20 Back-to-School Picture Books

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Drew Brockington ; illustrated by Drew Brockington

A fabulous, funny take on the new-kid and first-day-of-school concepts, especially for animal lovers. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Tiffany Haddish & Jerdine Nolen ; illustrated by Jessica Gibson

A winner on many levels. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by John Schu ; illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison

A full-hearted valentine. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Vera Ahiyya ; illustrated by Joey Chou

Will help alleviate fears and start kids thinking about ways to create their own KINDergartens. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Young Vo ; illustrated by Young Vo

A visually and emotionally immersive immigration story. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Anna Dewdney & Reed Duncan ; illustrated by JT Morrow

Another solid addition to the beloved series. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Elizabeth Olsen & Robbie Arnett ; illustrated by Marissa Valdez

An approachable, child-friendly guide to processing anxiety. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Anoosha Syed ; illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Affirming and empowering; a story that will resonate with many children and a lot of adults, too. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Ellie Peterson ; illustrated by Ellie Peterson

Readers will be making their own lists, perhaps before the last page is turned. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

Schoolhouse bliss. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Carrie Finison ; illustrated by Erin Kraan

Hurry to read this adorable, delightful twist on a very familiar tale. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Kat Zhang ; illustrated by Charlene Chua

Full of warmth indeed. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Karen Yin ; illustrated by Bonnie Lui

A fun, ghostly spin on trading blending in for standing out. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Bellen Woodard ; illustrated by Fanny Liem

An inspirational look at one girl’s quest to make sure that all skin tones are visible and available in the classroom. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Irene Latham & Charles Waters ; illustrated by Nabila Adani

A charming and welcome read bound to help cultivate a kinder next generation. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Barbara DiLorenzo ; illustrated by Barbara DiLorenzo

A sweet, specific, and straightforward tale of dealing with good and bad in the world. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Erin Guendelsberger ; illustrated by Suzie Mason

Cleverly relatable. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf

by Becky Scharnhorst ; illustrated by Julia Patton

A relatable tale that will bolster the spirits of readers dreading their own field trips. Full review >

get a copy

bookshelf