It’s almost time to head back to school and that means back to school books should be at the top of your back to school shopping list. The summer has been fun and I hope you and your little one have had fun reading fun adventure and exploring books throughout the summer. Going back to school, or for the first time, can be scary for little ones. Reading back to school books can make the transition into their new classroom or school easier for your child. At the top of my list is a book called David Goes to School. The very first “David” book I ever read with my son was “No, David“; it was beyond hysterical, a classic and J-bird loved it as a kid. The series has since expanded and is a must read for any kid.

 

David Goes To School – David’s teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David’s high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble-and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader. Back to school books like these make school so much more fun! Check out the extensive list of all the other David themed books.

The Day the Crayons Quit – Crayons have feelings, too, in this funny back to school book illustrated by the creator of Stuck and This Moose Belongs to Me–now a #1 New York Times bestseller! Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

Spaghetti in A Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are – How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

This School Year Will Be the BEST! – On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it’s looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone’s wishes are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt this school year will definitely be the best and one of the best back to school books!

The Name Jar – The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she? Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

First Day Jitters – Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending. Fun, energetic illustrations brighten page after page with the busy antics surrounding Sarah Jane. FIRST DAY JITTERS is an enchanting story that is sure to be treasured by anyone who has ever anticipated a first day of school.

 

The Night Before Kindergarten – 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 of all–saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Christmas poem.

‘Twas the night before kindergarten,
and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.

The Night Before First Grade – Imagine that it’s the first day of class and you realize that your preschool and kindergarten BEST FRIEND EVER you’ve been with your entire life is in a different class! The author captures the panic of being split up from your best friend when you’re put into different classes, but then the joy of making new friends. This book is a nice follow-up for kids who have read The Night Before Kindergarten book.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation – Some kids spend their summer vacation at camp. Some kids spend it at Grandma’s house. Wallace Bleff spent his out west…on a ride, a rope, and a roundup he’ll never forget. Back to school books are a perfect time for exploring our summer time adventures.

Curious George’s First Day of School – It’s the first day of school, and Curious George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper! George is just the right monkey for the job—until he starts to wreak his usual havoc, that is. Red and yellow paint makes orange, yellow and blue makes green . . . and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! Curious George and the First Day of School is a story based on H. A. and Margret Rey’s popular primate and painted in the original watercolor and charcoal style. A full-color twenty-four-page paperback with bonus activities inside, including an “Ants on a Log” recipe, a word search, and a “Color Your World” craft idea. For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover all the latest on Curious George books, promotions, games, activities, and more!

What are some of your child’s favorite back to school books?