The new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to prepare children for another exciting adventure in the world of learning. Back-to-school read-aloud books are one of the best ways to get them ready and excited for the new school year. These captivating stories not only entertain but also instill valuable life lessons, promote creativity, and foster a love for reading.

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Engaging Back To School Books
Going back to school is an exciting time for kids, and read-aloud books can help ease the transition and spark their interest in learning. Here are some wonderful back-to-school read-aloud books for kids:
First Day Jitters
Join Sarah Jane Hartwell as she experiences first-day jitters on her first day at a new school. This humorous tale navigates the common anxieties of starting fresh and the eventual realization that new beginnings can lead to wonderful friendships.
The Kissing Hand
When young Chester the raccoon feels anxious about starting school, his mother shares a heartwarming secret – the “kissing hand.” This tender story about separation anxiety and the power of a mother’s love is sure to comfort and reassure young readers.
This is a School
A school isn’t just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community. It is a place of hope and healing, even when that community can’t be together in the same room.
Lunch Every Day
Otoshi uses her vibrant palette and probing storytelling to great effect as the story of a bullying victim actually sheds light on the other victim in the story—the bully himself. Readers will be immediately connected to the plight of the target during a painful opening scene in the cafeteria where a young boy is preyed upon and his lunch is stolen. But the story quickly deepens, and the bully’s own victimization at the hands of his older brothers is portrayed.
Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School
Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this bright and funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character.
Shy Robin The First Day of School
A little hippo finds that looking out for a new friend can turn shyness into bravery in Jaime Kim’s sweetly illustrated story about the first day of school.

Even Monsters Go to School
In the vein of the bestselling How Do Dinosaurs…? series, this follow-up to Even Monsters Need to Sleep is a fresh and humorous back-to-school picture book.
Friends
Celebrate the wonder of new friends, old friends, and everything-in-between friends in this joyful, resonant picture book that’s“a delightful springboard to stimulate creative ideas and spark conversations
Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!
How can there be homework when it’s only the first day of school? Splat must pick only one of all of his fun summer adventures to share with his classmates at show-and-tell. But in the end, Splat may find that the best part of his summer wasn’t an adventure at all. . . .
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by James Dean and Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat is back, and he’s ready for the first day of school! Join him as he explores the school campus, from the library to the lunchroom, in his cool, groovy way. This rhythmic and colorful read-aloud will have kids singing and dancing along.
The Teacher’s Pet
When their class tadpoles are big enough, Mr. Stricter tells his students they can keep just one. The class chooses Bruno, the smallest of the bunch. But Bruno doesn’t stay that way for long. Soon, he’s grown into a giant, classroom-wrecking creature: he eats desks, he farts for show-and-tell, and he sneezes slime all over everything!
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a little mouse with a unique name, but she soon faces teasing and mockery from her classmates. This touching story teaches children about self-acceptance, the importance of embracing differences, and the power of resilience.
The Day You Begin
In this beautifully illustrated book, Jacqueline Woodson captures the feelings of being an outsider and the courage it takes to connect with others. It encourages children to embrace their individuality and find strength in sharing their stories.
Lupe Lopez Rock Star Rules
When a sassy drummer starts kindergarten, the rules of school cramp her style. What’s a young rock star to do?
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
The Pigeon is back, and he’s not thrilled about going to school! Follow his hilarious attempts to evade the inevitable and discover the exciting adventures that await him in the classroom.
All Are Welcome
In a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, this book emphasizes the importance of acceptance and unity in a school community. Follow a group of children from different backgrounds as they come together, learn, and play in harmony.
Back To School Toy Rotation
Rotating toys offers a multitude of developmental and practical benefits for children. By regularly introducing new playthings while temporarily shelving others, children are more likely to maintain their interest and engagement with their toys, fostering creativity and imagination. This practice also helps in managing clutter and maintaining an organized play environment. Furthermore, rotating toys can aid in teaching kids the value of sharing and delayed gratification, as they eagerly anticipate rediscovering their temporarily stored toys. Overall, this simple strategy not only enhances a child’s cognitive and emotional growth but also contributes to a harmonious and stimulating play space for optimal learning and enjoyment.

Engaging Back To School Read Alouds
Back-to-school read-aloud books offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to the joys of learning, ease any worries they may have, and set the stage for a successful and enjoyable school year. Whether it’s dealing with first-day jitters, making new friends, or embracing individuality, these captivating stories teach valuable life lessons while inspiring creativity and a love for reading. So, grab a book, gather the kids, and embark on an exciting journey of learning and fun together!
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