Back-to-school season seems like the most cringeworthy time of year, but it doesn’t have to be. Our friends at the North Cobb Regional Library have put together a list of available books that might help as we count down to August. Whether your children are nervous about their first day of school or simply hoping to hold on to some of that summer fun, we hope these books can put a smile on their faces.
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson’s prose is beautiful, and her message empowers children to embrace their own unique stories. Rafael López’s vibrant, textured illustrations make this book a visual delight.
“I Got the School Spirit” by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Connie Schofield-Morrison’s high-energy, rhythmic book is filled with fun onomatopoeia that capture the sounds of the school day, and award-winning Atlanta artist Frank Morrison’s urban mannerism illustrations pop off the page.
“The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes walks readers through a fantastic first day of kindergarten using humor and whimsy. Vanessa Brantly-Newton’s playful illustrations are the perfect backdrop for this jubilant first-day-of-school story.
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins
Ryan T. Higgins writes and illustrates hilarious books for kids, and this one is no exception. Penelope is a little T. Rex embarking on her first day of school. She struggles with an unfortunate appetite for her classmates, but learns empathy after a toothy encounter with the class pet.
“Me and My Fear” by Francesca Sanna
Francesca Sanna has crafted a lovely, gentle story for children about managing fear and anxiety. Her illustrations are likewise lovely and gentle, yet vibrant and bold at the same time.
“I Will Be Fierce” by Bea Birdsong
Bea Birdsong’s back-to-school story is a call to adventure and a proclamation of courage as her heroine navigates the school day with declarative statements of bravery. Nidhi Chanani’s cartoon illustrations are joyful and vibrant.
“Chu’s First Day at School” by Neil Gaiman
Novelist, comic book creator, screenwriter, and voice actor, Neil Gaiman, also writes picture books. This book is part of the adorable “Chu’s Day” series, and it is oh-so-cute, just like the rest of Chu’s adventures. Veteran illustrator Adam Rex brings this story to life in his typical semi-realistic illustration style that is fun and colorful.
“Your Name is a Song” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s melodic prose weaves a story about celebrating what makes you different. After a little girl comes home from school upset that no one can pronounce her name, her mother teaches her to sing her name. Luisa Uribe’s soothing color palette and whimsical illustrations are absolutely beautiful!
“The Pigeon Has to Go to School” by Mo Willems
Pigeon is always a crowd pleaser with the 10-and-under crowd. Mo Willems’ comical character Pigeon is up to his old shenanigans. This time he doesn’t want to go to school, and he is going to try every excuse in the book until he discovers that he just might like school. Just wait until he discovers what mode of transportation he will take to get to school!
“Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by Eric Litwin
Our favorite feline rockstar bebops through his first day of school in stylish kicks as he grooves through the day to a back-to-school song. Eric Litwin and James Dean’s lovable Pete the Cat is here to help you rock your first day of school.
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