Picture books are not only for the enjoyment of young (or wise) readers. They can be a utilized as a mentor text for teaching life lessons and skills. For example, there are picture books to open the door to conversations on inclusion, compassion, kindness, divorce, and death, among other things. Some of these conversations can be hard to navigate, especially as a parent of young children. However, picture books are a great way to give you the child-friendly words you are searching for!
The first day of school for children (and parents!) can hold a lot of emotion. You and your child might be feeling nervous, anxious, excited, or scared, among a myriad of different feelings. Fear not! There’s a picture book for that! Furthermore, the incredible thing about children’s books is that authors are able to address the uncomfortable feelings, along with hard topics, in a lighthearted, funny, gentle, and seemingly poetic way. In less words, children’s authors KNOW how to write children’s books.
Below is a list of wonderful back-to-school picture books to combat the nerves, amplify the excitement, and open the door for discussions on appropriate school expectations.
First Day of School Picture Books To Read at Home:
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
David Goes to School by David Shannon
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
KINDergarten:Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya
Getting Ready for Kindergarten by Vera Ahiyya
How to Be Kind in Kindergarten by D.J. Steinberg
This is How We Get Ready by DK Children
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
Hello Preschool! by Priscilla Burris
Open the Preschool Door by Christopher Santoro
“There is no substitute for books in the life of a child.”- May Ellen Chase
Books are a mirror or a window; you either see yourself in a book or you see the life of others. The lessons books teach can help your child gain confidence, empathy, resilience, and, most importantly, perspective. With that in mind, try reading these books at home in the days leading up to the first day of school. Children love to be prepared and know exactly how things are going to go. And remember, if you ever struggle with a topic or conversation, there is a picture book for that!
