Starting school or entering a new classroom can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty for children. These reassuring picture books help ease those worries by showing kids that school is a place where they belong, their teachers are there to support them, and there are new friends and experiences waiting for them. Whether shared at home or in the classroom, these comforting stories can help children feel welcomed, supported, and ready for the school year ahead.
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All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, 2018
(Ages 4 and up)
Poignant language paired with colorful illustrations featuring a diverse group of students drive home the message that school is an inclusive and welcoming place to ALL. This is sure to become a classic classroom read aloud that is reread every year.
Welcome to Our Classroom by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Narrated from the teachers’ perspective, this welcoming story reassures children that their classroom is a place where everyone belongs. It reminds readers that school will be filled with discovery, friendship, and support from caring teachers whenever they need it. A lovely addition to this bestselling series
In This Classroom by Andrew Hacket, illustrated by Arthur Lin
This uplifting picture book reminds children that every school year is a fresh start, mistakes help us grow, and we are strongest when we support one another. Its encouraging message makes it a meaningful read at the beginning, middle, or end of the school year. It’s a new classroom must-have.
This is a School by John Schu; illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
This book is the perfect beginning-of-school read aloud! Simple text paired with bold bright illustrations featuring a diverse group of students and staff remind readers that school is a place to ask questions, learn new things, and make connections. The repeating refrain referring to the school as a community helps reinforce what a welcoming and unifying place school can be. As an extra bonus, the inside jacket of the book doubles as a poster!
Kindergarten Gets Ready by Naomi Danis, illustrated by Pete Oswald
While many back-to-school books focus on children preparing for school, this one offers a refreshing look at a teacher getting ready to welcome a new class. Readers will love watching Mr. Bee thoughtfully prepare every corner of his classroom and carefully learn how to pronounce each child’s name. Filled with charming details, this heartwarming story reassures children that their teachers are just as excited to meet them as they are to begin kindergarten. I have a feeling this will become a new back-to-school classic.
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen; Sandie Sonke, 2020
(Ages 3 and up)
Most of us have spent A LOT of time with our family over the last few months and the idea of leaving one’s home to go to school may cause separation anxiety for some children. This uplifting book shares the message that school is a safe place where children can take risks, learn from mistakes, and form a special bond with other students who become almost like a second family. The delightful rhymes, positive message, and bright illustrations makes this a good choice for the first day of school.
Our School is a Family by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sandie Sonke, 2023
This inclusive and heartfelt story introduces children to the myriad of people who work in a school and the various ways they care for the students. I love how this cheerful book gives children a glimpse of all the inner workings of a school to give them a better understanding of the exciting things to look forward to while attending school.
We also love Our Class is a Family and A Letter From your Teacher.
First Day Hooray by June Sobel, illustrated by Nabila Adani, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This fantastic social emotional learning story helps children acknowledge the variety of feelings they may experience on the first day of school. Cheerful rhymes and colorful illustrations help children identify and learn to process the many emotions they may feel when facing something new. The back matter includes a useful note to parents and educators.
School is Cool by Sabrina Moyle; illustrated by Eunice Moyle, 2021
(Ages 3 and up)
With its bold colors and rollicking rhymes, this exuberant book is perfect for quelling those first-day fears and reassuring children that school is a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Our Favorite Day of the Week by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
A diverse group of classmates shares their favorite day of the week, giving readers a glimpse into each family’s traditions and routines. Along the way, children naturally practice the days of the week while building empathy, celebrating differences, and learning more about one another. Fans of Our Favorite Day of the Year will be thrilled to add this thoughtful companion to their classroom library.
Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali; illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
On the first day of kindergarten, a teacher helps her diverse group of students become better acquainted by sharing their favorite day of the year. Eid Al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and Pi Day are all highlighted giving children a windows and mirrors experience where they may see themselves reflected in the characters or learn about new cultures. Additional information on each holiday is provided in the backmatter.
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