Getting Ready for School Picture Book Recommendations

The first day of school is right around the corner! Here are some books for children who are starting school this year.

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool by Jamel C. Campbell

Cover of Olu's Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool; a boy holding an adult's hand

Olu is nervous about starting preschool and meeting his teacher. When his first day comes, his belly feels wobbly, but he learns about how cool his teacher is and how much fun he can have at preschool.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

Cover of The King of Kindergarten; a boy with a backpack wearing a crown

A young boy is excited to start his first day of kindergarten. The story follows him as he gets ready and has fun at school. 

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

Cover of Butterflies on the First Day of School; a girl next to a school bus surrounded by butterflies.

This beautiful book follows Rosie as she starts school. She practices her letters, her teacher’s name, and raising her hand, but when the time comes to go to school, she has butterflies in her tummy. As Rosie goes throughout her day and faces her fears, her butterflies slowly start to escape.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Cover of All Are Welcome; a man leading a group of children

This joyful book welcomes all children to school with rhyming text and colorful and inclusive illustrations.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

Cover of School's First Day of School; an anthropomorphic school surrounded by children, houses, and a school bus.

This book is a new perspective on a first day of school: from the school’s point of view! While he is very nervous and hurt by some of the mean words from the older kids, he has so much fun and invites everyone back the next day.

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Cover of A Friend for Henry; a boy playing with blocks

This picture book follows an autistic boy named Henry who is trying to make new friends. This book features beautiful pictures and a happy story encouraging acceptance and friendship. 

The Pigeon Has to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Cover of The Pigeon Has to Go to School; a pigeon with speech bubbles saying the title of the book and "Come on!"

In this funny and relatable book, Pigeon has many excuses as to why he shouldn’t go to school, but throughout the book, he learns that school is a place for students to learn and practice new skills. It tackles the difficult emotions of starting school thoughtfully and with plenty of humor.


I hope this helps you find the perfect book to get ready for school!

-Alyssa


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