24 Back to School Picture Books | Peace, Love, and First Grade

24 Back to School Picture Books


Happy Tuesday, Friends!

If you live in The South like me, your summer is quickly winding down.

I go back to work August 1st, and my kiddos come August 7th.
It's time to kick BTS into high gear!


This week's Book Talk is dedicated to Back to School!

Hope you enjoy! 



Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
 Chrysanthemum thinks her name is the most wonderful name ever!
That is until the kids at school make fun of her. 
Find out how she learns to love her name again in this perfect book for Back to School!




Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
 This book is the story of a silly rabbit who becomes anxious when the otters move to town. Wise old Owl teaches him how to be a good friend and neighbor. Hilarious!


Don't Squeal Unless it's a Big Deal by Jeanie Franz Ransom 
 Oh, tattling! What is it with kiddos and tattling?
The little piglets in this book learn what's important to share and what's tattling!
As a big fan of pigs, I love this book!

Also about Tattling:
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue
by Julia Cook 

Julia Cook's books are wonderful!!


Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
 A little boy's Dad helps him deal with the new kid on the block
 in this story about making new friends.


First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Sarah Jane is afraid to go to school on the first day.
She isn't like most school children, though.
Find out what happens to SJ in this book.



First Grade, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
 Henry isn't sure he's ready for First Grade.
Find out how he does in this charming little book.
I love Henry and Nancy Carlson books.



First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush
All summer long, Aidan has had "the jitters" about entering first grade. 
This book addresses the very real fears children have about starting school.



Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
 The bucket filler books are great assets for any classroom. 
Bucket filling encourages kindness and appreciation. 
If you've never seen them, find one soon!
Bucket Filling from A to Z by Carol McCloud
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath


Howard B. Wigglebottom by Howard Binkow
 Howard B. Wigglebottom learns a lesson in each of these adorable stories.
He learns about manners, sportsmanship, and courage.
He also learns to listen.
Young kiddos love Howard!



I am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child
When Lola doesn't want to go to school, she gets help from her big brother Charlie.
This sweet series is about the funny relationship of a brother and sister.

 

I Don't Like to Read by Nancy Carlson
Nancy Carlson's Henry is back!
In this book, he likes everything about First Grade...except reading!

 When his teacher figures out why, he changes his mind!


I Like Me by Nancy Carlson
There is a plump and precious pig in this story! 
I love her! 
She is full of confidence and self-esteem!
Another fun book by Nancy Carlson!
 

Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler
 With the help of some of her students,
Mrs. ruler teaches her class about the Golden Rule in this fun story!




Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne Jones
 Lacey Walker LOVES to talk!
In this book, Lacey learns the power of listening!



Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Judy Finchler
 Miss Malarkey is determined to find the perfect book for every student in her class.
Love Miss Malarkey!



Miss Mingo and the First Day of School by Jamie Harper
 Miss Mingo is one cool teacher!
In this cute book, her animal students share facts about themselves.
Fun for Back to School and learning about animals.



Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon
 Ralph has nothing to write about, or so he thinks. 
His classmates help him overcome his writing anxiety.
Good book to use with Writer's Workshop.


The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neil
Mean Jean was a bully at recess until she met her match.
My kiddos love this book!



Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
 Lucy is different than the other children and is often teased. 
Great book for celebrating differences!


Too Much Glue by Jason Lefebvre
Matty loves glue and always uses too much! 
A funny book for teaching children how to properly use glue!


The Way I Feel  by Janan Cain
 This book explores the range of emotions we all feel at different times.
Nice book for encouraging students to share feelings.

Also: The Way I Act by Steve Metzger


Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
 Poor Wemberly worries about EVERYTHING!
The perfect book for anxious kiddos!

Kevin Henkes is a great author study!

You are Special by Max Lucado
I love Max Lucado's precious books.
In this sweet story, the Wemmicks judge one another with gold stars or gray dots.
Punchinello only gets gray dots, until one fine day...



More BTS Books!
Brand New Pencils, Brand New Books by Diane DeGroat   
Curious George's First Day of School by Margaret A. Rey
First Day, Hooray! by Nancy Poydar
First Grade Stinks by Mary Ann Rodman 
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson 
 Junie B Jones, First Grader at Last by Barbara Park
Kindergarten, Here I Come by DJ Steinberg
Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate 
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing
Off to First Grade by Louise Borden
Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt


All the links here are Amazon affiliate links, but these books are available on other sites, as well.