Starting School

A girl with a blue backpack and pigtails walks through a park with yellow foliage, captured from behind.

Get your little ones ready for school with these picture books about the first day of school! For more “Back to School” reads, ask a librarian.

Cartoon of a smiling man with a large mustache, short dark hair, wearing a teal jacket and a white turtleneck.
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Illustrated book cover of "School's First Day of School" with children and teachers near a school building and colorful houses.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

The best-selling author of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich and the Coretta Scott King Honor-winning illustrator of Harlem’s Little Blackbird present the story of how a school building shares jitters with the students on a first day of school.

Illustration of a yellow school bus and a young girl holding a backpack, with butterflies above. Book title: "Butterflies on the First Day of School.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

When Rosie begins feeling nervous about starting kindergarten the night before the big day, her mother reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and to Rosie’s surprise the next day, a butterfly flies out of her mouth when she greets a new friend at school, which helps another shy student release hers, too.

Book cover of "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López, featuring a girl holding a book.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.

Cover of ‘I Got the School Spirit’ shows a happy girl jumping in front of a school, holding a book.

I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

As a new school year begins, a young girl is filled with school spirit as she zips her book bag shut, rides the bus, enjoys her classes, and eagerly anticipates the next day.

Book cover of "The King of Kindergarten" with a smiling boy wearing a paper crown on a green background.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

A Newbery Honor-winning author offers an empowering story about a confident little boy who takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, encouraging new students with a reassuring message about this exciting milestone.

Kindergarten Hat" book cover: Woman in flower hat with kids around, building in background. Title in colorful letters.

Kindergarten Hat by Janet Lawler

A little boy who loves building forts, playing soccer and watching racecars moves to a new community and starts his first day of kindergarten while worrying about getting lost, meeting new friends and making a good impression on his teacher.

An image of a children's book cover titled "School is Cool!" featuring illustrated animals in a classroom.

School is Cool! by Sabrina Moyle

This energetic picture book prepares young readers for their first day of school with humor and encouragement.

Children of diverse backgrounds walking together with a man, carrying backpacks, books, and other school items.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories, and talents are shared.

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