In continuation of my entry regarding Back to School Organization Suggestions, I wanted to present a few additional images of my daughter’s bookshelf along with a compilation of back to school literature to read aloud to children!
I have always had a passion for children’s literature, thus arranging bookshelves is one of my cherished activities for each season. This time, I utilized affordable felt pencil and apple bunting to adorn the book ledges, and I believe it turned out wonderfully for the inaugural day of school.
Regardless of whether your youngsters are enthusiastic about the new academic year, or experience a case of first day anxieties, I hope this collection of picture books proves useful.
This entry may contain affiliate links.
Beloved Back to School Literature for Kids
Here are our cherished stories for the first day of school! These would be fantastic to read at home throughout August or during school read-aloud sessions.
(I am providing links to Amazon here, but you might also explore your local library or Thrift Books for these titles.)
1. The Day the Crayons Quit
To start, the “Crayons” books by Mo Willems are contemporary classics! We have cherished them since my children were toddlers and still find joy in them during the elementary phase. The Day the Crayons Quit is the initial book in the series, and it serves as an excellent choice for the first week of school. A comedic tale surrounding a box of crayons and a young boy who adores coloring.
2. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School
If you have a little one who is fascinated by dinosaurs, How Do Dinosaurs Go to School is another amusing book that envisions ancient students in the classroom. We love the dinosaur names featured on every page along with the delightful illustrations!
3. The Magical Yet
Thirdly, acquiring new knowledge can sometimes be challenging. The Magical Yet is an insightful book promoting a growth mindset, whether your child is learning to tie their shoes, ride a bicycle, or conquer first-day nerves.
4. Our School is a Family
A touching tale about a school community and all the individuals who contribute to making it a special environment, from counselors to custodians to parent volunteers. Our School is a Family would also make a wonderful addition to a classroom library!
5. Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
Just Ask! is a remarkable book celebrating physical uniqueness and neurodiversity. This is a fantastic read-aloud to inspire discussions about various challenges or abilities that some children may possess. It encourages kids to “just ask” if they have queries about how bodies or brains function differently, as everyone has special gifts to share!
6. In Our Garden
In Our Garden narrates the story of a little girl who relocates to a new city and yearns for her family’s garden back home. Together with her teacher, classmates, and community, they begin cultivating a garden on the school’s rooftop. Though it takes time, both the little girl and the garden start to flourish in their new environment.
7. Your Name Is a Song / The Name Jar
Your Name Is a Song and The Name Jar are two wonderful books celebrating the beauty of names. Each narrative features a young girl whose peers initially struggle to pronounce her name, illustrating how she ultimately shares and embraces her name as a reflection of her individual identity and heritage. Your Name is a Song also provides a glossary offering each name’s meaning, origin, and pronunciation.
8. Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Creating a list of back to school literature without including the whimsical creations of Dr. Seuss is quite impossible. Oh the Places You’ll Go! is a timeless masterpiece illustrating the highs and lows of life while advocating for a growth mindset. Naturally, it incorporates numerous tongue twisters, as you would anticipate!
9. The Not-So-Friendly Companion
The Not-So-Friendly Companion is a children’s story regarding how to establish limits for positive relationships, to ensure you are treated with compassion and esteem. This has recently been added to our collection and it has ignited constructive discussions about managing various scenarios that arise at school and within friendships!
10. Arthur Attends School
A timeless piece from the 90s that appears to be unavailable in print, yet you can still discover secondhand editions! Arthur Attends School is another beloved title in our household loaded with flaps and engaging pages. Plus, Arthur is genuinely one of my favorite figures!
11. Usborne Lift-the-Flap My Hectic Day
My Hectic Day is an adorable tale centered around the school day routine, encompassing getting dressed, having breakfast, and enjoying activities in the classroom. Ideal for little ones gearing up for preschool or the initial day of kindergarten! The Usborne Lift-the-Flap series are some of our utmost favorites.
12. The Clever Cookie
We adore “The Food Group” series! I must share the official summary for The Clever Cookie since it is so charming.
“This cookie has never perceived herself as a clever cookie, regardless of how hard she strives, particularly when compared to all the witty cupcakes and brilliant buns in the bakery. Will a touch of creativity and a dash of confidence suffice to help her realize that perfect scores and knowing all the answers aren’t the only components of intelligence?” (From the Amazon summary.)
50+ Back to School Literature and First Day of School Children’s Books
Seeking even more suggestions? We haven’t perused each one of these, but they all appear to be outstanding reads for the first day of school!
Children’s Back to School Bookshelf Decor
Next, here are some delightful decor concepts for a back to school bookshelf! I adore the aesthetic of a felt ball garland, bunting, or wooden decorative accents to enhance the book shelves.
If you are interested in our precise bookshelf decor, I utilized this pencil and apple bunting from Amazon and this Once Upon a Time wall banner from Hunny Prints (mini size).
Back to School Books Shelf Garland and Bunting
Children’s Back to School Bookshelf Decoration
Back to School Books Wall Decorations
Conclusion on Back to School Literature
What are your family’s treasured reads during the initial weeks of school? The start of the year can be a challenging adjustment as children wrap up summer holidays, forge new friendships, or ride the school bus for the very first time. Sometimes, discussing matters with the assistance of a wonderful book can relieve stress for both kids and parents.
Wishing you a seamless first day of school!
Related: You may also find 7 Back to School Organization Suggestions for the Home and 50+ Best Autumn Books for Kids to Read Aloud This Season appealing.
