Children books about school
Picture Books about Starting School
August 25, 2021 | Doctor Recommended Books
Starting school is big step for both you and your child. Children’s picture books about starting school can help reassure children and help ease worries by familiarizing them with their new routine. Reading these books or books like them gives you the opportunity to talk through any fear or concern your child has and talk about the fun and exciting things that lie ahead. Don’t know where to start? Borrow ‘starting school’ books from your local library, and ask your librarian for recommendations or take this list with you to check out some of Raising Readers’ favorites.
Look for these doctor recommended books about starting school or childcare:
1. Maisy Goes to Preschool
By Lucy Cousins
Candlewick Press
ISBN 9780763650865
Paperback, $6.99
Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs up her coat to the time she says good-bye.
Ages 1-4 years
2. My First Day at Nursery School
By Becky Edwards & Illustrated by Anthony Flintoft
Bloomsbury USA
ISBN 9781582349091
Paperback, $6.95
On the first day of preschool, a little girl misses her mother, but on the second day, after having so much fun, she is excited to go back.
Ages 2-4 years.
3. Ready and Waiting for You
By Judi Moreillon & Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN 9780802853554
Hardcover, $17.00
A reassuring tale with bright colors and interactive flaps depicts welcoming educational environments.
Ages 4-7 years.
4. Dinosaur Starts School
By Pamela Duncan Edwards & Illustrated by Deborah Allwright
Albert Whitman & Co.
ISBN 9780807516010
Paperback, $6.99
A little boy helps his dinosaur friend overcome his fears of the first day of school.
Ages 3-6 years.
5. Countdown to Kindergarten
By Alison McGhee & Illustrated by Harry Bliss
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN 9780152055868
Paperback, $6.00
Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler cannot tie her shoes by herself and fears the worst.
Ages 4-6 years.
6. You’re Wearing That to School?!
By Lynne Plourde & Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Disney Press
ISBN 9781423155102
Hardcover, $16.99
A cautious mouse gives advice to his exuberant hippopotamus friend about the first day of school.
Ages 4-6 years.
7. Wemberly Worried
By Kevin Henkes
HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 9780061857768
Paperback, $6.
99
Wemberly, who worries about everything, finds that she has a whole list of new things to worry about when she faces the first day of nursery school.
Ages 2-4 years.
Additional Lists and Resources
11 Picture Books About Starting School
Raising Readers’ Pinboard: Books about School: PreK and K
Ready or Not Kindergarten, Here We Come!
Transitioning to Kindergarten
This post was originally posted by Raising Readers in August 2017.
21 back-to-school books to help kids adjust to school
Whether your child is strapping on a backpack for the first time or just starting a new year, the first day of school is nerve-wracking even in the best of times. With school schedules changing and continued precautions around coronavirus, parents can expect even more back-to-school jitters this year.
Parents can ease first-day jitters is by establishing the new routine ahead of time and reading books to prepare for the big day.
Books about starting school range from tender to hilarious. Try one of these picture books, a mix of old favorites and titles as new as your little student:
1. "Sounds Like School Spirit," by Meg Fleming and Lucy Ruth Cummins
This clever cheer-themed book is sure to get little ones in the school spirit with pep-rally style chants: "We say BOOK, you say BAG/We say NAME, you say TAG..." The equally cheerful illustrations make a great introduction to all the parts of school to shout about.
2. "A Hundred Thousand Welcomes," by Mary Lee Donovan and Lian Cho
Welcome children back to school in any language with this inclusive poem and illustrations that show multi-cultural greeting traditions.
3. "Wherever You'll Be," by Ariella Prince Guttman and Genevieve Godbout
This sweet poem from former TODAY producer Ariella Prince Guttman reminds children that wherever they'll be, parents will be thinking of them and waiting for a happy reunion.
4.
"Little Ghoul Goes to School," by Jef CzekajWill the first day of school be ghastly? Little Ghoul can only hope so, but his worst fears come true when he arrives at school and finds his teacher is nice and lunch isn't revolting.
5. "My School Stinks!" by Becky Scharnhorst and Julia Patton
Wildwood Elementary stinks, literally, thanks to the creatures who share the school with an unhappy human. In humorous diary entries, he learns to go with the flow and forgive a nervous bite or two.
6. "First Day Critter Jitters," by Jory John and Liz Climo
If you think your child is nervous for the first day of school, just imagine how hard it would be for a snake to strap on a backpack. This funny picture book shares the first day anxieties of all sorts of critters, and will show little ones that everyone gets a little nervous.
7. "Danbi Leads the School Parade," by Anna Kim
Danbi has an extra-tough adjustment to make as she arrives at her first school in America.
She'll use communication — verbal and non — to connect to her new classmates.
8. “The Day You Begin,” by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
This touching read acknowledges the times when children feel different or misunderstood and encourages them to share their stories, so “the world opens itself up a little wider to make some space for you.”
9.
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” by Ryan T. HigginsPenelope Rex is shocked to discover her classmates are children. So she eats them. She’ll have to learn to keep her appetite in check if school is going to work out.
10. “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School,” by Mo WillemsMo Willems is back with his sixth Pigeon book, and this time Pigeon has to go to school, even though he already knows everything (and is maybe a little scared). What if he learns too much?
11. “The King of Kindergarten,” by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Conquering kindergarten is a snap for the hero of this story, who takes his first day in stride, makes friends and gets his royal rest.
It's a burst of positivity and confidence.
12. “Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School Dilemma,”by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina
Lena is all ready for kindergarten. It’s just her shoes that are nervous. Good thing the rest of her closet can show them that the best things happen when we’re nervous.
13. “Mae’s First Day of School,” by Kate Berube
It’s Mae’s first day, and she doesn’t want to go. What if she’s the only one who can’t read and misses her mom? In a sweet encounter with a classmate and new teacher, she’ll discover she’s not the only one.
14. “The Kissing Hand,” by Audrey Penn, Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school. To ease his fears, Mrs. Raccoon shows him the Kissing Hand — a trick that might help any child worried about separation.
15. “School’s First Day of School,” by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson
Turns out even schools get nervous — and covered in nose milk. This first day from the school’s perspective shows how lucky the school and kids are.
16. “Truman,” by Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins
Truman the turtle spends his days with Sarah, until she straps on a backpack and leaves, mysteriously. He’ll have to be brave to venture across the vast, unsettling landscape of home to find her.
17. “Owl Babies,” by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson
This sweet book about Mama’s safe return is recommended for preschoolers and children with separation anxiety.
18. “All Are Welcome,” by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
This inclusive picture book shows exuberant children of all shades and religions. It’s a great reminder about embracing difference.
19. “Your First Day of Circus School,” by Tara Lazar and Melissa Crowton
What’s the first day of school like when the cafeteria’s a literal zoo? This fun take on the first day of school has a can-do spirit.
20. “Llama Llama Misses Mama,” by Anna Dewdney
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of school, and he feels so new. He’ll find out how fun it can be just in time for Mama Llama to come back.
21. “The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade,” by Justin Roberts and Christian Robinson
Nobody notices Sally McCabe, the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But by raising her hand she shows how a small voice can make a big difference.
For more stories like this, check out:
- 12 must-have back-to-school supplies — starting at $7
- State-by-state guide to school face mask mandates
- Metallic sneakers, printed joggers and more trending in back-to-school fashion
Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!
Lisa Tolin (she/her) is a contributor to TODAY. Her debut picture book,"How to Be a Rock Star," illustrated by Daniel Duncan, published in 2022. Previously, she was head of special projects for TODAY and supervising health editor for NBC News Digital, and held various roles for The Associated Press, including East Coast lifestyle and entertainment editor.
Favorite books about school and schoolchildren
September 05, 2017
1
Cool school stories
Victor Dragunsky
Series: Primary School Library
The boy Misha memorized two poems for each stool and read them to each other and began to read them by heart , sofas and even tables. There was no rest from him. And how tired he was of his grandmother in the summer! And she decided to cure Misha. How did she do it? You will learn about this by reading Viktor Golyavkin's funny story "The Annoying Misha". And in other stories of this collection there are no less fascinating and funny stories about boys and girls, written by favorite children's writers: V. Dragunsky, R. Pogodin, M. Korshunov and others.
$2.99
2
Vasek Trubachev and his comrades
Valentina Oseeva
Series: Classics for schoolchildren
Valentina Aleksandrovna Oseeva-Khmeleva is a well-known children's writer, laureate of State Prizes.
She dreamed of becoming an actress, but it turned out that one day she got into the Labor Committee for neglected children and devoted her life to "difficult" children. It was here that Valentina Oseeva first tried to write - she composed stories, short stories (the cycle "Magic Word" most beloved by children), plays for her pupils and gradually "grew up" into a famous writer, whose works were repeatedly published and filmed ("Vasek Trubachev and his comrades", "Dinka" and others). "Vasek Trubachev and his comrades" - a book about three inseparable friends, about how ordinary schoolchildren live, what questions and problems occupy them every day; a book about noble deeds and wrong choices; a book about imperceptible growing up and becoming a person. For middle school age.
RUB 280
3
The extraordinary adventures of Seva Kotlov
Anatoly Aleksin
Series: The Golden Heritage
The book includes three cheerful and touching stories by the famous Russian writer Anatoly Aleksin about the funny adventures of the schoolboy Seva Kotlov: "Under a false name", "Under a false name", drummer, or How I kept a diary" and "Seva Kotlov beyond the Arctic Circle".
These works have been translated into more than 20 languages and published in millions of copies around the world.
$447 545 rubles - 18%
4
The life and suffering of Ivan Semyonov, a second-grader and repeater (ill. G. Valka)
Lev Davydychev
Series: Children's Library
Lev Diavydychev is a famous Soviet writer, author of short stories and short stories for children and senior school age. The book presents two of his most famous works: the Difficult, full of adversity and dangers "The Life of Ivan Semyonov, a Second Grader and a Repeater" and "Lyolishna from the Third Entrance".
The first story tells about the life and adventures of the boy Ivan Semyonov. His rich imagination and mischievous nature lead to funny and ridiculous situations. Do not count how many adventures happen to Ivan every day! But how could it be otherwise, because he was not afraid to write a letter to the ministry, just to get rid of the hated studies.
Lyolya Okhlopkova from the story “Lolishna from the Third Entrance” is a brave, kind and selfless girl. More than anything, she loves her grandfather, with whom she lives together. One day a circus arrives in the city - and from that moment a series of extraordinary events begins.
$425
5
Adventures of Tolya Klyukvin. Stories (illustration by V. Kanivets)
Nosov N.
Stories by the outstanding master of children's literature Nikolai Nosov, which have become classics, are presented in a beautiful, brightly illustrated edition. Golden fund of children's literature in gift wrapping
826 rubles
6
Shy, Two briefcases and a whole week
Yuz Aleshkovsky
Series: Classics for schoolchildren
Puppy Shysh is still an unremarkable dog. But for the first grader Alyosha Seroglazov, nicknamed Two Portfolio, he is the most loyal and intelligent dog in the world.
And for little Kysh, Alyosha Seroglazov is the best host in the world. And together they experience incredible adventures and even get into a detective story.
$238
7
Konduit and Shvambraniya
Kassil L.
Series: All children's classics
"Konduit and Shvambraniya" - the most famous work of Leo Kassil, which brought him the universal love of readers and fame as a classic of children's literature. Being a versatile person, Lev Kassil was engaged not only in writing, but also participated in the testing of new aircraft, commented on football matches, traveled with lectures on V. Mayakovsky, descended into the first mines of the Moscow metro, and taught at the Literary Institute.
The story about two brothers who invented "The Great State of Shvambran" against the backdrop of the First World War and two revolutions was so fond of the children that the author of the story was met on the street only as "Lev Shvambranovich Conduit".
Interestingly, this autobiographical story was written as two separate works; under the same cover it appeared only in 1935 after the publication of "Conduit" in 1930 and "Schvambrania" in 1933.
For middle school age.
$458
8
Masha Filipenko's 25 Professions
Eduard Uspensky
Series: Classics for schoolchildren
E. Uspensky's story "Masha Filipenko's 25 Professions" has always been a hit with young and even adult readers, because the heroine is so creative and outgoing that it causes involuntary respect. Machine creative energy and cheerfulness - the main thing that makes the book always up-to-date.
$3.99
9
Scarecrow
Vladimir Zheleznikov
Series: The Best Girls
The story "Scarecrow" was first published 36 years ago. It became popular, a famous film was made on it, and thousands of boys and girls could recognize themselves in the heroes of Scarecrow.
“Scarecrow” was nicknamed by classmates Lenka Bessoltseva for her dissimilarity, naivety, eccentricity. But under the label fastened on by inattentive and cruel guys, there was a warm loving heart, a subtle noble nature and an unusually courageous and honest character. Many "stuffed animals" live on the planet, both small and large, but not everyone manages to fight against the unfair majority and win. Highly artistic illustrations in the book are made by a talented artist Ekaterina Muratova.
$1245
10
In the Land of Eternal Vacation. Sasha and Shura
Aleksin A.
Series: Golden Heritage
Who hasn't dreamed that holidays would never end? So that instead of a lesson schedule there would be an entertainment schedule, and instead of school it would be possible to go to the circus or the cinema? In the funny and touching stories of Anatoly Aleksin, this is possible! His heroes, ordinary guys, get into exciting adventures that teach them to be friends and take responsibility for their actions.
625 rubles
11
Stories by Lyusya Sinitsyna, third-grade student
"At the mere recollection of this book, people immediately begin to smile. And many remember and love it. Irina Pivovarova (1939-1986) - one of the most joyful names in children's literature 1970 -1980s. Her poems are light and bright, stories and novels are lively, funny, full of important details of home, yard and school life. By profession, Irina Mikhailovna was an artist and knew well how important an accurate drawing, air and light. The weather also matters. When the spring sun shines, it draws you outside. And if it’s dark outside and it’s light rain, then it’s sad in your soul. True, it’s reluctant to learn lessons and go to school in any weather. In this life and in the stories of Lucy Sinitsyna, a student of the third grade of a Moscow school, everything is mixed up: joy and sadness, love and annoyance ... "
RUB 670
12
Merry third
Kiseleva M.
Series: Golden heritage
How many amazing things happen in childhood! How many laughs and jokes! Especially in the fun third "B" - that's where you definitely won't get bored! Whatever the lesson, interesting and funny stories come out. In addition to the story about the third-graders, the book includes stories about the twins Lilka and Anton, about the shy Vita and other children, about the most beloved toys: the potato man Bul-Bul, the woolly camel Vigosha and the horse Pegashka. The book contains many colorful and bright illustrations by the famous artist Valery Yurlov, whose works are represented in major museums and private collections in Russia, the USA and Europe.
700 rubles
13
An eccentric from the sixth "B"
Zheleznikov V.
Series: Extra-curricular reading
The book includes the well-known story by Vladimir Zheleznikov "The Life and Adventures of an Eccentric", recommended for reading in grades 5-6.
$167
14
Deniska's stories
Victor Dragunsky
Victor Yuzefovich Dragunsky (1913-1972) lived a very rich, difficult and joyful life. He was a boatman, a clown in a circus, and an actor in a movie. Most importantly, he is an amazing children's writer.
His wonderful hero Deniska knows how to love, make friends and forgive, a tender and bright feeling in him always prevails over deceit and insults.
The boy's life is incredibly interesting: his friendship with Mishka, and a merry school carnival, and funny incidents at the lessons, and a trip to the circus, where an extraordinary girl performs on a ball, and the appearance of a newborn sister Xenia in the family ...
This is a real miracle - a child's life, full of love and kindness.
$216
15
Vitya Maleev at school and at home (illustrated by V.
Chizhikov)
Nosov N.
1,082 rubles
Everyone wins!
We give a sticker pack for pre-ordering the book "Atlas Six"
Catch a profitable cashback! 18% off all orders
Magic stories! 20% discount on a selection of books
The best books about love! 20% discount on a selection of books
18% discount when buying 2 diaries or notebooks
Secret offer! Discounts up to 89% only for registered users
Prices - everything! Discounts up to 25%
Autumn Sale ACT! Up to 25% for all books of the publisher
Goosebumps! -20% off a selection of scary interesting books
Spiders, ghosts, monsters. 20% off Halloween book selection
For fans of Bombora! 20% discount on books published by
For little discoverers! 20% discount for educational collection
Dark Matter Day! 18% off space books
20% discount on AST books about the end of the world
Promo code in the puzzle! We give a 20% discount when buying from 1000₽
Long-awaited purchases: we give a discount for pre-orders
Buy without leaving your home!
Free delivery throughout Russia
7 interesting books about school and students that kids will love | Books
Children are especially interested in reading about their peers and the adventures they face in such a seemingly familiar environment as school.
A selection of exciting, funny and instructive books about school and schoolchildren will allow children to take a fresh look at the learning process and escape from everyday boredom.
Naughty seven-year-old Hedwig is about to go to school, which means it's time for all sorts of interesting things and new acquaintances. For a girl, this is especially important, because she lives in a real wilderness, where there is not a single peer among the neighbors. Now she will be able to communicate with the guys - and for her it's like a breath of fresh air!
At first glance, Hedwig is a true minx. She is a little wild, and therefore every now and then makes her parents blush. But at the same time, she always feels the love of the household and the support of her relatives - isn't this important at such a difficult age, when any careless word can harm?
This book is a great option for family reading. It will allow you to get acquainted with the inner world of a 7-8 year old child, to understand his problems, experiences, feelings and thoughts.
This is a story about the inner world of a modern teenager and the problems of growing up. The action of the story takes place in the city of Varlamov, and the characters are eighth-graders of one of the schools in the city.
Vera Odintsova's class is almost a real flock where you beat or beat you. Boys and girls are two neighboring clans with their leaders. Faith does not want to live by such laws. She dreams of becoming a writer, plays in the school theater, composes music, helps her beloved teacher. And it is these hobbies that help her change everything around.
An instructive book about a spoiled, obnoxious girl by Elizabeth Allen. The parents decide to send her to a boarding school, hoping that there their daughter will take the path of correction. No matter how! Elizabeth decides by all means to make sure that she is expelled. She begins to foul, be rude, do not follow the rules of the school. However, she did not take into account the fact that the school was not quite ordinary.
..
It is in this school that Elizabeth finds friends and reveals the best features of her character.
If a child has already read all of Dragunsky and Krapivin, then Olga Grosheva's book will definitely appeal to him.
The book is written in the format of short stories on behalf of an eight-year-old schoolboy Slavka, with whom various adventures happen every now and then: at school, at home and on the street. There is no fantasy, symbolism and hidden meanings here. Just the ordinary life of a modern student. For example, how Slavka's hooligan friends are transferred to a humanitarian class, and he himself remains to study in mathematics, where he soon has new comrades - excellent students.
Universal book for children and their parents - funny, unobtrusive, but leaving a positive impression. The narrative is built in the form of stories illustrating the most fun and incredible situations from school life.
Here you can find stories about children of all ages: from first graders to sixth graders.
And the best part is that all the stories are real! The publication contains stories of children (of course, with the indication of authorship), which children from all over the country once sent to the editors of the Kostyor magazine.
“I'm not weird, I'm normal. All the others are weird. In fact, you are considered normal only because there are more of you! As if if there are more people, then they are right. By the way, most people thought the Earth was flat.” This book is a story of two boys who are not like everyone else. One of them is Lyova Inozemtsev, an unusual child, he is fond of mathematics and music. And... has color hearing. At school, he is considered strange and no one wants to be friends with him.
But life is still amazing, and as a result, Lyova's friend becomes the one who mocked him the most.
“This is a touching and fascinating story about us, curious children of all ages: small, grown up and old. This is a story about our thoughts and feelings, sorrows and joys, relationships with the world and people around us, and, of course, about first love.
