Back to school for your crew could look waaaaay different than you had hoped, expected, dreaded (Buehler, Buehler???). Our district is one of a few in our area doing in-person learning to start the year. The kiddos haven’t batted an eyelash about wearing a mask at all (hallelujah) and we are trying to find all the joy in the start of a new school year. New teacher, new supplies, maybe new kiddos in classrooms!
Here are some fantastic books to get your peeps excited about school!
Littles:
On the First Day of First Grade by Tish Rabe is – in a word – joyful! The colors, the positive language, the diversity of students, the illustrations. It’s all just sweet and leaves you with a ‘I got this’ feeling. I really love Tish Rabe’s work. There isn’t a book of her we haven’t loved.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold is yes, YES, Y-E-S! Get this book! This book is so inclusive with both language and illustrations. You’ll find people of all races, abilities, family dynamics and religions here. I love this because if we start young with our kiddos, we can hopefully eliminate the hate and adversity. I am book-crushing, big time.
Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School by Andy Robert Davies is genius! This is perfect for your little one going to school for the first time to help familiarize who he will meet throughout the day. I love this book for its diversity and for not adhering to traditional gender roles, too. I so wish we had these kinds of books when I was growing up!
If Animals Went to School by Ann Whitford Paul is gentle and encouraging. If your little gal or guy is going to school for the first time, this would be an excellent picture book! The illustrations remind me of Precious Moments animals (am I crazy? Lemme know) and do many of the same things your kiddo will be doing in preschool throughout the day.
Ahoy, school mateys! Kindergarrrten Bus by Mike Ornstein is straight up bucaneer fun! The bus driver pirate is all swagger and bravado telling new kindergarten students not to be scared. But the pirate loses something that makes him feel comfortable and soon the students are helping the pirate get through the rough waters. Super cute and clever!
School People by Lee Bennett Hopkins is another great option for kiddos to familiarize themselves with school employees. This book is a collection of sweet poems and has such fantastic diversity. The school on the front reminds me of the Wayside School series. You, too?
Bunny’s Book Club Goes to School by Annie Silvestro is darrrrrrling! The book club crew jumps in to help their human friend Josie when she becomes anxious about starting school. I think a lot of smalls could use this creature gang to lend a hand in the coming weeks. The illustrations are too sweet for words, especially the bear and porcupine. All the smiles!
Emerging Readers:
Perfect by Max Amato is so stinkin’ clever! The eraser likes things just so. Enter – the pencil. This is so much fun and a perfect read for kiddos who have that blasted pink eraser in their supply box before. I love this!
How Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka and Ellen Titlebaum is every older sibling’s experience. Will just wants school to be his own space. But his little brother is starting kindergarten. All sorts of hi-jinks arise and Will has to be on his toes. Silly and fun and I think all big kiddos can relate!