Aug. 21, 2025 – The new semester is here, and we've collected a list of picture books for kids all about heading to school. Whether little learners are heading to kindergarten for the first time or are sad or nervous about the end of summer, these books are designed to help kids get excited for the new school year.
Browse the book list below and put titles on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"A Fine, Fine School" by Sharon Creech
When a principal loves his school so much that he wants the children to attend classes every day of the year, it's up to his students to show him free time is a good thing, too.
"Fall is for School" by Robert Neubecker
Two seasonally-opposed siblings face the end of summer with both joy and dread. But as Sister shares her enthusiasm for fall, school, and everything they encompass, Brother's own excitement grows in this celebratory picture book.
"School is Coming" by Dany Aubert
Martin and his mother talk about Martin's worries about starting school, while his little sister wishes that she was old enough to go, too.
"The Pigeon Has to Go to School!" by Mo Willems
The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him.
"Clifford's First School Day" by Norman Bridwell
As a small puppy, Clifford the red dog goes to school with Emily Elizabeth and gets into mischievous trouble during the finger painting, cookie baking, and snack time.
"Truckeroo School" by David Kirk
Little monsters and the trucks they have built attend school together in Monster Town.
"And Then Comes School" by Tom Brenner
Perfect for returning students and first timers alike, this picture book celebrates the signs leading up to the start of school, such as cooler mornings and ripening apples, and the excitement of the first day.
"Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes" by Eric Litwin
Pete the cat wears his school shoes when visiting the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and more while singing his special song.
"Hello School!" by Priscilla Burris
Children have fun at school experiencing familiar classroom activities for the first time.
"This is a School" by John Schu
A school isn't just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community. It is a place of hope and healing, even when that community can't be together in the same room.
"School's First Day of School" by Adam Rex
It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary, and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.
"School" by Emily Arnold McCully
A curious little mouse decides to find out what school is all about.
"Llama Llama Loves His Teacher" by Anna Dewdney
Go through the school day with Llama Llama as he recalls all the things he learns, but more importantly, all the things he loves about his teacher.
"I'm Feeling School Bus Yellow! A Colorful Book About School" by Tina Gallo
From a scarlet lunchbox to macaroni and cheese-colored pencils to a blue violet brand-new backpack, there is so much to be excited for with the start of a new school year.
"Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School" by Stephen Shaskan
Best friends Pizza and Taco are ready to head back to school, but there are lots of other cool kids, like Cheeseburger and B.L.T.
"Back to School for Rotten Ralph" by Jack Gantos
Afraid of being left alone, Rotten Ralph, the nasty red cat, follows Sarah to school and tries to prevent her from making new friends.
"Back to School with Bigfoot" by Samantha Berger
The school year is about to start, and Bigfoot is worried about all the things that could go wrong – but he also remembers that all his friends will be there.
"Daddy's Back-to-School Shopping Adventure" by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
When Mommy and Daddy take Jake and Jenny back-to-school shopping, they are determined to stick to their list, but when Mommy steps away, requests for items not on the list abound, including one from Daddy.
"The Crayons Go Back to School" by Drew Daywalt
The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends ... and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class.
"Back to School Tortoise" by Lucy M. George
Summer is over, and Tortoise must summon the courage to go back to school.