Like starting anything new, going back to school is always a mix of excitement and anxiety. Our list of back-to-school picture books are surely going to put your little ones' minds at ease. They are going to look forward to learning new things and meeting new friends.
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Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi - This is about Unhei, a Korean girl who moved to America. People had trouble pronouncing her name since it was foreign, and she thought of actually getting an American name. That’s when her classmates made the Name Jar, a jar filled with names they thought of, and Unhei was supposed to pick whichever she liked.
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi and Lea Lyon - When Lailah finally turned 10, she looked forward to fasting with her family during Ramadan. However, since she lived in Atlanta, she couldn’t figure out how to explain it to her teachers. That was until she got advice from the librarian, Mrs. Carman.
Sumi’s First Day of School Ever by Soyung Pak - Just like Unhei, Sumi is a foreigner. In this story, it will be Sumi’s first day of school and she will share what her impressions are.
My Teacher is a Monster (No, I am Not) by Peter Brown - Students can sometimes view their teachers as monsters, but are they really? Maybe they aren’t, just spend more time with your teacher and you’ll learn more about them.
The Teacher’s Pet by Anica Mrose Rissi and Zachariah OHora - This is a silly story about a teacher who wanted a pet. When they hatched the tadpoles, Mr. Stricter said he wanted to keep one ‘cause he’s always wanted a pet, but the ‘tadpole’ they kept grew bigger and bigger and it turned out to be a hippopotamus!
Welcome to School
You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt - This is a funny book with a very clingy picture book character. He wants you to stay and keep reading his book.
Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! by Hyewon Yum - This shows how kids, as well as parents, feel when it’s the first day of kindergarten.
Schools First Day Of School by Adam Rex - Lots of books feature a child’s first day of school, but what about a school’s first day of school?
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin - This is a fun book that comes with a song that should be easy to pick up and memorize for students to sing along.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn - The sweetest Back-to-School story that every parent should read to their children, especially if they’re nervous about leaving home.
What are your favorite back-to-school picture books? Leave your suggestions in the comments. Don't forget to think ahead by checking out our Halloween read-alouds and other book lists too.
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