In our family we kick off the start of a new school year with a new book!  For younger kids books about going back to school or what will happen on the first day of school can be both motivating and comforting.  Here are 9 first day of school books that my kids have loved and asked to read over and over again. 

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First Day of School Books

I Love School! by Philomen Sturge

My kids love this cute rhyming story about what happens at during a typical day at school.  It’s a good choice for preschool or kindergarten students and would make a good addition to a school orientation night.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

This is one of my favorite back to school stories and I used to read it to my classes on the first day of school.  The story begins with Sarah Jane Hartwell being nervous about going to school on the first day and ends with a twist when we find out she is the teacher!  First Day Jitters helps to let kids see that they are not alone and that even grown ups can feel a little nervous about a new school year.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes is a wonderful storyteller and Wemberly Worried is proof.  This book is especially good for children who are very nervous about the first day of school.  Henkes tells the story of Wemberly who worries about everything, including going to school until his empathetic teacher pairs him with the perfect new friend.

I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas

I Love You All Day Long is perfect for any child worried about being away from their mom and dad all day at school.  The story is about a little pig who is reassured by his mom that her love goes everywhere with him all day long.  I think the simple drawings and text really help the message shine throughout the story.

Splat the Cat: Back to School Splat! by Rob Scotton

This one is more about the end of summer and valuing your sibling than about what will happen at school.  This one is perfect for fans of Splat and for kids who do not want summer to end.  After reading it you can talk about your summer and do your own version of Splat’s first day of school homework.  This is a great way to help kids bridge from summer to school. 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

The Kissing Hand is the classic first day of school book–just thinking about the plot makes me sentimental!  Chester the raccoon doesn’t want to leave his mom on and go to school and his mother tells him a secret that helps him feel comforted by her even when she’s not around.  The kissing hand is a great tradition to start with your family for when your child (or you!) start to feel sad during the school day.

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing

Natasha Wing has an entire series of The Night Before… books about preschool, kindergarten, first grade and many of the holidays.  This is a fun one to read on the night before school to get kids excited and talking about school.  My kids loved the rhyming and how the teacher made the parents feel better at the end.  This is one to pair with other books about the first day of school.

Mouse’s First Day of School by Lauren Thompson

This is a cheery story featuring Mouse who hides in a backpack and ends up at school.  The storyline and illustrations are perfect for preschool and kindergarteners and show school as a happy and friendly place.  This is a favorite of young children.

Curious George’s First Day of School by H. A. Rey

We love Curious George and his escapades so of course loved reading about him going to school.  Curious George’s First Day of School is simpler than the traditional George stories, but seeing a familiar character at school can be exciting for kids who are getting ready to go.  This is a great choice for preschoolers.