These back-to-school books are sure to soothe the new year nerves
Whether your kids are headed for the classroom for the first time or they’re heading to a brand-new school, stress levels can be high (for both parents and kiddos). We love the idea of incorporating these back-to-school books into the bedtime routine. They talk about what it’s like to be without mom and dad all day, validate anxious feelings, and show kids that they’re not alone. These back-to-school books also teach little ones ways to handle those jitters so they can feel ready for whatever adventures the school year brings.
From kindergarten help to handling food allergies, these books have everyone covered. We’ve made sure that there’s something for every kiddo. Get the family together and snag a few of these great reads to make sure everyone is feeling their best this year. Backpack, lunch box, and new back-to-school books. That’s a winning combination!
Nothing Stays the Same (but That's Okay): A Book to Read When Everything (or Anything) Changes
$13+ BUY NOWEvery kid will face change: whether it's a new house, family changes, or moving schools. Author and child behavior expert Sara Olsher reminds kids (and their grownups) that it's actually okay. Facing our fears and the unknown is scary, but Olsher aims to give kids knowledge—the best defense against anxiety and fear. Whether it's a big change or something small, this book will help normalize the inevitability of change, giving kids the confidence that they can handle it. Ages: 4-10
I Am Every Good Thing
$13+ BUY NOWAuthor Derrick Barnes captures the young and confident Black narrator of this book perfectly, demonstrating the pure joy of childhood where each day brings challenges and adventures. The vivid and beautifully done illustrations by Gordon C. James make this book one that will inspire your kids to embrace their own beauty even if things aren't always perfect or they make mistakes. This one teaches them to stay true to their truth, even when they are misunderstood or called things they're not. Ages: 3-8
Mitsy the Oven Mitt Goes to School: A Story About Being Brave
$14+ BUY NOWIn this heartwarming and playful back-to-school book from America's Test Kitchen, we meet Mitsy, a young oven mitt who has spent her whole life in the mitten factory. When she's accepted to Miss Copperpot's Academy for Useful Utensils, she's definitely nervous. But her first days at school bring together a great cast of characters, inspiring kitchen facts, and a story to empower kids so that when they feel nervous like Misty, they remember that they can do anything. Ages: 4-8
The Nervous Knight: A Story about Overcoming Worries and Anxiety
$16 BUY NOW'The Nervous Knight' by Lloyd Jones gets kids talking about what causes them to be anxious, thanks to a young knight-in-training who's never without his armour. When we get kids talking, we can normalize these feelings and help them problem solve ways to feel better. This one also includes a guide for parents to help keep the conversation flowing. Ages: 5-7
Not Yeti
$16 BUY NOWMonsters are loud. And rude. They like to smash things and they always need to be right. But not Yeti. Yeti is different. He bakes banana bread and sings to whales and always has something nice to say. This book by Kelly DiPucchio gets kids thinking about the benefits of being different so that they have the confidence to be themselves everywhere, including at school. Ages: 4-8
What If…? Answers to Calm First-Day-of-School Jitters
$9 BUY NOWYoung kids can have lots of anxiety, especially when faced with something new, (like starting school, of course). Luckily, Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are here to relieve those first-time jitters! This back-to-school book by Sonali Fry answers lots of questions (What if I don't like my teacher? What if I don't know where the bathroom is?) to ease your little one's worries. Ages: 4-6
My School Stinks!
$14 BUY NOWThe whole family will love this hilarious back-to-school story by Becky Sharnhorst. Told through journal entries about a boy who finds himself at a new school where the other students are REAL animals, he's even dealing with a locker buddy who bites! Is faking sick going to get him out of school? You'll have to read to find out! Ages: 5-7
Am I a Unicorn?
$15 BUY NOWIn her latest book, author Stephanie Sorkin teaches children the valuable lessons of embracing their uniqueness and accepting others for who they are inside. The story touches on self-esteem and diversity, ultimately teaching the important lesson of accepting everyone's individuality. Ages: 5-8
The King of Kindergarten
$10+ BUY NOWStarting kindergarten is a big milestone. The hero of this back-to-school book by Derrick Barnes is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. Starting school with positive energy is a great way to get past all of the new school year nerves. Ages: 4-6
Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel
$14 BUY NOWBeing different can be hard, especially when you are dealing with a nut allergy. This sweet story from author Stephanie Sorkin delves into the ups and downs of food allergies in an easy to understand way. Bonus: all proceeds from this book go to F.A.R.E, an organization dedicated to food allergy research and education. Ages: 2-6
How to Be Kind in Kindergarten: A Book for Your Backpack
$6+ BUY NOWFrom the best-selling author D. J Stenberg, here’s a guidebook that shows kids how to be kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten. Helping out classmates and cheering up kids who look sad are great ways to make new kindergarten friends. Ages: 3-5
The Worrysaurus
$9 BUY NOWIt's a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy. This book by Rachel Bright normalizes feelings of worry and helps to problem solve ways to make yourself feel better.
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