Summer is winding down and a new school year is upon us! Are you dreading the end of this sunny season or are you anxiously awaiting the cozy fall days ahead? I find the end of summer to be bittersweet. It feels good to get back into the school routine and to start fresh, but it’s always hard to believe that my kids have bid adieu to another childhood summer. They are embarking on the next grade at school and time seems to have gone way too fast. This year my older kids will be in first, sixth, and eighth grade, but no matter how old they get I can’t help but picture them as their little preschool-aged selves.
If you’re getting ready to send your little ones to preschool or kindergarten for the first time, you’re likely experiencing a huge range of emotions! Not only is it a big adjustment for kids, but moms can feel a lot of pressure as we prepare them for all that might come their way. There’s no way to make sure things will go perfectly, but I have found that reading books about school ahead of time can help them understand a little more about what to expect. It also gets them excited for what lies ahead and gives you some one-on-one time together as you wrap up summer. Whether your children have been in school for a few years already or this is the beginning of the journey for your little one, here are some of my favorite children’s books for back-to-school!
1. Time for School, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
The Little Blue Truck saves the day when one of his friends misses the school bus. The rhyming of the “Little Blue Truck” books makes them so much fun and easy to read, and they always have a great lesson.
2. School Things by Dr. Seuss
Rhyme along with Thing One and Thing Two as they make their way through school-day activities! This is a great way to introduce toddlers to what a day at school might look like. Even if they aren’t in school quite yet, it’s fun for little ones to picture what their older siblings might be doing while they’re gone!
3. The Little School Bus by Margery Cuyler
I can’t even count how many times I’ve read this book to my son! Follow a little school bus as he and his driver do all the things that buses do. From picking up kids to getting fixed at the repair shop, this rhyming book will delight your preschoolers. (and it’s a quick read!)
4. Just a Little Homework by Gina and Mercer Mayer
Little Critter finds as many ways as possible to avoid his homework. Moms and kids alike can relate to this funny story about distractions, long evenings, and homework battles!
5. The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing (Also see the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade versions!)
My children have always loved these books and each one has been helpful when they are preparing for a new grade level! This book is about Billy and how nervous he is the night before he goes to preschool. Things might not start off perfectly for him, but he is quickly put to ease by his new teacher and friends!
6. Arthur Writes a Story by Marc Brown
Join our friend, Arthur as he tries to figure out what to write about! This story has an important message an obstacle our early grade schoolers often encounter. Arthur has to decide if he will write the story his own way or be influenced by those around him! This is an encouraging book about having confidence in your work, even if it isn’t the same as your peers.
7. Curious George’s First Day of School by Margret Rey & H.A. Rey
Swing through the classroom with your favorite monkey, George! He has the best intentions when he gets to be a class helper, but in classic George-fashion he stumbles into some trouble along the way. For anyone who loves Curious George books, this one doesn’t disappoint!
8. The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Brother Bear stays home sick from school and thoroughly enjoys his recovery time. However, he learns an important lesson when he returns to school and realizes he has fallen behind. Things get worse and worse for brother until he finally asks for help from wise Grizzly Gramps!
9. Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois
This is the perfect story for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Franklin is full of fear and excitement as his first day of school approaches. Find out how he gets through it and the surprises that await him in this heartwarming and relatable tale!
10. Rufus Goes to School by Kim Griswell
Why can’t a pig go to school? That’s what Rufus Leroy Williams III wants to know! This sweet little pig just wants to learn how to read the storybooks that he adores. The principal turns him down time and time again but this adorable little pig refuses to give up on his dreams!
As summer comes to a close and we prepare for school this fall, I hope you and your children get a chance to enjoy a few of these stories together and make some sweet memories!
Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
