, the same author of No, David! brings the mischievous David to school.  His antics are so out of line, children and adults will cringe and laugh.

 D.W.’s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown is part of the Arthur series.  In this one, Arthur’s little sister is off to preschool.  She takes you through her first day and shows you the ropes of being successful in preschool.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate is a classic book with fun colorful illustrations of the animal characters.  It is an alphabet and rhyming book that describes how Miss Bindergarten and her new students prepare for their first day of kindergarten.

The Night Before Kindergarten & The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing goes through all the things children need to do to get ready for preschool or kindergarten.  Told in “twas the night before Christmas’ fashion, it is colorfully illustrated and goes through the anxious, excited, and nervous emotion kids may go through before starting kindergarten until they realize how much fun it is.

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt.  This is a space-themed book that helps kids get excited to boldly go where no one has been before-Kindergarten!  It is imaginative and told in such an enthusiastic way.

Kindergarten – 3rd Grade

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is a story about Sarah Hartwell starting at a new school.  Needless to say, she is nervous and doesn’t want to go.  After Mr. Hartwell convinces her to go, she meets the new students and teachers at her new school.  Children will be surprised and delighted to learn that Sarah is a new teacher at a new school and shares the same anxieties children may have about school.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin. Our favorite cat is back but in school this time. He continues with his groove even at school, singin’ his song, because it’s all good. This will get kids excited and enthusiastic about all the great things school is about.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is about a worry wart who worries and worries and worries about everything, especially the first day of school.  When she finally gets to school, she meets another worry wart like her.  Wemberly then realizes school is too much fun to waste energy on worrying so much.

Separation Anxiety

Daniel Goes to School by Becky Friedman from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.  Who doesn’t love Daniel? (Ok, don’t answer that.)  Daniel is off to school but gets upset when dad can’t stay with him.  This is a good one for both parents since it reiterates that “grown-ups” come back, not just mommy.

The Kissing Hand by Aubrey Penn is a beloved story about the love between a mommy raccoon and her son Chester.  He’s about to begin school but doesn’t want to go.  Mommy tells him a story about the Kissing Hand and how her love is always with him no matter where he is.  It is a popular book that helps reassure little ones even though they are at a school, they are loved.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell is another classic book for little ones and families going through separation anxiety.  Three little owls fuss and worry where their mother is, as she hunts for food.  In the end, they are reminded that mommy always comes back.

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney follows Llama to school on his first day.  He goes through all the common emotions and anxieties about starting school; meeting new friends in a new environment without anyone familiar.  But, also as common as it is to be scared, he ends up having so much fun his first day, he doesn’t realize it’s time to go home.

These are just a few suggestions to help your little transition back to school.  If you are looking for more, Cincinnati Public Library, Amazon, and Goodreads are great resources for popular back to school books!