Books About Back-to-school

The Best Back-to-school Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to School, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about back-to-school? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Back-to-school

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

By Ryan T. Higgins · Book #1 in the Penelope Rex series

A young T. rex named Penelope starts school and learns that it's not acceptable to eat her classmates.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2019)Cybils Award (2018)

40 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,337 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Penelope Rex is excited for her first day at school, but making friends is tricky when her classmates seem like tasty snacks. When the tables turn, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about friendship and food chains. Will she find her place among her peers, or will her appetite get the best of her?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1978

The Berenstain Bears Go to School

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

A young bear starts kindergarten and learns to navigate the challenges and joys of school.

32 pages· 853 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 20,057 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Sister Bear is anxious about starting kindergarten in Bear Country. As the new school year begins, she worries about her teacher, making friends, and what her days will be like. Will she find joy in the unknown? This charming tale explores overcoming first-day jitters, offering comfort and excitement for young readers. With over 50 bonus stickers, it's a delightful read-aloud that reassures and rewards.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

The King of Kindergarten

By Derrick Barnes, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator) · King of Kindergarten series

A child prepares for their first day of kindergarten.

32 pages· 554 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,633 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: On his first day of kindergarten, a young boy feels like royalty, ready to conquer new adventures. With a crown of confidence, he dives into a world of new friends and experiences. Will his enthusiasm carry him through this exciting milestone? Join him as he navigates a day filled with challenges and triumphs, eager to share his journey with his proud parents. This heartwarming tale promises to inspire and reassure young readers embarking on their own school adventures.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Fancy Nancy: Time for Puppy School

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

A young girl prepares to start school while dealing with her mischievous dog's antics.

32 pages· 474 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 219 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nancy eagerly anticipates school but worries about leaving her playful puppy, Frenchy, behind. After a summer of fun, Frenchy's antics lead to a decision: it's time for puppy school! As Nancy prepares for her own school days, she wonders if Frenchy will learn to behave. Will puppy school transform Frenchy's naughty ways, or will chaos continue? Join Nancy and Frenchy on this delightful journey of learning and friendship, perfect for young readers discovering the joy of reading.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2005

Kindergarten Rocks!

By Katie Davis

A kindergartener's first day turns adventurous when his stuffed dog goes missing.

32 pages· 695 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 519 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dexter Dugan faces his first day of kindergarten with his stuffed dog, Rufus, who is more nervous than he is. With his sister Jessie's guidance, Dexter navigates new experiences, from a friendly teacher to a bustling lunchroom. But when Rufus disappears during recess, will Jessie save the day before school ends? This charming tale explores the excitement and fears of starting school, promising laughter and reassurance for young readers.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

First Grade Stinks!

By Mary Ann Rodman, Beth Spiegel (Illustrator)

First grade isn't what Hayley expected. Can she find joy in the changes?

32 pages· 910 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 230 ratings

$8.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: On her first day of first grade, Hayley is eager but soon disappointed. The classroom lacks color, and her teacher, Ms. Gray, isn't as cheerful as her kindergarten teacher. With less playtime, Hayley declares, "First grade stinks!" Can her compassionate teacher help her embrace the new school year? Discover how Hayley navigates unmet expectations and finds her way through change.

Sale price

$1544

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown

By Paula Danziger · Book #4 in the A Is for Amber series

Amber faces second grade with a plan to handle mean classmates and new challenges.

48 pages· 1,469 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 315 ratings

$16.25Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Amber Brown is both excited and anxious about starting second grade. With a potentially mean classmate, Hannah, and an unknown teacher, Amber's nerves are on edge. But with her best friend Justin by her side, she decides to face whatever comes her way. Will Amber's determination be enough to tackle the surprises of second grade? Discover how Amber navigates friendships and school challenges in this engaging tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

First Day Critter Jitters

By Jory John, Liz Climo (Illustrator) · Critter Jitters series

Nervous animals face first-day school jitters, only to find their teacher is just as anxious.

40 pages· 917 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 759 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: As the first day of school looms, Sloth, Snake, and Bunny are filled with jitters. Sloth fears tardiness, Snake struggles with his backpack, and Bunny worries about staying still. But when they meet their teacher, an equally nervous Armadillo, they realize they're not alone. Together, they learn to conquer their fears and discover that school isn't so scary after all. Will they help each other find the courage to face the unknown?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Puppy Bus

By Drew Brockington

A boy's first day at a new school takes a wild turn when he ends up at Puppy School.

40 pages· 311 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 419 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nervous about his first day at a new school, a boy accidentally boards a bus to Puppy School. Amidst barking classmates and peculiar lessons, he must navigate this unexpected adventure. Will he find friendship in this canine chaos, or will the day end in disaster? Discover how a mix-up leads to unexpected bonds and a fresh start in a world where wagging tails and new beginnings collide.

Back-to-School Fright from the Black Lagoon

Sale price

$3251

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2008

Back-to-School Fright from the Black Lagoon

By Mike Thaler, Jared D. Lee (Illustrator) · Black Lagoon Adventures series

Can Hubie outsmart the clock and extend his summer vacation?

64 pages· 2,028 words· Est. 23 min read

3.9 Goodreads · 196 ratings

$34.22Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Hubie faces the end of summer with dread as his mother insists on back-to-school shopping. Desperate to prolong his freedom, he concocts wild schemes to delay the inevitable return to school. Will Hubie find a way to keep summer alive, or is he destined for the classroom? Dive into his hilarious attempts and discover if he can outwit the ticking clock.

The Bookroo Book Club