Five Back-to-School Children’s Books to Read Together
- Nerida K
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
A new school year is full of learning, not just ABCs and 123s but also lessons in belonging, confidence, and creativity. Books can help children see themselves, understand others, and imagine what school and friendship might look like in new ways.
This back to school season, we’ve gathered five wonderful picture books that explore big feelings, self-acceptance, communication, and community. They’re perfect for classrooms, bedtime, or family story time, and each one reminds us that learning is about more than grades, it is about connection, kindness, and finding your place.
Big
By Vashti Harrison
The gentle illustrations in Big show what it feels like to be noticed for your differences and to wonder where you belong. At school, the child learns about fitting in, standing out, and finding self-acceptance, even when others’ words feel unkind.
Winner of the Caldecott Medal! A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and a New York Times bestseller! This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance, from an award-winning creator. The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time. – Good Reads
More than Words: So Many Ways to Say What we Mean
By Roz MacLean
More than Words is a beautiful book by a Canadian author that explores the many ways we communicate and understand each other. It’s about feeling seen and learning to truly see others, even when they express themselves differently from us.
“A CBC Kids Reads Competition Finalist In the tradition of All Are Welcome and The Day You Begin comes a touching picture book about the many unique ways we communicate, and how we can better listen to and respect these different modes of expression, from the author of Together, a Forest.
Nathan doesn't say much. He sure has a lot on his mind, though. At school, Nathan quietly observes the ways his peers communicate. Even when they’re not talking, they’re expressing themselves in all sorts of ways! By witnessing the beauty of communication diversity, Nathan learns and shows his classmates the essential lesson: Not only does everyone have something to say, but seeking to understand one another can be the greatest bridge to friendship and belonging. This tender, stunningly illustrated picture book explores and celebrates the many forms of expression―signing, speaking, singing, smiling, among others―and culminates in a poignant story about connection and understanding. Includes additional material at the end of the book with vocabulary, an introduction to various forms of communication, and information about communication access, perfect for back-to-school and classroom discussions.” – Good Reads
If I Built a School
By Chris Van Dusen
If I Built a School is a fun read-aloud with playful rhymes and lively illustrations. It sparks imagination and creativity by asking children to dream: what would your school look like?
In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school--from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground. My school will amaze you. My school will astound. By far the most fabulous school to be found!Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.On a scale, 1 to 10, it's more like 15! And learning is fun in a place that's fun, too. If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time. – Good Reads
Our Class is a Family
Written by Shannon Olsen and illustrated by Sandie Sonke
Our Class is a Family is a heartfelt book about school and community, showing how the love and support we find in families can also grow in classrooms.
Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved.
With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, “Our Class is a Family” is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. When hearing this story being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family.
“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.” -Unknown – Good Reads
The Smart Cookie
Written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald
The Smart Cookie is a sweet story from a popular series about discovering your strengths and building confidence. It reminds children that everyone is good at something—you just have to find where you shine!
The #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Be a smart cookie—and don’t miss the fifth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from creators Jory John and Pete Oswald!
This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?
Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series! – Good Reads
As children head back to class, keeping reading and storytelling part of everyday life helps ease the transition and supports learning all year long. Regular reading at home is one of the best ways to prevent the “summer backslide” and build skills that last a lifetime.
Explore more of our recommended back to school children’s books on our website: Five Back-to-School Children’s Books.
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