Hi there!
I’m Lindsey, and children’s books are my jam. Before becoming a Caregiver, I served my community as the Children’s Librarian of the Uxbridge Free Public Library in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, where I was so fortunate to have met many children and their families and helped them find just the right books. I loved it so much that I have continued to create book lists for families and you!
In addition to being a Caregiver, I also study in a program to become certified as a yoga instructor, with the intention of opening my own business to help heal children and their families with yoga and Reiki. When not reading or practicing yoga, you may find me traipsing around in nature, creating greeting cards, baking, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.
This list contains picture books specifically about first days of school, as well as some of my favorites about school and ways to prepare for the big day. I’ve also included some activities that you may find helpful, engaging, and fun.
Enjoy!
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ABC Pasta: An Entertaining Alphabet by Juana Medina
Make a yummy meal with your favorite type of pasta, or try a new kind that you learn about from ABC Pasta!
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen, ill. by Holly Clifton-Brown
All of these breathing exercises are fun and accessible for anyone. After trying a few (or all!), create your own mindful breathing technique! Maybe think about your favorite animal and how they breathe.
Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School (from the Amelia Bedelia series) by Herman Parish, ill. by Lynne Avril
Amelia Bedelia has a very exciting first day of school! Jump rope, make an animal out of clay, and sing like birds, just as Amelia Bedelia does.
Eva and Sadie and the Best Classroom Ever! (from the Eva and Sadie series) by Jeff Choen, ill. by Elanna Allen
Froggy Goes to School (from the Froggy series) by Jonathan London, ill. by Frank Remkiewicz
Sometimes, Froggy is a bit forgetful because of how excited and nervous he is. Draw a checklist of things that Froggy needs to do, and bring, to get ready for his first day of school. After you’ve helped out Froggy, make your very own Back to School checklist.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
I adore Kenard Pak’s season picture books. In this one, a young girl takes a walk through her town, noticing the animals, plants, and weather around her. Take a walk with a friend and notice how your neighborhood prepares for Autumn.
How Rocket Learned to Read (from the Rocket series) by Tad Hills
Practice writing the words that Rocket learns and practices in this story. Use things like sand, Play-Doh, mud, slime, water, beads, etc. Make it as sensory as possible!
I’m Worried by Micahel Ian Black, ill. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Boy, do I wish this book was around when I was in elementary school! Make your own Worry Potato/Stone that you can keep with you whenever you need it. Go on a stone hunt, and when you find the perfect stone, paint it, color it, add stickers...whatever you’d like to make it just right for you.
Llama Llama Misses Mama (from the Llama Llama series) by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama makes a lot of new and awesome friends on his first day. Play a game of charades, acting out each of his friends, with friends of your own!
Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Words (from the Maisy series) by Lucy Cousins
Maisy was one of my favorite characters, growing up. After learning Maisy’s words, write and draw your very own Big Book of Words! What words would you have for your house, when you’re busy, what things are noisy to you, etc? Think about what words are the same, or different, to Maisy’s.
Maple & Willow Apart (from the Maple & Willow series) by Lori Nichols
Maple and Willow like to speak in Pig Latin to each other. Have you ever spoken in Pig Latin? Try it! My sister and I loved to come up with new ways to communicate to only one another (our Knocking Code was uncrackable to anyone else). Once you’ve mastered Pig Latin, come up with your own secret language with someone special.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, ill. by Taeeun Yoo
One of my favorites about inclusivity. Imagine that you and your friends join the club that the boy, the girl, and their pets make in Strictly No Elephants. Draw a picture of the things you and your pet love to do together in the club. If you don’t have a pet, think of what pet, any pet, you would love to have!
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. by Rafael López
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, ill. by Hatem Aly
In her Author’s Note at the end of the story, Ibtihaj Muhammad talks about her experiences of wearing hijab in school, and how that inspired her to write her book. Talk to someone about what inspiration means to you. Is there anyone in your life who inspires you?
*For older children: If you were to write a book about something you have experienced in school, what would it be about?
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Do you have a favorite dinosaur? Make a snack that they would enjoy if they went to school with you! If you don’t have a favorite dinosaur, visit your local library to find nonfiction books about different types of dinosaurs!
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell