Back-To-School Is Here

It’s that time of year again. The Summer is coming to an end. Packed lunches, crazy mornings, and first-day jitters are upon us. School can be a time for great growth, but it can also be really scary for our little ones. And let’s face it... for parents too.
 
I’ve rallied up some useful picture books to help calm the fears and wipe away the tears. For the first week back at school, stock up and arm yourselves with books to read each night. A good book before bed can lead to restful sleep and productive, happy days. 

The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan by Anne Renaud
When Anna was born in Nova Scotia in 1846, people for miles around chattered about her. They whispered over tea and gossiped across fences. Because even when she was small, Anna was TREMENDOUS. Then, at age seventeen, Anna moved to New York City to be part of P. T. Barnum's Gallery of Wonders - and her life changed forever. This book is a great way to talk about how we are all different and special in our own unique ways.  Teach your children the power of inclusion. 
 
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper 
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.
 
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back? Of course, she will. But before she does, the other children show Llama Llama how much fun school can be!
 
Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish
Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character. Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school—after all, what's not to love? But after hopping on the bus, confusing her name tag with a game and gluing herself to her seat, Amelia Bedelia discovers that what she takes for granted is not always the way the world works.
 
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing 
It's the night before the Big Day—first grade. Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers—as well as the “heroine” of the story—and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own back-to- school jitters.
 
On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe 
On the first day of kindergarten, there’s so much to do! From making new friends to jumping rope in gym to riding the bus to school, there are lots of exciting firsts to look forward to. Even though saying good-bye to Mom and Dad is hard, when the school bus pulls up, it’s time to begin kindergarten fun. This engaging new adaptation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a kindergarten classroom.

A Friend Like You by Andrea Schomburg
Forging an unlikely friendship in spite of very disparate preferences, Squirrel, who likes nuts, and Bird, who likes worms, try new things together and develop an appreciation for their respective differences.
 
Hello School! ​by Priscilla Burris 
A diverse class of excited youngsters are about to start school and experience all its wonders! Small moments like discovering one's own cubby space and big moments like a first nature walk are all brought to life with inviting artwork. This is a great book to help familiarize children with all the activities they can expect at school, from circle time to snack time to goodbye time, all the while sharing the experiences with lots of great new friends.