Family Matters: 21 Books for Getting Back to School

Family Matters: 21 Books for Getting Back to School

I find sharing books with my kids a great way to spend time together, teach them about new things and prepare them for new situations. Getting ready for school can be both scary and exciting for young children. To make the experience seem less daunting, I have put together a book list to help kids adjust to a new school or new grade. Many of these are available locally, at your neighborhood library, or online for purchase.

Book for elementary school-age kids

Big Bad Wolves at School by Stephen Krensky illustrated by Brad Sneed (ages 4-8)
David Goes To School by David Shannon  (ages 4-8)
First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg (ages 4-8)
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger (ages 4-8)
Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School by Ian Whybrow and illustrated by Adrian Reynolds (ages 3-7)
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (ages 3-5)
Huggly Goes to School by Tedd Arnold (ages 4-8)
I Am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child (ages 4-8)
I Don’t Like to Read by Nancy Carlson (ages 4 and up)
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff  (ages 4-8)
Lissy’s Friends by Grace Lin (ages 3 and up)
Ready, Set, School! by Jacquelyn Mitchard and illustrated by Paul Ratz de Tagyos (ages 3-6)
Silly School by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (ages 4-8)
The Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan and Jan Berenstain (ages 4-8)
The Bus Stop by Janet Morgan Stoeke (ages 3-7)
Tomorrow is the First Day of School by Maureen Macdowell and illustrated by Max Hergenrother (ages 4-8)

Getting ready for kindergarten books

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz Reading (ages 4-8)
Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee (ages 4-6)
My Kindergarten by Rosemary Wells’(ages 4-6)
Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Melissa Sweet (ages 4-8)
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell (ages 4-6)

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Anisa Raoof is the publisher and founder of Kidoinfo, the parents' guide for Rhode Island and beyond.