Have a little one heading to school for the very first time? Or, a kid who is heading back to school soon? Over the years we have shared all kinds of awesome book lists and this one is going to be a blast for your kids. Check out this collection of back to school read aloud and picture books for kindergarten and first grade.
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We’ve made it to the last quarter of the summer and while we don’t want to start thinking about heading back to school…the time has come. This is actually a great time to start the back-to-school book reading.
My daughters love going back to school. However, for many kids, the first day of school can be a challenging and stressful event. The start of something new can cause a lot of anxiety for children. Reading books that address back to school stressors with children can make children feel more comfortable talking about their true feelings.
Books have a wonderful way of alleviating stress in a gentle and sometimes silly way. I’ve put together a list of books that are perfect for little ones starting kindergarten, first grade and even books that older kids will enjoy. So, grab your library card or head to your local bookstore…it’s time to get reading.
Great Back to School Books for Kindergarten
Great First Day of Kindergarten Books for Kids
Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis is a fun way to encourage your child to talk about her fears and work through them.
The Berenstain Bears Go to School was one of my daughters’ favourite books…follow along as Sister Bear goes to school for the first time.
Follow along with everyone as they get ready for the first day of kindergarten with Miss Bindergarten. I love all the animal characters and the classic illustration in Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate.
Take a cool tour of Pete’s school with Pete the Cat Rocking My School Shoes by Eric Litwin.
Kids will learn all about the first day of kindergarten through the use of a sing-song verse inspired by the familiar “Twelve Days of Christmas” song with The First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe.
Enjoy the excitement with one week to go before school starts with Kindergarten Countdown by Anne Jane Hayes.
Take a peek inside a day in the life of a kindergarten class with Kindergarten, Here I Come by DJ Steinberg.
School Bus by Donald Crews introduces children to the adventure of riding on a school bus.
I am Too Absolutely Small for School (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child looks at the first day of school from the perspective of silly, little Lola.
I just love watching this sweet bear get ready for kindergarten in On the Way to Kindergarten by Virginia Kroll
a seat in the spot where you’ll sit and play with the toys you will play with inside the Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell. Taking the mystery out of kindergarten class for kids.
Fun Back to School Books for First Grade
What happens when the dinosaurs head to school? Lots of silly nonsense in “How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?” by Jane Yolen.
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing puts a back to school twist on the classic “night before” tale.
On the First Day of First Grade by Tish Rabe takes kids through a typical day in a first grade classroom. Yes, it’s the “big kid class” but there is still plenty of fun to be had.
Could it be that Junie is finally in first grade? Join the adventure in Junie B. Jones First Grade at Last by Barbara Park.
You know that things are going to get a little topsy-turvy on Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish.
First Grade Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg is a fun read for kids before they head into grade one. Kids will take a trip through an entire first grade school year – complete with pajama day!
The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson – This book beautifully illustrates the feeling we all have as we enter into the unknown. The feeling that we don’t fit in, we don’t see anyone who looks like us, or maybe sounds like us. A book about diversity and acceptance and overcoming those jitters and learning and growing. Love this one.
The transition to first grade can be kinda scary, right? First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush will help those nervous kids by following the story of a nervous little boy as he enters grade one.
And, here’s one for the kid who just cannot get excited about moving into grade one. Everything has changed and it seems like school won’t be any fun anymore…or will it? First Grade Stinks by Mary Rodman is a silly and funny book about how change can be hard but it can also be great.
Did your favorite back to school book make our list? Which first day of school books did your kids love?
Today, we are super excited to be participating in the Back to School Linky Party, which is being hosted across the Kid Blogger Network. There are so many incredible blogs participating, I hope you will take a look through them to find the back to school resources and activities that fit your family’s needs.
The Educators’ Spin On It –All Done Monkey – Artsy Momma – Fun-A-Day! – Fun Handprint Art – Growing Book by Book –In The Playroom – Inspiration Laboratories – Kids Yoga Stories –Kitchen Counter Chronicles – Lalymom – Lemon Lime Adventures – Line upon Line Learning – Little Bins For Little Hands – Living Montessori Now – Look! We’re Learning! – Mama Smiles – Multicultural Kids Blogs – Still Playing School – The Jenny Evolution – This Reading Mama – Toddler Approved – True Aim Education – 3 Dinosaurs
Looking for more books that your kids will love?
Every book needs a bookmark. Check out our printable back to school bookmarks for students to color.
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maryanne @ mama smiles says
You found so many great books for this post!
Lisa says
What an amazing list of books, thanks for sharing this!