Back to school

Summer is slipping away, and Llama Llama wishes backyard campouts, picnics, and ice-cream days could last forever. As Mama Llama shops for supplies and the first morning arrives, jitters flutter... there are lines to stand in, hands to raise, rules to learn, and a brand-new rhythm to the day. Then Llama notices a shy newcomer, a small rhino, and turns worry into welcome by sharing crayons, showing how to glue, and inviting play. Told in rhyme and featuring lovely illustrations. I love how this book gently reframes first-day nerves as excitement for discovery, friendship, and community. A reminder that courage grows when we help one another and that the best way to start a new year is together.

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Angelina walks into class feeling different... her lunch, her summer, even her voice don’t match the stories around her. She’s not alone. Rigoberto worries about his accent, others feel small next to big summer adventures they didn’t have. But then Angelina shares her own story, and something changes... heads turn, smiles appear, and connections start to grow. This lyrical book, with its rich, colorful illustrations, reminds my class that everyone has a story worth telling. It’s a celebration of the moment we choose to speak up, and how that moment can turn strangers into friends.

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The crayons are just as eager for the first day as my students! Each one can’t wait for their favorite subject... Purple loves math, White is excited for reading, Yellow and Orange can’t wait for science, and Black dreams of writing stories. But they all agree that art class is the best part of the day. With playful humor and great illustrations, this is a good one to help ease those "first day jitters".

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Part of the adorable “How to” series, these students instruct the reader how to get your teacher ready for school. It covers just about everything you’ll need to know in preparation for the whole year. I love this humorous style of writing and the role reversal aspect always has the kids laughing.

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Mae has declared one thing loud and clear: she is not going to school. What if the other kids don’t like her? What if she’s the only one who can’t write? What if she misses her mom... She retreats into a sturdy tree by the school door. Soon, Rosie joins her, she's also nervous. And then Ms. Pearl appears… it’s the teacher, confessing her own jitters: What if the kids don’t like her? What if she spells “Tuesday” wrong? In that moment they realize they’re not alone in their worries. They come down from the tree, join the teacher and all face first day jitters together. With expressive, mixed-media illustrations and humor that honors rather than dismisses anxiety. This is a great choice and a reassuring story that celebrates bravery and facing the first day together.

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This book is cute and reassuring for all those kids feeling anxiety about starting school. It follows a young boy as he goes through the process of starting the new school year. It’s presented in a very realistic way, from open house to shopping for school supplies. Love the theme, guaranteed to leave children feeling like there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. School is actually pretty fun.

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Danbi’s first day at her American school feels overwhelming—new faces, unfamiliar games, and a language she doesn’t yet understand. But when she shares her colorful lunch and teaches a classmate to use chopsticks, the classroom transforms. Soon, everyone is joining in a joyful, impromptu parade led by Danbi herself. It’s a beautiful reminder that each child’s uniqueness is something to celebrate, and that a little courage can turn strangers into friends.

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A wonderful book about the first day of school and the anxiety that comes with it. Little Mark is worried about it and afraid he won’t make friends or that it won’t go well. He expresses his feelings to his parents and they empathize with him and make him feel a bit better. After getting to school he meets some new friends and realizes it’s all going to be okay after all. This book is written in a soothing style with lovely language. It rhymes and has excellent illustrations. I think this book can offer children some comfort as they face the first day of school but more than that, any child experiencing anxiety will find the compassion and coping mechanisms within this book to be uplifting. This is a wonderful book to add to your children’s bookshelf.

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Camilla Cream loves lima beans but doesn't eat them because she’s worried her classmates will tease her. Even though she loves them she'll go without. The first day of school arrives and she's excited... to her surprise she wakes up covered in bright, colorful stripes from head to toe! At school, her appearance keeps changing from stars, checkerboards, even the American flag. Doctors, specialists, and even a bizarre “cure” involving a strange concoction fail to help. Finally, a wise old woman offers Camilla one simple remedy: eat the lima beans she’s been avoiding. Camilla does—and the stripes vanish for good. Back at school, she proudly enjoys her favorite food, knowing that being yourself is far more important than fitting in. This vibrant, humorous, and slightly surreal tale always gets my students talking about peer pressure, self-confidence, and the joy of embracing what makes us unique.

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Super cute book about the first day of school. Two sisters go to school and are put into different classes. After experiencing some first day anxiety Dee makes a new friend and realizes school is pretty great. This book is a perfect bedtime read especially useful to ease the first day worries your little one might be experiencing. The illustrations are very professional and age appropriate too. Definitely an excellent choice for your next trip to the book store.

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Hugely entertaining and creative! I think every kid out there has fantasized about how to make their school better. This book will only ignite their imagination more, these illustrations are fantastic. I’m a huge fan of this author and this book is a wonder addition to the series.

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Very relatable back to school book. Story flows nicely and is humorous while also including a moral. The main characters are in 7th grade and although they aren’t the youngest anymore they still have to deal with the 8th graders. When they start dealing with some bullies in the cafeteria they need to stick together, so they form a club. As the club’s popularity grows will Toby and friends switch places with the bullies?

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Little Penguin is certain he was “hatched to fly.” With the “soul of an eagle” but the body of, well, a penguin, he signs up for flight school alongside all the graceful flying birds, determined to soar. Despite wearing goggles and practicing “flip, flap, flip, flap,” every leap results in a splash. Just as his dream begins to sink, Flamingo and Teacher step in with a clever solution... an ingenious harness of feathers and fishing line to lift him skyward. For a brief, glorious moment, Penguin takes flight, feeling lighter than he’s ever been. Even though it doesn’t last, that single flight fills him with joy enough to return, eager to help another friend dare to fly too. With gently humorous text and expressive art, this story becomes a charming celebration of perseverance, creative problem-solving, and the power of community.

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Trust me bringing an alligator to school isn’t a good idea. If you don’t believe me it’s worth reading this book. This cautionary tale is sure to get some laughs.

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Very well written chapter book with great characters. Makes for a wonderful read aloud. It’s a day in the life of a group of kids on their first day of school. It’s really upbeat and left me with a big smile on my face. Looking forward to the next book for sure!

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