Ten Best Back-to-School Read Alouds for Kids

Here are ten of my absolute favorite Read-Alouds to share with kids as they head back to school.

Starting school is a big adventure.

For some children, it's exciting. For others, it comes with lots of butterflies and maybe even some back-to-school anxiety.

As a Storyologist, one of my favorite ways to help kids navigate big feelings is through books. Stories help children realize they're not alone. They see characters facing the same fears they have and discover that courage often begins with turning the very next page.

If you're looking for some amazing back-to-school read alouds to share with kids before the first day of school, these are ten of my favorites.

1. Go Be Wonderful

by Donna Gephart

This is one of my all time favorites from the amazing Donna Gephart.

From the day Daisy is born, the people around her celebrate everything she does. But when it's finally time to start school, everyone wonders... will she be wonderful there, too?

This sweet story reminds children that they already have everything they need to succeed. Sometimes all they need is the chance to shine. Bonus: The dust jacket turns into a growth chart.

2. Mae's First Day of School

by Kate Berube

Mae has decided something very important:

She. Is. Not. Going.

She's worried she won't fit in, won't know what to do, and will miss her mom. But a new friend and a caring teacher help show her that scary things often become much less scary once we take that first step. Perfect for kids who are feeling nervous about starting somewhere new. This one includes tear-out lunch box notes.

3. Lena's Shoes Are Nervous

by Keith Calabrese

What if your shoes were the ones who were nervous?

When Lena's favorite shoes get cold feet before kindergarten, she has to figure out how to help them be brave. I love stories that anthropomorphize inanimate objects. And who doesn't love shoes? Especially nervous shoes. It's a clever, funny story that gives children a safe way to talk about their own worries.

4. The Magical Yet

by Angela DiTerlizzi

Learning something new can feel frustrating, especially when it doesn't happen right away. The Magical Yet introduces one tiny word with enormous power: YET.

Whether it's learning to read, making friends, or trying something new at school, this encouraging story reminds children that just because they can't do something today doesn't mean they won't be able to tomorrow. I love the way this growth mindset concept is introduced through a story.

5. First Day Jitters

by Julie Danneberg

Sarah is convinced she doesn't want to go to school and has plenty of reasons why she'd rather stay home. It's a sweet book, but the best part is the twist ending that will absolutely crack kids up (parents too!). It reminds kids that everyone gets first-day jitters... even grown-ups.

6. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?

by Jane Yolen

What happens when enormous dinosaurs head off to school?

With plenty of laughs, this story shows young readers how to be kind classmates, listen, share, and make good choices, making it a fun way to talk about classroom expectations before school begins.

Jane Yolen was a giant in the children's book world who recently passed. She will be greatly missed.

7. This Is a School

by John Schu

School isn't just a building full of classrooms.

It's a community. This beautiful book celebrates all the people who learn, teach, encourage, and grow together every day. It's a wonderful reminder that school is a place where everyone belongs.

8. School's First Day of School

by Adam Rex

Did I mention that I love stories that anthropomorphize inanimate objects. This book does it beautifully with a main character that just happens to be a school. And that school is nervous about the first day. This fun story reminds kids that new starts can feel a little scary for everyone.

9. The Don't Worry Book

by Todd Parr

Todd Parr has a wonderful way of making big feelings feel manageable.

This colorful book talks about common childhood worries and offers simple, reassuring ways for children to understand and cope with anxious feelings.

10. What to Do When You Worry Too Much

by Dawn Huebner, PhD

This interactive guide is a little different from the others on this list. While it's not a traditional picture book, it's one of my favorite resources for helping children understand anxiety and build practical coping skills. In fact, several of the exercises in this book inspired activities in LESS STRESS EXPRESS, our online program that helps young kids manage big feelings.

If your child struggles with worries beyond the first day of school, this is an excellent book to keep on your family bookshelf

Ways to use these Ten Back-to-School Read Alouds for

Read Read Together, Then Talk Together

One of the best parts of reading these books isn't just the story. It's the conversation afterward.

Try asking questions like:

• What was the main character worried about?

• How could you tell they were worried?

• Who helped them feel better?

• What did they do to be brave?

• What are some things you can do when you're feeling worried?

Stories have a wonderful way of helping children practice courage before they ever walk through the school doors.

Story-Powered Back-to-School Videos

If your child is feeling worried about starting school, please check out our Mom's Choice Award-Winning Program LESS STRESS EXPRESS. This online program for kids uses the power of stories, imagination, and creativity to help children begin the year feel calm, confident, and positive.

Kids join me, Storyologist Page Turner, on an imaginary train ride. Along the journey they collect simple tools and exercises that help them feel their very best. And of course, it all ends with a story that makes them the hero of the adventure.

Here's to a school year filled with curiosity, confidence, and lots of great stories.