School Themed Picture Books

Are you still settling into school mode? If so, maybe reading a book (or two, or three) from this school-themed list might be a nice way to finish getting acclimated! These books can be a great reminder of the wonderful aspects of the educational world– friends, fun, learning, and finding a home away from home!

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. S picture book cover art

 

Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo (PreK - 1st gr.)

PICTURE ARNALDO

When a kindergarten class arrives for the first day at school, they are greeted only by the words "Mr. S" on the chalkboard and a delicious-looking sandwich, resulting in merry mayhem as the kids wonder if the sandwich is their teacher.

 

 

 

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

 

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE CHILD (SCHOOL STORIES)

Not happy about having to go to school, Lola explains to her older brother that there are many good reasons why she doesn't need to attend; but after Charlie tells her about all the fun things that go on there, Lola becomes less nervous and starts looking forward to attending her first day with her special invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, at her side.

 

 

Yellow Bus picture book cover art

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE LONG

There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in... pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy. As time passes, things change, until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.

 

School Book cover art by Todd Parr

 

The School Book by Todd Parr (PreK - 1st gr.)

PICTURE PARR (SCHOOL STORIES)

With his trademark bright colors and bold lines, Todd Parr introduces readers to both a perennial source of childhood anxiety and excitement: school! From morning routines to meeting new people to learning and playing together, Todd explores all the different things that can happen in school, all while sharing a cheerful, child-friendly message of sharing, inclusion, and community. Welcome to school-- a place for everyone to grow!

 

All Are Welcome picture book cover art

 

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE PENFOLD

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories, and talents are shared. If you like this book, I would also recommend All Are Neighbors and Big Feelings, by the same author.

 

 

 

School's First Day of School cover art by Adam Rex

 

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE REX (SCHOOL STORIES)

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale.

 

 

 

We Are a Class picture book cover art by Rob Sanders

 

We Are a Class by Rob Sanders (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE SANDERS

A celebratory declaration of what it means to be part of a diverse class of students. We're movers and shakers. Mammoth change makers. Friends. Learners. Achievement earners. We are a class!

 

 

 

I Got the School Spirit cover art by Connie Schofield-Morrison

 

I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison (PreK - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE SCHOFIELD-MORRISON

As a new school year begins, a young girl is filled with school spirit as she zips her book bag shut, rides the bus, enjoys her classes, and eagerly anticipates the next day.

 

 

 

The Day You Begin picture book cover art by Jacqueline Woodson

 

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson (K - 2nd gr.)

PICTURE WOODSON

This is a tender story about how we all feel like outsiders sometimes- and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. It’s a reminder that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

 

Published by on October 15, 2024
Last Modified December 07, 2024