Book List

20 Back-to-School Picture Books

CHILDREN'S

THE QUEEN OF KINDERGARTEN

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

PUPPY BUS

by Drew Brockington ; illustrated by Drew Brockington

A fabulous, funny take on the new-kid and first-day-of-school concepts, especially for animal lovers. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

I AM RUBY BRIDGES

by Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

A unique angle on a watershed moment in the civil rights era. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

KINDERGARTEN

by Vera Ahiyya ; illustrated by Joey Chou

Will help alleviate fears and start kids thinking about ways to create their own KINDergartens. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

GIBBERISH

by Young Vo ; illustrated by Young Vo

A visually and emotionally immersive immigration story. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THAT'S NOT MY NAME!

by Anoosha Syed ; illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Affirming and empowering; a story that will resonate with many children and a lot of adults, too. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SCHOOL IS WHEREVER I AM

by Ellie Peterson ; illustrated by Ellie Peterson

Readers will be making their own lists, perhaps before the last page is turned. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

HURRY, LITTLE TORTOISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL!

by Carrie Finison ; illustrated by Erin Kraan

Hurry to read this adorable, delightful twist on a very familiar tale. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SO NOT GHOUL

by Karen Yin ; illustrated by Bonnie Lui

A fun, ghostly spin on trading blending in for standing out. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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