Books About The First Day Of School · 236 titles considered

The Best The First Day Of School Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about the first day of 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The First Day Of School

The New Kid at School
Sale price
$1734
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1997

The New Kid at School

By Kate Mcmullan, Bill Basso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Dragon Slayers' Academy series

A young boy named Wiglaf enrolls in Dragon Slayers' Academy to learn how to slay dragons and bring home treasure.

112 pages· 10,090 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,311 ratings
$18.25Save 5%
Prebound-Sewn
Summary: Wiglaf's life takes a wild turn when a minstrel predicts his heroic future. Enrolling at the Dragon Slayers' Academy, he faces a daunting challenge: his aversion to blood. As he navigates this perilous path, Wiglaf must confront his fears and discover if he truly has what it takes to become a dragon slayer. Will he rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure? Join Wiglaf on his journey filled with unexpected twists and humorous encounters at the academy, where every student has a secret and a dream.
How Not to Start Third Grade
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

How Not to Start Third Grade

By Cathy Hapka, Ellen Titlebaum, Debbie Palen (Illustrator)

A boy navigates the challenges of starting a new school year with his energetic and mischievous little brother by his side

48 pages· 1,715 words· Est. 20 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 464 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Will's excitement for third grade is overshadowed by his little brother Steve's kindergarten debut. Chaos ensues as Steve's antics bring unexpected challenges and embarrassing moments. Can Will survive the school year with his troublesome sibling in tow? Discover the hilarious trials of brotherhood and school life in this engaging tale for young readers.
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2012

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

By Wanda Coven, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Heidi Heckelbeck series

A young girl navigates her first day of school and discovers she has magical powers

128 pages· 4,680 words· Est. 52 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,755 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Heidi Heckelbeck, an eight-year-old witch in disguise, faces her first day at Brewster Elementary. Bullied by Melanie, Heidi's day turns sour. But with her Book of Spells and a special medallion, she might just have the magic to turn the tables. Can Heidi balance her secret powers with the challenges of school life, or will her magic cause more trouble than it's worth? Dive into Heidi's enchanting world where a little magic might just solve her biggest problems.
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

By Stephanie Greene, Stephanie Sisson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Princess Posey, First Grader series

A first grader faces her fears without her magical tutu. Can she find courage within?

96 pages· 2,627 words· Est. 30 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 846 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Posey dreads her first day of first grade, especially without her confidence-boosting tutu. Alone, she must brave the daunting Blue Hall. But when she inspires a parade where kids wear what comforts them, school suddenly seems less scary. Will Posey discover her inner strength and charm her way through this new adventure?
Little Lucy Goes to School
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Little Lucy Goes to School

By Ilene Cooper

A curious beagle explores school, searching for her friend. Can she find him?

48 pages· 928 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 177 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Lucy, the adventurous beagle, is determined to discover what her friend Bobby does at school all day. When she gets the chance to visit, she embarks on a playful journey through the lunchroom and library. But will her curiosity lead her to Bobby, or will she get lost in the excitement? Join Lucy on her delightful quest and see if she can reunite with her friend in this charming tale perfect for young independent readers.
Trouble at Trident Academy
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2012

Trouble at Trident Academy

By Debbie Dadey, Tatevik Avakyan (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mermaid Tales series

Two mermaid friends navigate the challenges of school and friendship in an underwater city

112 pages· 6,257 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 710 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Shelly Siren, a nervous mermaid, faces her first day at Trident Academy. Amidst smart, pretty classmates, she finds comfort in her friend Echo. But when a school assignment sparks a rift, troublemaker Pearl escalates the tension. Can Shelly navigate these underwater challenges and mend her friendship with Echo? Dive into a world of mermaids, mischief, and the quest for belonging.
Judy Moody Was in a Mood
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2000

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Judy Moody series

Judy Moody faces third grade with a bad mood and a unique class project.

176 pages· 11,142 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 19,092 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Judy Moody starts third grade in a terrible mood, dreading her new classroom and seating arrangement. With a passion for medicine and a quirky collection of Band-Aids, Judy's individuality shines. When Mr. Todd assigns a special project, Judy's creativity is unleashed. Can this project turn her mood around and reveal her true self? Dive into Judy's world of humor and attitude as she navigates school challenges and discovers the power of self-expression.
Little Witch Goes to School
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1998

Little Witch Goes to School

By Deborah Hautzig · Book #3 in the Little Witch series

A young witch must be bad to attend school. Will she succeed or cause chaos?

48 pages· 1,352 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 227 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Little Witch dreams of joining her friends at school, but her mother insists she learn magic at home. When Mother Witch finally relents, it's with a peculiar condition: Little Witch must be as naughty as possible. As she navigates broomstick rides and magical mishaps, will Little Witch manage to fit in, or will her attempts at mischief lead to unexpected chaos? Dive into a world of mixed-up magic and quirky humor in this enchanting tale of schoolyard adventures and witchy challenges.
Dancing Dinos Go to School
Sale price
$1544
Picture Book · Ages 4–6

Dancing Dinos Go to School

By Sally Lucas, Margeaux Lucas (Illustrator) · Dancing Dinos series

Dinosaurs spend their day playing, learning, and having fun in school.

32 pages· 120 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 557 ratings
$16.25Save 5%
Prebound-Sewn
Summary: When a magical book opens in the school library, dancing dinosaurs leap out, turning a quiet classroom into a whirlwind of musical chaos. Can the kids restore order before it's too late? Join the fun in this rhyming adventure perfect for young readers eager to explore the world of words.
Little Critter Goes to School
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2020

Little Critter Goes to School

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

First day of school adventure with new friends and surprises.

32 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 148 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Little Critter embarks on his first school day, filled with excitement and nerves. As he boards the bus, meets his teacher, and makes new friends, each moment is a step into the unknown. Will he find his place in this new world? Perfect for young readers, this story captures the thrill and challenges of starting school, using simple words and engaging illustrations to guide children through Little Critter's journey. Discover the joys and surprises of a new beginning with Little Critter!
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

The First Day Of School Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about the first day of school for the youngest readers and listeners.

Hello Preschool!
Sale price
$799

Hello Preschool!

Ages 1–3 · 2021

Discover the wonders of preschool through exciting first experiences.

Spot Loves School
Series
Sale price
$599

Spot Loves School

Ages 3–5 · 2008

Spot's first school day is full of fun and new friends. Will he want to return tomorrow?

View all the first day of school board books
Browse by age

The First Day Of School Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the first day of school for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Proudest Blue
Series
Sale price
$1799

The Proudest Blue

Ages 4–8

Two sisters navigate their first day of school with one of them wearing a hijab for the first time.

Gibberish
Sale price
$1799

Gibberish

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young boy named Dat navigates a new environment where everyone speaks a language he doesn't understand.

Home in a Lunchbox
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

Home in a Lunchbox

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A young immigrant finds comfort and belonging through familiar meals in a new world.

Mr. S
Sale price
$1999

Mr. S

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A missing teacher, a mysterious sandwich, and chaos in kindergarten. Who is Mr. S?

That's Not My Name!
Sale price
$1899

That's Not My Name!

Ages 3–5 · 2022

A young girl struggles to get her classmates and teachers to pronounce her name correctly on her first day of school.

My Name Is Yoon
Sale price
$1899

My Name Is Yoon

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A girl navigates identity and belonging in a new country through the power of names.

School's First Day of School
Sale price
$1899

School's First Day of School

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A school building narrates its first day of operation and its interactions with students and staff.

View all the first day of school picture books
Browse by age

The First Day Of School Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the first day of school for developing and independent readers.

Emmy in the Key of Code
Sale price
$799

Emmy in the Key of Code

Ages 8–12 · 2019

New girl Emmy finds harmony in coding and music, but secrets threaten her newfound rhythm.

Drat! You Copycat!
Series
Sale price
$2565

Drat! You Copycat!

Ages 6–9 · 2003

A wish gone awry turns Katie into someone else. Can she navigate friendship and identity?

Mr. Wolf's Class
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

Mr. Wolf's Class

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young girl navigates her first day of school, making new friends and getting into humorous misadventures along the way.

Supers
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Supers

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Three siblings with secret powers navigate a new school while hiding from discovery.

View all the first day of school chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about new experiencesBooks about danceBooks about dinosaursBooks about dragonsBooks about facing fearsBooks about habits and behaviorBooks about mermaidsBooks about sea creatures