The new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to help kids get excited about learning, making friends, and stepping into the classroom. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or they’re returning to a familiar routine, books can be fantastic tools for easing anxieties and sparking joy.
These engaging children’s books for school are perfect for preparing little learners (and even older ones!) for the adventures ahead.
1. The Crayons Go Back to School🎨🖍️
If there’s one book that puts the fun in back to school, it’s this one! The crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit are back, and they’re ready for another colourful adventure. Each crayon has a subject they can’t wait to explore—like art class, where they truly shine.
Perfect for young kids who might feel nervous about their first day, this light-hearted story reminds little readers that school is a place for creativity, friendships, and lots of laughs. It’s a must-add to your back-to-school reading list!
By Drew Daywalt
Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Starting prep is a huge milestone, and Ready, Set, Big School provides the perfect mix of excitement and reassurance. Maurice feels a little nervous about his first day, but with support from friends, he discovers that big school is full of fun and learning.
Based on the much-loved Play School series, this book is ideal for helping kids prepare emotionally for school. With sweet, relatable moments and a focus on friendship, it’s a great resource for families and caregivers looking to support their little learners.
By Jan Stradling
Illustrated by Jedda Robaard
3. How to Be a Friend🤝🌟
What does it take to be a great friend? How to Be a Friend explores this question with heart and creativity. Written in lyrical prose, it teaches kids important values like kindness, understanding, and trust—essential skills for navigating the social world of school.
This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for fostering confidence in young readers as they meet classmates and form new friendships. It’s a wonderful read for children at the beginning of their schooling journey and beyond, showing them the rewarding magic of building connections with others.
By Sarah Ayoub
Illustrated by Mimi Purnell
4. Dylan Alcott Game On🏀🎼
For older primary school students, Game On by Paralympian Dylan Alcott is both inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny. The story follows 12-year-old Dylan as he tackles new challenges, friendships, and a big school talent show with his signature wit and determination.
This book is packed with relatable moments and positive messages about resilience and self-belief. It’s the perfect read for helping kids step into their new school year with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to try something new.
By Dylan Alcott, Fiona Regan
Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch
Empower kids to take charge of their thoughts, emotions, and challenges with Boss of Your Own Mind. This inspiring book is a brilliant resource for helping students master mindfulness, develop self-confidence, and stay focused, even in tough situations. It encourages young readers to find inner strength, making it a great support tool as they adjust to the demands of school life.
By Byll and Beth Stephen
Illustrated by Simon Howe
6. Back-to-School Fun with Dr. Seuss 🎩📘
Dr. Seuss books have always been timeless tools for learning and fun, and these back-to-school picks are no exception. Bursting with whimsy, rhymes, and colourful pages, they make school-related topics enjoyable and exciting for kids.
- I Can Add Upside Down! introduces children to the joy of math in a Seussian style that’s as silly as it is educational. Learning numbers and math concepts feels more like an adventure than a chore.
- I Am Not Going To Read Any Words Today! delights with its rebellious humour while sneakily encouraging literacy and the discovery of new words.
- Oh, The Things You Can Count From 1-10 is perfect for little ones mastering their numbers, blending counting lessons with Seuss’s signature flair.
- Fox in Socks Sticker Reading Book adds an interactive element, allowing children to pair playful rhymes with engaging sticker activities to make reading feel like a game.
- Dr. Seuss’s ABC offers a playful journey through the alphabet, with each letter brought to life through quirky rhymes and amusing illustrations. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to letters and sounds while keeping them entertained.
By Dr. Seuss
Back-to-School Books to Inspire a Great Start 💡📖
Getting ready for the school year doesn’t have to be stressful. These back-to-school books offer something for every child—whether they’re heading to prep, starting primary school, or tackling their final years.
By exploring these fun and insightful stories, kids can learn to overcome fears, build friendships, and take on the classroom with excitement and confidence. Which title will kick off your child’s school year? Drop your favourites in the comments and get ready for a year filled with learning and laughter! ✨