Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill

With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.

A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech

Tillie attends a fine, fine school where students learn through creative and exciting activities. But when the principal decides school should take place on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and even during the summer, everyone begins to wonder if there can really be too much school!

A Smart Smart School by Sharon Creech

Mr. Keene encourages creativity, art, music, and fun in his classroom until he suddenly becomes ill and is replaced by the strict Mr. Tatters, who bans fun and gives constant tests. When Mr. Keene returns, students learn the importance of balancing creativity and learning.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munsun

It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily, Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy!

Yo! Yes? By Chris Raschka

Two kids meet on a street. “Yo!” says one. “Yes?” says the other. And so begins a conversation that turns strangers into friends. 

We Share Everything! by Robert Munsch

On the first day of kindergarten, Amanda and Jeremiah both want to use the same books and art supplies and refuse to share. After their teacher reminds them that kindergarten is all about sharing, the two classmates decide to take her words very seriously and begin sharing everything — even their clothes!

First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John

As the first day of school approaches, a group of nervous animals worries about everything from backpacks to sitting still. But when they arrive at school, they discover that their teacher is nervous too! Together, they learn how to help one another through their first day jitters.

A Letter from My Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen

Written as a letter from a teacher to her students, this heartwarming read aloud reminds children that their teacher is there not only to help them learn, but also to encourage, support, and care for them throughout the school year.

💡 Looking for an extension activity for A Letter from My Teacher on the First Day of School? Click here!

Be Big! Beatrice’s First Day of First Grade by Katie Kizer

 Be Big! follows Beatrice, a little girl in a blue tutu who is nervous about being herself as she begins first grade. With encouragement from Benjamin the butterfly, Beatrice learns to face her fears, be brave, and embrace what makes her unique.

💡 Looking for an extension activity for Be Big Beatrice’s First Day of First Grade? Click here!

Back to School Rules by Laurie Friedman

If you can follow his ten simple rules, making the grade will be a piece of cake (and school will be a lot of fun). But there’s more to school than showing up on time and staying awake in class. If you have any doubts, Percy also shows exactly what not to do

💡 Looking for an extension activity for Back to School Rules? Click here!

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worries about everything, but her biggest worry of all is starting school. When the first day finally arrives, and she meets a new friend, Wemberly discovers that school is much too fun to spend time worrying.

💡 Looking for an extension activity for Wemberly Worried? Click here!

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

As school begins in the forest, Chester Raccoon feels nervous about leaving home. To comfort him, Mrs. Raccoon shares the family secret of the Kissing Hand, reminding Chester that her love is always with him. This heartwarming classic helps children cope with separation anxiety and first day of school jitters.

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London

Froggy’s mother knows that everyone’s nervous on the first day of school. “Not me!” says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop — flop flop flop.]