B&N Reads

12 Back to School Books to Beat First Day Jitters

We are still enjoying summer, but the first day of school will be here soon enough. And we know that starting school again — or for the first time — can stir up emotions big and small. This is why we put together a list of gentle, funny and reassuring picture books that will help kids beat first day jitters. Whether your little one is starting preschool, kindergarten, or they just need a little extra support, here are twelve back-to-school books that pack courage and comfort.

Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School Book

Hardcover $16.99

Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School Book

Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School Book

By Jonathan Stutzman
Illustrator Jay Fleck

In Stock Online

Hardcover $16.99

The world’s cutest prehistoric apex predator is back… to school. This is a relatable and adorable way to help kids with first day jitters.

The world’s cutest prehistoric apex predator is back… to school. This is a relatable and adorable way to help kids with first day jitters.

The Crayons Go Back to School

Hardcover $9.99

The Crayons Go Back to School

The Crayons Go Back to School

By Drew Daywalt
Illustrator Oliver Jeffers

In Stock Online

Hardcover $9.99

The beloved crayon characters are back for back-to-school of course… and they are thrilled about it. Fun, relatable and reassuring — these crayons are too cool for school.

The beloved crayon characters are back for back-to-school of course… and they are thrilled about it. Fun, relatable and reassuring — these crayons are too cool for school.

The Goodnight Train Ready for School

Board Book $10.99

The Goodnight Train Ready for School

The Goodnight Train Ready for School

By June Sobel
Illustrator Laura Huliska-Beith

In Stock Online

Board Book $10.99

This is a cute and comforting bedtime story that’s sure to help preschoolers and kindergartners feel more ready for school by morning.

This is a cute and comforting bedtime story that’s sure to help preschoolers and kindergartners feel more ready for school by morning.

First Day Critter Jitters (B&N Exclusive Edition)

Hardcover $17.99

First Day Critter Jitters (B&N Exclusive Edition)

First Day Critter Jitters (B&N Exclusive Edition)

By Jory John
Illustrator Liz Climo

In Stock Online

Hardcover $17.99

Facing a new challenge is certainly daunting. But when you realize that everyone gets the first day jitters, your feelings don’t have to be so scary. First Day Critter Jitters is the perfect story for everyone’s new beginning—whether they are big or small.

Facing a new challenge is certainly daunting. But when you realize that everyone gets the first day jitters, your feelings don’t have to be so scary. First Day Critter Jitters is the perfect story for everyone’s new beginning—whether they are big or small.

The Marvelous Now

Hardcover $18.99

The Marvelous Now

The Marvelous Now

By Angela DiTerlizzi
Illustrator Lorena Alvarez Gómez

In Stock Online

Hardcover $18.99

This vibrant picture book that encourages children to savor the moment is a breath of fresh air and the perfect story to help keep young minds at ease.

This vibrant picture book that encourages children to savor the moment is a breath of fresh air and the perfect story to help keep young minds at ease.

What Do You Do with a Problem?

Hardcover $17.95

What Do You Do with a Problem?

What Do You Do with a Problem?

By Kobi Yamada
Illustrator Mae Besom

In Stock Online

Hardcover $17.95

The beloved combination of Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom is back with this charming exploration of what to do with a problem. Young readers will delight in the story and engage in the deeper questions of how to handle challenges.

The beloved combination of Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom is back with this charming exploration of what to do with a problem. Young readers will delight in the story and engage in the deeper questions of how to handle challenges.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Hardcover $17.99

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

By Mo Willems

In Stock Online

Hardcover $17.99

Does the Pigeon HAVE to go to school? The short answer is yes, he does! Children who are timid about their first day of school will find comfort in The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! and start to look forward to their new adventure!

Does the Pigeon HAVE to go to school? The short answer is yes, he does! Children who are timid about their first day of school will find comfort in The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! and start to look forward to their new adventure!

Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids

Hardcover $18.99

Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids

Time for School, Little Blue Truck: A Back to School Book for Kids

By Alice Schertle
Illustrator Jill McElmurry

In Stock Online

Hardcover $18.99

Everyone’s favorite little blue truck has made a friend—a school bus! And by a stroke of luck, Blue is there to help his new friend in a moment of need.

Everyone’s favorite little blue truck has made a friend—a school bus! And by a stroke of luck, Blue is there to help his new friend in a moment of need.

Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!: A Graphic Novel

Hardcover $8.24 $10.99

Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!: A Graphic Novel

Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!: A Graphic Novel

By Suzanne Lang
Illustrator Max Lang

In Stock Online

Hardcover $8.24 $10.99

The Grumpy Monkey goes graphic novel! That means gobs more hilarity from your favorite frowner and all his hilarious antics as Jim navigates school.

The Grumpy Monkey goes graphic novel! That means gobs more hilarity from your favorite frowner and all his hilarious antics as Jim navigates school.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates (Penelope Rex Series #1)

Hardcover $18.99

We Don't Eat Our Classmates (Penelope Rex Series #1)

We Don't Eat Our Classmates (Penelope Rex Series #1)

By Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator Ryan T. Higgins

In Stock Online

Hardcover $18.99

An unceasingly hilarious story about a young dinosaur (in pink overalls) who can’t help but eat all her classmates. Young reader will adore the illustrations as they cackle from start to finish.

An unceasingly hilarious story about a young dinosaur (in pink overalls) who can’t help but eat all her classmates. Young reader will adore the illustrations as they cackle from start to finish.

The Night Before Kindergarten

Paperback $5.99

The Night Before Kindergarten

The Night Before Kindergarten

By Natasha Wing
Illustrator Julie Durrell

In Stock Online

Paperback $5.99

You can never be over-prepared for your young one’s first day of school, and this instant classic is here to make sure that everything is in order before the big day! A spin-off of the classic Christmas poem, Wing retains the rhythmic verse while delivering on the joys of a read-aloud.

You can never be over-prepared for your young one’s first day of school, and this instant classic is here to make sure that everything is in order before the big day! A spin-off of the classic Christmas poem, Wing retains the rhythmic verse while delivering on the joys of a read-aloud.

Chrysanthemum

Paperback $9.99

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

By Kevin Henkes
Illustrator Kevin Henkes

In Stock Online

Paperback $9.99

Perfect for kids facing their first week of school, this is an ode to self-esteem and individuality. Full of humor and insights, it’s a calming read for first day jitters.

Perfect for kids facing their first week of school, this is an ode to self-esteem and individuality. Full of humor and insights, it’s a calming read for first day jitters.