With so much of our lives currently in flux, it’s no surprise that kids may be having a hard time with the back-to-school transition this year. Whether they are just returning to in-person school after a year of remote learning or they are heading to a brand-new school, stress levels can be high. We love the idea of incorporating some of these books into the bedtime routine. They talk about what it’s like to go back to school, validate anxious feelings and show kids that they are not alone.
Nothing Stays the Same (but that's okay)
We love this book plus magnetic visual aid set from Sara Olsher at Mighty + Bright that helps kids with all sorts of new transitions. Hang it on your fridge or in your child's room and show them what they have to look forward to for the coming week.
Get yours here, $3-46.
I Am Every Good Thing
The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He’s got big plans, and no doubt he’ll see them through–as he’s creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he’s afraid, because he’s so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you–and shows you–who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
Get yours here, $11.47.
Mitsy the Oven Mitt Goes to School
In this heartwarming and playful story from America's Test Kitchen, we meet Mitsy, a young oven mitt who has spent her whole life in the mitten factory. Mitsy is a lot of things, and one of them is nervous. But her first days at school bring together a diverse cast of characters, inspiring kitchen facts, and a story to empower kids so that when they, too, feel nervous, they remember that they can do anything.
Get yours here, $9.99.
Not Yeti
Monsters are loud. And rude. They like to smash things and they always need to be right. But not Yeti. Yeti bakes banana bread and sings to whales and always has a nice word to say. But sometimes you find yourself alone when you’re different. And Yeti doesn’t know there’s a special surprise in store for him.
Get yours here, $14.99.
My School Stinks!
You'll love this hilarious back-to-school story by Becky Sharnhorst told through journal entries about a boy who finds himself at a new school where the other students are REAL animals.
Get yours here, $15.29.
Am I a Unicorn?
In her latest book, author Stephanie Sorkin teaches children the valuable lessons of embracing one's uniqueness and accepting others for who they are inside. The story touches on self-esteem and diversity, ultimately teaching the important lesson of accepting one's individuality.
Get yours here, $11.99.
The King of Kindergarten
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story by Derrick Barnes is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm!
Get yours here, $11.45.
Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel
Being different can be hard, especially when you are dealing with a nut allergy. This sweet story from author Stephanie Sorkin delves into this area in an easy-to-understand manner. Bonus: all proceeds from this book go to F.A.R.E, an organization dedicated to food allergy research and education.
Get yours here, $14.95.
How to Be Kind in Kindergarten
From the best-selling author D. J Stenberg, here’s a guidebook in verse that shows children how to be kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten.
Get yours here, $5.75.
—Kate Loweth
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