back to school books for preschoolers and kindergarteners

So, the big day is coming up very soon for us! Juliet is going to preschool this fall (for the first time!) I have to admit there is some anxiety about the whole thing for both of us. On the one hand, I am excited for her to have a place to learn and play with other kids, but on the other hand, it means she is growing up and I know I'll miss having her around all day long.

To help both of us with this transition, I checked out some "back-to-school" themed books at the library this week. Here are our favorites:


Eliza's Kindergarten Surprise by Alice B. McGinty

This one is about kindergarten, but it applies to preschool as well. Eliza is sad because her mommy can't come to school with her, but she eventually finds a way to keep her mother near by making a mommy doll during craft time. (You know I love it when the book presents such an obvious crafting opportunity!) Juliet has already declared that she too, will make a mommy doll at school, but I think we'll probably make one together before she actually goes!

{I should probably also mention that this book made me tear up everytime I read the part where Eliza's mom comes to pick her up and she shares that she carried a picture of her daughter around in her pocket all day because she missed her, too!}


Enrico Starts School by Charlotte Middleton

We've checked this one out before, but it was good to read it again this week. Enrico has school anxiety and has trouble making friends at first--he tries to fit in, but discovers it's more fun to just be yourself. We love kitty cats, so this was a fun one.


Chicken Chickens Go to School by Valeri Gorbachev

Another cute story about first day of school anxiety--the two little chickens have trouble making friends at first, but soon discover how fun school can be.


I Am Too Absolutely Small for School (Charlie and Lola), by Lauren Child

I love the illustrations in this book and Lola just makes us laugh. She doesn't want to go to school and has lots of excuses, but Charlie, her older brother convinces her that school is a good place to be. At the end of the day, she makes a new friend and her imaginary friend Soren Lorenson had a good day at school as well.


What Did You Do Today?: The First Day of School by Toby Forward

This book features a little boy's first day of school. On one page it shows what he is doing and the other page shows what his mom is doing. Their days mirror each other and it's a fun way to show your child that you will still be thinking about him or her while they are away at school.

What are your favorite back-to-school books? We still have time to check some more out!