Ten Great Back-to-School Books to Read with Your Preschooler

August is here and that means a new school year is quickly approaching. Even littles that may not yet be in preschool or Kindergarten can tell that this time of year is abuzz with stores full of school supplies and older friends and siblings preparing themselves for a fresh start.

Our reading list this month is packed with school-related read alouds that you can enjoy with your littles.

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff - The famous mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back for his first day of school. 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems - True to Willems' trademark humorous style, this story follows a pigeon as he attempts to convince a bus driver to give him the wheel. This is an engaging story that toddlers will love to interact with as they respond to the pigeon's pining.

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont - This book addresses self-esteem in a fun and colorful way. Toddlers will love the rhyming text and vibrant illustrations. Parents will love the message.

David Goes to School by David Shannon - David's high-energy behavior keeps his teacher busy. This book may be a good one to read with your little as you discuss appropriate school behavior.

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester - Tacky isn't like all the other penguins and clearly doesn't "fit in," but his unique personality saves the day when the penguins are faced with a troubling situation. This is a great story to discuss friendship and celebrating uniqueness.

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon - This is the creative, thought-provoking story of Camilla Cream. Camilla worries a lot about what people think of her. On the first day of school, she wakes up with rainbow stripes on her. Follow her jouney and learn to respect and accept differences in others.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes - This story's main character loves her name--until the first day of school when her classmates begin to tease her. A wise teacher helps her blossom again. This book is a good conversation starter related to teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance. 

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate - Miss Bindergarten is getting ready for her 26 new Kindergarten students. The storyline is a great way to introduce young readers to kindergarten, and the rhyming text and bold letters make it great for practicing rhyming words and letter recognition.

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London - Froggy is enthusiastic about his first day of school. Preschoolers will love to interact with the sounds and words of this fun story.

Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois - Follow Franklin to the bus stop on his first day of school, and watch as he faces the excitement and fear of starting school. 

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