9 Must-Read Children’s Books for Back to School
Back-to-school season is here, and while some kids are excited about new backpacks and meeting friends, others are… not so sure. And let’s be honest — as moms, we feel those nerves right alongside them. Books are such a great way to make big feelings less scary and help kids see that they’re not alone.
Beyond calming nerves, back-to-school books give children a framework for what to expect. They use relatable characters, playful language, and gentle reassurance to model situations kids might face on their first day. Whether it’s the worry of leaving mom, the jitters of walking into a new classroom, or the joy of realizing that everyone feels the same way, these stories create a safe space for kids to process it all.
Here are 9 children’s books that are perfect for those first-day jitters, new routines, and reminders that school can actually be pretty great.
1. The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt
This picture book is part of the popular “Crayons” series, where each crayon has a personality of its own. In this story, Duncan’s crayons are headed back to school, with each one bringing its quirks and concerns along. It’s about easing back into routine with humor and color. Kids love it because it’s silly and fun, and parents will appreciate how it makes school feel less intimidating.
Written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, this imaginative story flips the script: what if a child designed the school instead of adults? Hover desks, robotic pets, and space-age field trips fill the pages. It’s about creativity, possibility, and making school exciting. Read it because it helps kids see that school isn’t just rules and schedules — it can be a place where their imaginations belong too.
This gentle story follows a child, Sammy, and her puppy, Sunny, as they step into the unknown world of school together. It’s about the nervousness of first days, but also the small joys that appear along the way. Kids will connect with the idea of not having to face new experiences alone, and moms will love how it balances nerves with comfort.
Courtney Carbone’s book is a straightforward but powerful read for kids struggling with school jitters. It explains what anxiety feels like — butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, the urge to cling — in simple, child-friendly words. It’s about making those feelings normal instead of scary. This is a must-read because it gives kids the language to describe what they’re experiencing and opens the door for problem-solving.
Anna Dewdney’s rhyming, heartwarming series has long been a parent favorite, and this title is no exception. Little Llama struggles with separation anxiety when Mama drops him off at preschool. The story walks through his tears, fears, and eventual discovery that school can be fun — and that Mama always comes back. This is a great read for kids who are especially attached and need reassurance.
This classic by Audrey Penn tells the story of Chester Raccoon, who is afraid to go to school. His mother gives him a secret — a kiss in his palm — that he can carry with him all day as a reminder of her love. It’s about comfort, resilience, and knowing that love travels with you. Parents should read this because it’s a timeless, touching ritual-builder that eases separation for both mom and child.
Written by Jory John and illustrated by Liz Climo, this funny, relatable story introduces a cast of animals who are all anxious about the first day of school. From worrying about tripping to forgetting lunch, every critter has its own jitters. By the end, even the teacher admits being nervous. It’s about community, humor, and realizing we all share the same feelings. Read it because it normalizes nerves while making kids laugh.
David Shannon’s vibrant classic tells the story of Camilla Cream, who hides her love of lima beans because she wants to fit in. Her worry about being different causes her skin to break out in stripes — and more. It’s about peer pressure, authenticity, and the dangers of hiding who you are. This book belongs in back-to-school reading because it sparks conversations about being yourself in new environments.
Written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, this beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Children of different races, religions, and backgrounds come together in a warm, welcoming school environment. It’s about belonging, kindness, and acceptance. Parents should read this because it reassures children that no matter who they are, they have a place in their classroom.
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Why These Books Work
These stories do what we sometimes can’t in the moment — they make worries lighter, turn nerves into laughter, and remind kids that they’re not the only ones who feel this way. For moms, they’re also a way to open up conversations without forcing it, creating a natural bridge between feelings and solutions.
More importantly, these books give kids language. When a child says, “My shoes are nervous like Lena’s,” or “I want a kissing hand too,” it’s a breakthrough. They’re not just telling us they’re scared — they’re showing us they understand their feelings and trust us to help. That’s why reading together matters: it’s connection, comfort, and guidance all tucked into story time.
And while no book will erase every worry, they can make a huge difference in how kids process new experiences. Reading these stories before school starts, or even in the weeks after, turns transition moments into bonding moments. It’s not about perfect parenting; it’s about having tools ready when you need them most.
