Back-to-School: 6 Great Books to Mark the Occasion

As the days grow noticeably shorter and the weather slightly cooler, our thoughts turn to the beginning of the school year. Shopping for school clothes and new school supplies,  reuniting with old friends and anticipating making new ones encourages us to look forward to the bittersweet end of summer and the first day of school.

For children just starting school (or starting at a new school) and their parents, however, the first day of school can be an overwhelming and even scary prospect. Laughing Giraffe Books suggests 6 books to help prepare for, and to celebrate the first day of school:

First Day Jitters
Written by Julie Danneberg, Illustrated by Judy Love

The first day jitters are not just for students! It is Sarah Jane Hartwell's first day at a new school, and she doesn't want to go. Children will enjoy following along with her antics, and will love the surprising twist at the end.


Wemberly Worried
Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worries about everything- especially the first day of school.Will her teacher be nice? Will she be able to find the bathroom? Will she like her snack? It turns out that Wemberly didn't need to worry!

The Kissing Hand
Written by Audrey Penn, Illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

Mrs. Raccoon has a unique way of helping her son, Chester, prepare for his first day of school. A special kiss in the palm of his hand provides love and reassurance throughout the day. School-bound children will love facing their first day armed with Chester's magic kiss.


Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Written by Joseph Slate, Illustrated by Ashley Wolff

Miss Bindergarten and her 26 students prepare for the first day of kindergarten. Fun illustrations and rhyming verse will carry children through an alphabet of school day preparation.


I am Too Absolutely Small for School
Written and illustrated by Lauren Child

Lola isn't sure that she is quite ready to start school. Youngsters will laugh along as big brother Charlie convinces her that school will be a lot of fun- even for her imaginary friend Soren Lorensen.

Richard Scarry's Great Big Schoolhouse
Written and illustrated by Richard Scary

A great big resource for everything related to school! School-bound children of all ages will love following Huckle Hat as he spends the day in Miss Honey's classroom; learning the alphabet, days of the week, numbers, shapes and colors in the process. A perfect way to prepare new students for what to expect at school.

Anyone interested in these back-to-school books may want to check out three collections that Laughing Giraffe Books offers. Back-to-School , A is for Apple and School Rules! (click on links for pictures and additional information) contain the highly captivating books featured above, and come with a fun game as well as a fabulous prize. Each selection is offered as either a book bundle or a book of the month club and comes fully wrapped and gift ready. A perfect way to celebrate the first day of school!

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