15 Perfect Back to School Books!

Back to school can be an exciting time, but also one filled with uncertainty and big feelings. Books can be a perfect way to start conversations about all of the changes and the emotions that children may be feeling. From common school worries like being away from home or fitting in, to reintroducing important social emotional learning skills, here are some of our favourite books to ease kids back to school. If you’re looking for the perfect read for back to school, we have you covered!

First Day Fears

1. Betty the Yeti and the First Day of School

By Mandy R. Marx, illustrated by Antonella Font | Ages 5-8

It’s hard being a yeti at a school full of humans. What happens when Betty gets stuck in her desk? What’s a yeti to do during break time? Betty finds out what makes her different is what makes her wonderful! Part of the Betty the Yeti early chapter book series.

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2. Best Buddies

By Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Arthur Lin | Ages 3-5

Best Buddies introduces a boy-and-dog duo who are BEST FRIENDS and who do EVERYTHING together! So how will they manage being apart when the boy heads to school for the first time? Find out how a clever boy with Down's syndrome and his loyal pet find the perfect way to feel close even when they can’t be together. A sweet, inspiring story that will ease concerns about the first day of school and other big changes for kids.

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3. Lola and the New School

By Keka Novales, illustrated by Gloria Felix | Ages 6-8

When Lola is accepted into a new school, Mama thinks it’s an “excellent opportunity”. Lola isn’t so sure, especially since it means changing schools in the middle of the school year! She’ll have to say goodbye to her old school and her old friends. Abuelita tries to convince Lola that she can conquer anything, but can Lola handle a new school and a bully all on her own?

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Navigating Big Feelings

4. Sometimes I Feel Worried

By Keka Novales, illustrated by Gloria Felix | Ages 6-8

What does it mean to feel worried? Everyone feels worried sometimes. Learn how to recognize, name, and manage your emotions. Stunning photos illustrate what being worried looks like. A mindfulness activity will help children learn how to turn worried feelings into good ones!

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5. The Very Last Leaf

By Stef Wade, illustrated by Jennifer Davison | Ages 5-7

Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day... feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc.

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6. Tiger's Tough Time

By Rosario Martinez, illustrated by Román Díaz | Ages 5-7

When Wyatt the tiger gets frustrated, nervous or angry, he makes sure everyone around him knows about it. Sometimes he whines. Sometimes he cries. And sometimes he even yells. Can his friends show him how to manage his emotions and share his feelings in a better way?

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Relationship Skills

7. Waiting for Mr Sloth

By Katy Hudson | Ages 4-7

The sun is out. The temperature is hot. And Sasha has everything packed and ready for a full day of swimming! But Mr Sloth is taking for-eh-ver! Sasha does NOT like to wait. However, her best friend is never in a hurry. Will Sasha learn to be patient, or will her quick temper ruin a memorable summer outing? Showcasing the unlikely duo of an energetic girl and a sloth, best-selling author Katy Hudson (Mindful Mr Sloth, Too Many Carrots, A Loud Winter’s Nap) creates the perfect story about patience and its importance. When you learn patience, every moment can be special.

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8. The Kindness Booth

By Laura K. Murray , illustrated by Andreana | Ages 4-7

When Mya wakes up to a gloomy day, her grandpa asks her how she could make the day brighter. His simple question puts Mya into motion, and together with her little brother, Oliver, and neighbour Addie, she opens the Kindness Booth. Their plan is to spread some sunshine to the neighbours in her block of flats by helping them throughout the day. But what happens when the booth gets soaked in a downpour?

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9. Friends Share

By Megan Borgert-Spaniol | Ages 5-7

Sharing can be tough. Sometimes we’d rather keep things, including our thoughts or feelings, to ourselves. But a good friend is generous with others. You can share your toys, your time and so much more. Learn how to be a good friend by being generous and sharing!

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Friendship Stories

10. Cecilia's Fundraiser

By Bryan Patrick Avery, illustrated by Arief Putra | Ages 5-7

Mr Grizley's class is hosting a fundraiser for the animal shelter. Cecilia is disappointed that she forgot to bring in the food she was going to sell. Can her classmates come to the rescue and help her make a new plan? This early chapter book offers a fun and inviting approach to character education, complete with a special activity reinforcing social emotional learning skills.

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11. Sadiq and the Big Election

By Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Christos Skaltsas | Ages 6-8

Ms Battersby has announced that Sadiq’s class will be having elections for the student council! Everyone is buzzing with excitement, but Sadiq isn’t sure about any of it. Should he run for one of the positions? He does lots of research and gets good advice from his parents and siblings. Watching an inspiring speech finally helps him decide exactly what he wants to do. But when a good friend has the same idea, Sadiq questions his decision. Can friendships survive an election?

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12. A Place for Pluto

By Stef Wade, illustrated by Melanie Demmer | Ages 6-8

Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. Poor Pluto! On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn't fit in anywhere! But when Pluto is about to give up, he runs into a dwarf planet and finally finds his place in the solar system.

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Mystery, Magic & School Silliness

13. Scientific Life of Azaleah Lane

By Nikki Shannon Smith, Illustrated by Gloria Felix | Ages 5-7

It’s a big week for Azaleah Lane. The head teacher, Ms Li, is choosing a student to be the STEM lab monitor, and Azaleah’s name is the one picked! But the week doesn’t go quite as planned. First Azaleah gets paired up with a bossy classmate for a group project. Then the STEM lab guinea pig goes missing - on Azaleah’s watch! Can she use her scientific thinking and detective skills to get to the bottom of things before it’s too late? Or will Azaleah Lane go down as the worst STEM lab monitor ever?

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14. School Spirit

By John Sazaklis, illustrated by Jesus Lopez | Ages 5-7

Dawson wants to have a trial for the basketball team, but he gets bullied into being the mascot instead. And to make matters worse, the suit is possessed by a spooky spirit! Dawson decides to befriend the ghost and take school spirit to a new level in this early chapter book!

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15. Zany School Riddles

By A.J. Sautter | Ages 5-8

Why didn’t a school caretaker get hurt when he fell off a 10-metre ladder? At the school cafeteria, if pie costs £3 and chocolate costs £9, how much do chips cost? Learn the answers to these and many other zany school riddles that readers can use to stump their friends and keep them asking for more!

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Find all of these back to school books and more in our shop here.