Book Your Summer Shop NowBook Your Summer Shop Now
B&N Reads Blog

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 back-to-school books that pack courage and comfort.

Penelope Rex vs. the New Kid

Ryan T. Higgins

Hardcover

$19.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Penelope doesn't know how to feel about the new dinosaur in her class. Is this classroom big enough for the both of them?! Celebrate what makes each of us unique in this fun new Penelope Rex story. 

A Day Off School

Oliver Jeffers

Hardcover

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

Herbie gets to stay home from school and do all the things he likes most, but as the day goes on his imagination runs wild… and he starts to wonder what he might be missing. 

You're My Little Bookworm

Nicola Edwards

Board Book

$9.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

This cute rhyming story celebrates the love between a parent and a child. Little bookworms will love this tactile reading experience, featuring chunky pages for little hands and heartwarming words, perfect for little ones heading off to school. 

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Drew Daywalt

Hardcover

$9.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

June Sobel

Board Book

$10.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Angela DiTerlizzi

Hardcover

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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?

Kobi Yamada

Other Format

$17.95

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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!

Mo Willems

ßßß

4.7

Hardcover

$18.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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!

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Natasha Wing

ßßß

4.5

Paperback

$5.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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

Kevin Henkes

Paperback

$9.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

Notes From Your Bookseller

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.

Discover More Picture Books