Back to School Books
Back to School Books
With the approaching back to school craziness, it is completely normal to be experiencing all of the big emotions. We’ve spent a lot of extra time with our babies this summer and now it’s time to send them off on a new adventure! Our littles are stepping into new territory: new classrooms, new grade levels, new teachers, new classmates. That’s a lot for an adult to process, let alone our children. As I think about setting the tone for the school year and easing the mind of my tiny new prek’er I immediately think of books (being a librarian probably has a little something to do with it too). Not only are books and reading aloud good for bonding, developing fluency, increasing comprehension, and creating a love of literacy, they also teach us about empathy and awareness. That’s why I have decided to round up a few of my favorite first weeks of school picture book reads for you! Choose a few to read each night after the school day. I hope they spark conversations that lend to positive emotions, a great first week of school, and a fabulous 22-23 school year.
The Night Before Kindergarten: Do you have a little one attending the “big” school for the first time? Read a story that follows children through the process of packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and saying goodbye to mom and dad.
What Should Danny Do?: Your child gets to make the decisions for Danny as you read with 9 different stories wrapped up in one. This book teaches our children that every single choice matters.
The Invisible Boy: A heartfelt story about friendship, kindness, and showing compassion to everyone.
First Day Jitters: The main character in this story is nervous about the first day of school and worries about making new friends. Follow along with Sarah Jane as she conquers her fears– everyone gets jittery sometimes.
Ruby Finds a Worry: The more Ruby thinks about her worry, the bigger it gets. She finally realizes that everyone has worries! The key to getting rid of them? Sharing your thoughts with others.
Eraser: The story of an eraser who learns that her purpose is to erase, nothing else. Follow along as she figures out who she is and learns to appreciate everyone else along the way.
I am Enough: A New York Times best seller about loving yourself and being kind. “We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.”
Dear Girl: An empowering book that reinforces the fact that girls hold a powerful place in the world. Also find the companion story, Dear Boy!
The Whatifs: Children learn to overcome anxiety by following the story of a girl who thinks of all the things that could go wrong before her upcoming piano recital.
All of these books are linked below OR find them here: https://amzn.to/3PIgQkz
I have also placed a few of these picture books around Madison in several Little Free Libraries!! Can you find one?!
