Hellobee

I might be done with my book recommendations by age group, but I still have lots more books I’d love to share! You may or may not get sick of these…;)

In the next set of book recommendations, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite books by subject or genre (let me know if there is a specific subject you’d like me to cover!). Children’s books are a great way to introduce your little ones to a new concept or prepare them for a new event, no matter how big or small.

Since the first day of school is just around the corner (or perhaps for some of you, it’s even already passed!), I thought I’d start with some of my favorite Back-to-School books.

1. The Kissing Hand is a classic choice for children who are heading to school for the first the first time and may be worried about leaving their caregivers. Just fair warning, this one may make the grown-ups cry, too!

2. First Day Jitters is such a clever book and perfect for a school-aged child (around 1st-3rd grades), especially one who might be starting a new school. Spoiler alert! The twist at the end is that the story is about a teacher who is nervous about starting at a new school… a great way to reassure a child that it’s okay to be nervous!

3. The David books are quite funny and this one is no exception. David Goes To School is very simply written (as are all the books in this series) and outlines what NOT to do at school. Even though the words are very simple, this book is best for kids aged 5 and up — children at that age (and older) will be able to use the scenes in the book to talk about what proper behavior might look like.

4. Wemberly Worried is perfect for little ones who might be feeling anxious about making friends at school. Little Wemberly worries about *everything* and school soon becomes her biggest worry yet. It’s set in a preschool environment, but would work for children up to early elementary school.

5. Little Brown Bear Won’t Go to School is a great book for kids who might be a little hesitant to go to school — not because they’re scared, but just because they might not be as interested. The story follows Little Brown Bear has he tries out different “jobs” and soon realizes that school is the best fit for him.

6. This is Pete the Cat’s second adventure! In Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete heads to school and discovers all the new and exciting rooms and places and learns about all the things he will do at school. Be sure to watch this great video of the author doing a live telling of the story so you can learn the song that Pete rocks out to!

7. Llama Llama Misses Mama is another book about that little Llama Llama. This one would be perfect for a little one starting daycare or preschool. I used this one last summer when Lil’ CB headed back to daycare when school started, and it was a great way to talk to him about how it is okay to miss Mommy and that Mommy will always come back at the end of the day.

8. Kindergarten is a magical year…(I might be a little biased when I say that. Just a little.) The books about Miss Bindergarten and her Kindergarten class are fun and engaging for Kindergartners and this first one is a great way to introduce your little one to the series and to the world and wonder of Kindergarten. An added bonus is that there are 26 students — one for each letter of the alphabet that matches their names and animal character — a fun way to practice your ABCs!

9. Splat the Cat is very worried about starting Cat School, so he packs his best friend, who happens to be a mouse, in his lunchbox for moral support. You can imagine the chaos and hilarity that ensues. Your little ones will be laughing hysterically as they follow along on Splat’s first day of school. The humor is probably best suited for children in preschool and older (including grown-ups!).

Hope your little one’s transition back to school (or to school for the *first* time) goes well! Happy Reading!