21 Back-to-School Picture Books

by Becky Scharnhorst ; illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

A charming back-to-school book for the nervous octopus in all of us. Full review >

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by Justin Roberts ; illustrated by Paola Escobar

Will help children conquer their jitters while preparing to go back to school—or anytime. Full review >

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by Aisha Saeed ; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A loving and lyrical tale about belonging. Full review >

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by Bethany V. Freitas ; illustrated by Maja Andersen

Buoyant and useful—for children, teachers, and parents alike. Full review >

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by Monica Arnaldo ; illustrated by Monica Arnaldo

Far from stale and ripe for repeat reading. Full review >

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by Tom Brenner ; illustrated by Jen Hill

A back-to-school book refreshingly focused on the sensory feel of the familiar season. Full review >

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by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo & Pat Zietlow Miller ; illustrated by Joe Cepeda

A winning primer on how to rock reading. Full review >

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by Kallie George ; illustrated by Jay Fleck

A sweet addition to the back-to-school shelf. Full review >

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by Kerascoët ; illustrated by Kerascoët

A bear-y good choice for storytime. Full review >

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by Jaime Kim ; illustrated by Jaime Kim

Encouragement for those who are exuberant, loud, and full of energy…but only at home. Full review >

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by Cara Devins ; illustrated by K-Fai Steele

A charming portrayal of a whimsical trickster librarian who knows how to get kids reading. Full review >

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by Kaz Windness ; illustrated by Kaz Windness

A darling book for all children but especially those with autism. Full review >

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by Sendy Santamaria ; illustrated by Sendy Santamaria

A going-to-school story elevated by a mother’s devotion and a child’s dedication. Full review >

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by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough with Adriano Lucas

A thrilling story with a sound takeaway: Compassionate teachers are the real superheroes. Full review >

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by Mónica Mancillas ; illustrated by Betty C. Tang

Sure to help kids conquer first-day-of-school fears. Full review >

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by Simon Rich ; illustrated by Tom Toro

Will give children the emotional distance to process their own first-day jitters. Full review >

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by Lucy Morris ; illustrated by Lucy Morris

Contemplative fare for thoughtful young worriers. Full review >

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by Janet Nolan ; illustrated by Maria Neradova

Energetic, instructive, and endearing. Full review >

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by Rachel Vail ; illustrated by Hyewon Yum

Comfort for both children and parents in an all-too-familiar situation. Full review >

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by Benson Shum ; illustrated by Benson Shum

A playful, funny, and heartfelt tale to soothe the back-to-school blues. Full review >

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by Toni Collier & Whitney Bak ; illustrated by Natalie Vasilica

Religious-themed affirmation to help steel little ones fretting about school. Full review >

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