Back to School Book List

These books are great reads for the child heading off to school for the very first time, managing those first day jitters, or just on the theme of school. All these selections are available through the Sussex County Library System. You will find board books, picture books, easy readers, fiction, nonfiction as well as teen selections.

Updated July 29, 2024
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Back to dog-gone school /
Schmidt, Amy,
Paper Book
From the bus stop to the last bell, this photographic Step 2 early reader--consisting of school-themed poems--is sure to delight dog lovers and those anxious about going back to school. Most of the poems are from the hardcover picture books by husband-and-wife team Ron and Amy Schmidt, Loose...
Back to school, backpack! /
Rich, Simon
Paper Book
A hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book by humorist, novelist, and TV writer Simon Rich-a clever and sweet follow-up to I'm Terrified of Bath Time, where a child's backpack frets about first-day-of-school jitters!  In this hilarious...
Back to school, weird kids rule!
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at...
Back to school, weird kids rule! /
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at...
Bear with me /
Kerasco?et.
Paper Book
An endearing picture book from two New York Times bestselling creators about a little girl who learns to cope when she is asked to leave her beloved stuffed animal at home. A child's favorite stuffed animal is a member of the family. This little girl and her bear are no...
The Berenstain Bears go back to school /
Berenstain, Stan,
Paper Book
On the first day of the school year, Brother and Sister Bear are nervous and excited. But with tons of new stuff to learn and explore, by the closing bell they can hardly wait for day two! There's something for everyone in this quintessential back-to-school book from Stan, Jan, and Mike...
Bitsy Bat, School Star
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! 2024 Bank Street Best Children's Book Selection A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this "darling book for all children but especially those with autism" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)...
Breathe like a bear :
Willey, Kira
Paper Book
Get your kids ready to conquer back  to school anxiety with this collection of 30 mindfulness meditations and exercises to help kids feel calm, focused, and energized wherever they are. Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness...
Clifford goes to kindergarten /
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
Head to kindergarten with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in this jacketed hardcover edition of the classic story!Clifford joins Emily Elizabeth for her first day of kindergarten! Emily Elizabeth is nervous about making new friends and missing home. But with Clifford by her side in class to sing...
Countdown to kindergarten
McGhee, Alison
Paper Book
It's just ten days before kindergarten, and this little girl has heard all there is to know--from afirst grader--about what it's going to be like. You can't bring your cat, you can't bring a stuffed animal, and the number one rule? You can't ask anyone for help. Ever. So what do you do...
The crayons go back to school
Daywalt, Drew
Paper Book
The hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit are ready to 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...
David goes to school
Shannon, David
Paper Book
A companion to the Caldecott Honor-winning classic No, David!by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble -- and are sure to bring a smile to...
The day you begin /
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to...
First grade, here I come!
Carlson, Nancy L.
Audiobook
After the first day of first grade, Henry's not sure how he feels about it. The teacher isn't like his kindergarten teacher, and the fifth-graders hog the monkey bars. But as Henry tells his mother about a new friend who likes soccer and about how he'll learn to read books, he begins to realize that...
How to start kindergarten /
Hapka, Cathy
Paper Book
A hilarious Step 2 reader about starting at a new school! David is the new kid at school, and is worried about fitting in. Steve is NOT worried about fitting in, and tells David, "Just do what I do and you will be great!" But when David listens a little too well, Steve has...
Kindergarten diary
Portis, Antoinette.
Paper Book
Starting kindergarten can be a little scary. But Annalina shows us there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to--meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the pet tortoise, and making new friends. Experience the ups and downs of the first days of...
Kindergarten hat /
Lawler, Janet.
Paper Book
Carlos Abredo is scared to start kindergarten, but a special teacher with an amazing hat helps give him the confidence to start the school year with a smile. "A practically perfect first-experience story, especially for anxious hearts and gentle spirits." Kirkus...
Kindergarten luck /
Borden, Louise
Ebook
The King of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick D,
Paper Book
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make...
The Kissing Hand /
Penn, Audrey,
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...
Llama Llama back to school /
Duncan, Reed,
Paper Book
A Netflix Original series From bestselling author and storyteller Anna Dewdney comes a back-to-school story featuring the beloved Llama Llama! Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn't ready for...
Llama Llama misses Mama /
Dewdney, Anna.
Paper Book
Strange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise! What would Llama like to do? Llama Llama feels so new . . . It's Llama Llama's first day of preschool! And Llama Llama's mama makes sure he's ready. They meet the teachers. See the...
Maisy goes to preschool /
Cousins, Lucy.
Paper Book
Going to preschool is a lot more fun with a friend like Maisy to show you the ropes! Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There’s painting and snack time,...
Monkey.
Brown, Marc Tolon
Paper Book
Marc Brown, creator of the beloved Arthur books and TV show, offers a charming new character-and a fun and reassuring story about preparing for the first day of school. Kindergarten is only a week away...but Monkey is NOT ready. What if he gets on the wrong bus? What if they don...
My kindergarten /
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
It's the first day of school, and Emily and her friends are welcomed into the exciting world of kindergarten by Miss Cribbage. The first day marks the beginning of a whole year's worth of new experiences and discoveries: learning the alphabet, drawing a map, counting to ten, telling the time and...
The night before first grade /
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
It's the night before the Big Day-first grade. Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers-as well as the "heroine" of the story-and help...
The night before kindergarten
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
'Twas the night before kindergarten, and as they prepared, kids were excited, and a little bit scared. It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part...
The night before preschool
Wing, Natasha.
Ebook
It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe...
On the first day of first grade /
Rabe, Tish.
Paper Book
On the first day of first grade, there will be lots of fun! This is the perfect book to share with a kindergartner getting ready for the step up to "big kid" school! From choosing books to read to building things with clay to performing in a play, there are many exciting...
Pete the kitty's first day of preschool /
Dean, James,
Audiobook
Pete the Kitty is almost ready for his first day of preschool! Preschoolers and little ones getting ready to go to preschool for the first time will enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty's fun entry to preschool. It's a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day of preschool! He meets his cool...
A pirate's guide to first grade /
Preller, James
Paper Book
Arr!It's the first day of first grade, and it's all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?
Planet Kindergarten
Ganz-Schmitt, Sue
Paper Book
A genius way to ease kids into the new adventure that is kindergarten." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero...
The Queen of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick,
Paper Book
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten. MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her...
Ready for kindergarten /
Freitas, Bethany V.,
Paper Book
A reassuring and empowering book for all incoming kindergarteners, especially those who wonder: Am I ready You are! The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement,...
Rosie goes to preschool /
Katz, Karen.
Paper Book
"An outstandingly clear and reassuring entry into the crowded field ofgetting-ready-for-preschool books." -Booklist Who better to offer advice to children facing the first day of preschool than the hugely popular, bestselling Karen Katz? It's the first day of preschool, and the...
School day! /
Ransom, Candice F.,
Paper Book
It's time for school in this Step 1 reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, Garden Day, Snow Day, and Beach Day! The start of the new school year means new friends and new experiences! It's big sister's first day of...
School's first day of school /
Rex, Adam,
Paper Book
"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred review A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend...
Splat the cat.
Scotton, Rob.
Audiobook
Hit the books with Splat the Cat in this funny back-to-school story! This story is perfect for the start of the school year. It's the first day of school, and there's only time for Splat to share one of his summer adventures with the class. Will it be the time he went searching...
Tiny goes back to school /
Meister, Cari.
Paper Book
Tiny is not obeying. He won't come when Elliot calls him, and he rolls over when he tells him to "sit." Looks like somebody needs to go back to school! Cari Meister uses simple language in this new level 1 reader to instill confidence in beginning readers. And because of that, it is a book young...
Ups and downs :
Wohnoutka, Mike,
Paper Book
In a feel-good concept book, the Geisel Award-winning illustrator of See the Cat gives young children a vocabulary for naming--and managing--their emotions. From delight to disgust, excitement to fear, worry to confidence, boredom to curiosity, feelings can shift in a...
We share this school :
Saks, Dan,
Paper Book
A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children's lives. This formative board book is an appreciation of school communities and the many ways in which they help develop empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility....

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