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Bouncing Back to School: Great Books for Easing First Day Jitters
By Joy Fleishhacker
From what to wear to following rules to making friends, these engaging picture books address common beginning-of-the-year concerns with solid storytelling, genuine empathy, and upbeat resolutions. The list includes titles both new and tried-and-true that will reassure youngsters that their apprehensions are shared by others.

Books to Enhance Class Trips and Learning Adventures | Focus On

By Joy Fleishhacker

A mix of fact-filled offerings and fictional adventures, these titles give kids a break from the routine and encourage interactive learning experiences.

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Display these tales in school and public libraries, recommend them to anxious parents and caregivers, and read them aloud in freshly minted classes to kick off a great school year.

Foxy.
By Emma Dodd. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2012.
Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201419-1. PreS–Gr 1.

Tucked between her cozy flowered sheets, Emily worries that she does not have everything she needs for her first day of school. Never fear, for her friend Foxy arrives and waves his gigantic magical tail to make the supplies appear. Though it takes a few tries (giggles will ensue as he produces a penguin instead of a pencil case, or a pirate flag in place of a school bag), she is soon properly provisioned. When Emily expresses one final concern—“What if nobody likes me?”—Foxy assures her that she requires no magic to make friends. Vivacious artwork matches the verve of the text, and Dodd’s mix of silly and sincere imaginings will chase away night-before qualms.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?
By Audrey Vernick. illus. by Daniel Jennewein. HarperCollins/Balzar & Bray. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-176275-8; ebook $11.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206719-7. PreS–K.

This burning question is answered when a bulky buffalo—wearing a too-tiny backpack and can’t-wait-to-please smile—follows a pigtailed girl into a classroom. Though he’s shy at first (after all, he’s “the only one with horns. And a mane. Okay, and a hump”), his irresistible furry face soon wins friends. Throughout the day, he bravely puts his best hoof forward, taking on new challenges (using scissors) and social situations (sharing), and learning an essential kindergarten lesson: “Everyone’s special in his or her own way.” Breezy text and dynamic cartoon artwork provide a tongue-in-cheek take on first day worries that entertains while it reassures.

Kindergarten Diary.
By Antoinette Portis. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-145691-6; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206558-2. PreS–K.

Beginning on the day before the big day, Annalina’s brief entries express her trepidation about going to “Big School.” However, before month’s end, she has become comfortable with her “very un-scary” teacher, conquered the monkey bars, and made some new friends. Featuring brightly clothed characters and crisp photo collage images, the artwork bursts with color and motion. Delightful visual details make this book a read-again-and-again charmer.

Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to School?
By Bill Martin Jr. & Michael Sampson. illus. by Laura J. Bryant. Amazon/Two Lions. Aug. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4778-1722-3. PreS–Gr 1.

A huggable young feline enjoys a busy day at school, singing, learning, playing, and interacting with others. The simple rhyming narrative is presented in a musical call-and-response cadence (“Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat,/time to have a treat.’/‘Yum yum, Teacher,/I always like to eat”) and the warm-hued artwork is filled with charm. It’s sweet, soothing, and just right for use as a cuddle-together bedtime book or a classroom read-aloud for the very youngest new scholars.

Llama Llama Misses Mama.
By Anna Dewdney. illus. by author. Viking. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06198-3.PreS–K.

Lilting rhymes and color-drenched paintings touch upon little Llama’s first-day woes as he bids a wide-eyed goodbye to Mama, remains shyly aloof from morning activities, is comforted by a caring teacher, and eventually begins to feel at home. Llama’s expressions are convincingly childlike, from his stubborn I-don’t-want-to-participate pout to his joyful smile upon Mama’s return, and the emotions in both text and artwork ring true.

Monstergarten.
By Daniel J. Mahoney. illus. by Jeff Kaminsky. Feiwel & Friends. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01441-2. PreS–K.

Patrick, a fuchsia monster with striped horns, is worried that he won’t be scary enough to attend Monstergarten. He and his toothy pal Kevin practice their moves on Snowball the cat (who fluffs up to giant size and displays pointy teeth), try to frighten Kevin’s sister and her friend (unfortunately garnering giggles rather than gasps), and even consult books about the pros (Frankenstein, etc.). Though still anxious, Patrick follows his mother’s advice—”Just be yourself”—making for a successful first day. Shown flashing their fangs, twisting their tongues, and striking all manner of menacing poses, the brightly colored beasties are a hoot, and the empowering message is delivered with a light touch.

A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade.
By James Preller. illus. by Greg Ruth. Feiwel & Friends. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36928-6; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02721-4. K–Gr 2.

A red-headed, pirate-loving boy navigates the first day of school accompanied by a crew of sea rovers. Generously salted with tongue-tingling buccaneer lingo, the text describes how he shines his “snappers,” gets “dressed double quick,” boards his “jolly boat” (yellow bus), and “drops anchor” at school. Throughout the day, ordinary routines and experiences are transformed into an imagination-fueled adventure. Lush colors delineate the real-world scenes while bronze-toned drawings depict the corsairs in all of their eye-patch-wearing, sword-swinging, trouble-making glory.

This School Year Will Be the Best.
By Kay Winters. illus. by Renée Andriani. Dutton. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42275-4; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-14-242696-8. K–Gr 2.

On the first day of school, a teacher asks her students to share their hopes for the coming year. Varying from the feasible (“I won’t lose things in my desk”) to the far-fetched (“We’ll have a chocolate fountain at lunch!”), the wishes are presented along with breezy illustrations that expand the text with imaginative details and humor. Parents or teachers can share this book to encourage children to discuss their expectations, think about setting personal goals, and jump into the year with a smile.

Tony Baloney: School Rules.
By Pam Muñoz Ryan. illus. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic. 2013. Tr $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-48166-3. K–Gr 2.

Teeth brushed, backpack filled, and blue-and-white checkered high-tops securely tied, this high-spirited macaroni penguin is ready to dive right into his first day at James Cook Elementary. Though things don’t go quite as planned—particularly in the rule-following department—Tony Baloney’s amiable nature and willingness to learn from his mistakes guarantee a positive experience. Commonplace concerns are effectively expressed through the protagonist’s chats with his beloved stuffed animal (Dandelion is a bit apprehensive). Gentle humor abounds in the easy-reader text and in the artwork, which features bold primary colors and appealing characters.

Wow! School!
By Robert Neubecker. illus. by author. 2007. Hyperion/Disney. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3854-9. PreS–Gr 1.

Curly-haired Izzy faces her first day with boundless enthusiasm and a contagious smile. From “Wow! Classroom!” and “Wow! Teacher!” to “Wow! Playground!” and “Wow! Science!,” each new experience is gleefully embraced and depicted in effervescent spreads. Packed with dazzling hues and bustling activity, the artwork portrays plenty of classroom details, goings-on, and objects for parents and children to identify and discuss. Perfect for starting off the year with a “Wow!”

You’re Wearing That to School?!
By Lynn Plourde. illus. by Sue Cornelison. Hyperion/Disney. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5510-2. PreS–Gr 1.

Penelope, a free-spirited hippo, can’t wait for the big day and plans to wear her “sparkle rainbow outfit,” pack a picnic-style feast for lunch, and bring her beloved stuffy Hugsy Hippo for show-and-tell. However, her friend Tiny, a worry-wart mouse who started school last year, frets about her fitting in and advises a plain outfit, PBJ, and a much-less-babyish rock for classroom sharing. Though appreciative of his concern, plucky Penelope ultimately goes her own way, and the final double-fold-out spread shows the smiling youngster surrounded by new school friends. Lively text and endearing artwork convey the beauty of individuality and the importance of remaining true to oneself.

The start of a new school year is the perfect moment for taking chances—trying out for cheerleading, going against the crowd, or learning how to get along with your new teachers. This fall’s releases are all that and more. Read these school stories and keep them close to your newly sharpened bouquet of pencils.

AIRGOOD, Ellen. Prairie Evers. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2012. ISBN 9780399256912. JLG Level: A: Intermediate Readers (Grades 3-5)

Prairie Evers has been homeschooled by her Grammy her whole life. After a move to New York, a new farm to run, and a class to teach, Prairie finds herself going to public school for the very first time. She just knows it will just be awful saying, “I’ve read enough to know. The teachers’ll be mean and the kids’ll be worse and I won’t have any friends and they’ll all make fun of me.” What Prairie doesn’t know is that between the chickens and another new girl named Ivy, school won’t quite be what she anticipates. Prairie and Ivy (and Grammy, for that matter) will enter your heart and fill it up. For upper middle grades, this may be just what you need for a lesson-leading read aloud. After all, “crying don’t change the oil.”

Readers may also like The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm or Kindred Souls by Patricia MacLachlan.

BAKER, Kim. Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School. illus. by Tim Probert. Roaring Brook Pr. 2012. ISBN 9781596437654. JLG Level: CE: City Elementary (Grades 2-6)

It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity— take the ball-pit balls and sneak them into the sixth grade classroom. The result was that an unlikely group of students form The League of Pickle Makers as a cover for a secret prank club at Fountain Point Middle School. What follows are the hilarious attempts to keep a very strict principal from discovering their true identity while trying to take credit for the practical jokes. The club makes lots of fouls, but no real harm is done. Kids will love the pranks and adults will be glad that remorse and consequences still occur in fiction for middleschoolers.

Kids may also enjoy How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen or Crush by Gary Paulsen.

HOLM, Jennifer L. Eighth Grade is Making Me Sick. illus. by Elicia Castaldi.Random. 2012. ISBN 9780375968518. JLG Level: GM: Graphic Novels Middle (Grades 5-8)

Ginny Davis is full of hopes and dreams when school begins. Her Big To-Do List includes trying out for cheerleading, teaching her grandpa how to email, and having a cool Halloween costume for once. Told in notes, poems, lists, and comics, readers will experience surprises along the way: a brother who steals a credit card, a mother who has a premature baby, and a step-dad who gets laid off at Christmas. To top it all off, Ginny begins to lose weight and eating makes her sick. Nothing is quite what she planned, but the teen survives the trials with a little bit of hope and lots of laughs along the way. The illustrations and text will glue kids to the pages for much longer than a cursory glance.

Readers may also like Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense by Corrine Mucha and Zebrafish by Peter H. Reynolds.

MCKAY, Hilary. Lulu and the Duck in the Park. illus. by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman. 2012. ISBN 9780807548080. JLG Level: I+: Independent Readers (Grades 2-4)

Lulu loves animals. In fact, she is known for loving animals. Her teacher, Mrs. Holiday, is quite the opposite. When Lulu offers to bring a companion for the class guinea pig, Mrs. Holiday threatens to trade him for the Class Two stick bug if she brings one more animal into class. Problems arise when Lulu rescues a duck egg and sneaks it into school. This independent reader has plenty of laughter for both girls and boys.

Young readers may also like Magical Monty by Johanna Hurwitz and EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star by Sally Warner.

WOODSON, Jacqueline. Each Kindness. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2012. ISBN 9780399246524. JLG Level: E: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)

“‘This is what kindness does’, Ms. Albert said. ‘Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world.’” What the children don’t know is that sometimes you miss your chance at kindness. The students in Chloe’s class learn a hard lesson the year that Maya comes to their school. Every day Maya tries to fit in—to share in a game or to do things friends do. Every day Chloe and her classmates whisper behind her back, refuse to play with her and make fun of how she dresses. The day of the lesson in kindness, Maya is absent. Can her classmates make it up to her? Share this book with every grade level you teach. Each little thing we do goes out—the good and the bad. It’s a lesson we all can learn.

Readers may also like Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming and You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fables to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.