by Rachel Wells
Going back to school is such an exciting time, but for many kids it’s also a time filled with nerves. Books can be reassuring to kids struggling with first day jitters and can help them realize that they’re not alone in their feelings.
These back-to-school books are a fantastic way to connect with your child and open the door to important conversations during those first few weeks of school.
First Day Jitters
Sarah is nervous for her first day of school where she doesn’t know anybody, but with the help of Mr. Hartwell and Mrs. Burton, she quickly realizes that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.
Wemberly Worried
Wemberly worries about everything, but most of all: her first day of school. Luckily, when it’s time to go back to school she meets a fellow worrywart in her class, and realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!
School’s First Day of School
It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?
Smart Cookie
This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over.
Lucy’s Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness?
If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!
This hilarious story is about alligator and the panicked responses of poor Magnolia who just wants to get to show and tell without her poor choice of a subject eating any of her classmates.
The Crayons Go Back to School
The Crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they’re looking forward to the most. They’re also ready to meet new friends . . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class.
What Do You Do With a Problem?
This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared.
Grumpy Monkey School Stinks! A Graphic Novel
During a game of hide-and-seek, Jim Panzee causes a real stink. Literally. He walks right into Polecat’s log to hide and instead gets covered in Polecat’s smelly spray. His friends remind Jim that if he’d paid attention in class, he’d have learned to identify animals by their footprints. So it’s back to school for Jim where he finds out that school can be fun—once you get into the swing of it and you can learn from your mistakes, too.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?
