5 Back to School Picture Books

Aubrey De Jesus • August 16, 2024

A new school year is on our doorstep, and for most kids (mine included), the new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. There’s a new teacher, new classmates, harder coursework, more homework. Plus, we are mourning the end of summer and all the fun we had. 

We want our children to be excited about the new school year and face the new challenges bravely. One way to garner some excitement for the new school year is to read special back to school picture books. Here are five books to get you started! (And don’t worry, kids of all ages love to be read to, so encourage your older children to sit in on your read aloud, too!)

Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney

Summary: Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn’t ready for summertime to end. It's been full of backyard camping, family picnics, and ice cream with friends. All he wants is for summer to go on forever! He’s anxious about his first day back at school but maybe, with some help from his friends and Mama Llama, going back to school will be fun after all!


Everyone loves Llama Llama, and this edition where Llama Llama struggles with letting go of summertime and all the fun that entails and gearing up for school (and realizing school can be fun, too!) just hits the spot. I especially love the rhyming in this one.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Summary: Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?


This is one of my all time favorites about a little girl who struggles to hang onto her confidence (with the help of a special someone). This heartwarming story covers tolerance for others, and loving what makes you special and unique.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to Rosie’s surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.


Nearly every student (and teacher!) experiences those first day jitters, and this heartwarming book tells children they are not alone in those feelings, and that they, too, can be brave and free those butterflies. 

My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I am Not) by Peter Brown

Summary: A young boy named Bobby has the worst teacher. She's loud, she yells, and if you throw paper airplanes, she won't allow you to enjoy recess. She is a monster! Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Until one day... he finds his teacher there! Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.


This hilarious picture book reminds students that their teacher is a regular person, just like them! It also teaches children to look beyond someone’s first appearance and you may find that you can understand them a little better if you do. 

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

Summary: The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends. . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class. A humorous, small hardcover back-to-school story from everyone's favorite school supplies.


Everyone loves the Crayons, and this Back to School edition is no exception. Children especially love the illustrations, and their quirky antics are just too adorable. 

Hopefully these picture books not only help your child with those back to school jitters, but also gets them excited about the year to come! It’s going to be a great one!

5 Black History Month Picture Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • February 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new postFebruary is known for two major events: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. This is a great opportunity to check out some picture books detailing the accomplishments of Black Americans both past and present. I’ve rounded up 5 picture books you can read with your kids or students this month to give them a better understanding of why it is important to celebrate these accomplishments. These books should be a stepping point to further conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and empathy. We were all made in the Lord’s image and deserve respect and acceptance by all. I’ve also made sure to include books that reach beyond just slavery and civil rights movements since Black History Month extends beyond that.

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By Aubrey De Jesus • January 7, 2025
There’s something so exciting and invigorating about starting a new year. It is full of promise and the opportunity to grow. During this time, many adults make new year’s resolutions and goals to help set their year on the right path, so why can’t our kids set goals, too?

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By Aubrey De Jesus • December 13, 2024
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By Aubrey De Jesus • November 6, 2024
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By Aubrey De Jesus • October 7, 2024
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Should Your Child Participate in After School Activities?

By Aubrey DeJesus • September 12, 2024
According to the 2014 Census, 57% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in after school activities. Most of this percentage refers to sports (35%), but also includes clubs or lessons (like music, dance, or languages). Like everything, after school activities have both pros and cons, and while some children may thrive on these extracurricular activities, others may get worn down and it ends up being more of a drawback. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of a child participating in after school activities.

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By Aubrey De Jesus • July 16, 2024
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How to Tackle Summer Reading

By Aubrey DeJesus • June 18, 2024
Even for kids who love to read, there’s just something about books that are required that have less appeal. However, almost all schools require summer reading (including here at KCS starting in 2nd grade). Usually these books will be centered around a project or assignment once your child returns to school. Aside from preparing your child for one of their first projects or tests of the year, the goal for summer reading is to keep your kids from backsliding too much and losing their reading growth. It also helps them keep those reading fluency and comprehension skills honed. Here are a few ways to help tackle that summer reading to make it as painless and fun as possible!

Book Recommendations: Middle Grade Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • May 13, 2024
Middle Grade books are books designed for children ages 8-12 years old, or in 3rd through 6th grades. These books are designed for children who have outgrown chapter books, but are not yet ready for the heavier materials in Young Adult books (ages 12-18). Middle grade fiction tends to focus on pre-teens who are experiencing things that most children their age experience - making friends, moving to a new house/school, and sibling interactions. Summer is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for some books to keep your middle grade child engaged in reading till school starts back up, here are some recommendations to get you started.

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By Aubrey De Jesus • April 9, 2024
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