It's back to school time! A new environment can be scary, intimidating and also exciting. I love a good read aloud where children can not only see themselves through the eyes of other characters, but also experience unique characters going through different situations. Read alouds can contain many powerful messages and help to increase understanding and sensitivities. There are TONS of books to include in your at-home or school library to speak to all different ages and types of children as they transition into a new school year. Here's to building confident and kind children!
Here are some of my favorite books, catered more towards the preschool & kindergarten crowd, to start your new year!
I LOVE a Todd Parr book! The drawings and colors are always so dynamic and spirited. An excellent overview on what to expect while at school. Filled with easy to understand kid-friendly language and illustrations celebrating inclusion and diversity-this will easily become a classroom or bedroom library favorite!
A BRILLIANT book and one of my newest favorites! This very lyrical and rhyming story takes us through a first day at school. The illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman are vibrant and come alive with all different types of children making music, art and playing together. When I dream of a school this is what I imagine. A school filled with all different shades of skin colors, abilities, interests, backgrounds, cultures, gender identities, etc etc. This quote from the book would be beautiful front and center of classrooms,
"We're part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here."
Ohhhh man! This book will give you "all the feels" from the very start. Even the drawings are heart-melting. The use of color vs. black and white to illustrate being seen vs. feeling invisible is brilliant. This book tugs at all of your empathy strings. The main character is Brian who never feels noticed, invited or included until one day when a new kid comes to school. A thoughtful and sensitive resource for building character skills around compassion, understanding and kindness. Moreover, an encouraging read for that child who may feel like they don't belong or are different from the other kids.
Okay, this one isn't specifically a back-to-school book but it features a strong and fierce half-Scottish, half-Peruvian protagonist. Everyone keeps trying to get Marisol to fit into a certain mold and a box which makes sense to them. I love that Marisol defies the norms and confidently goes through her school day staying true to who she is. A fun bi-lingual book in both English and Spanish, it will speak to each child to remind them to be themselves-beautiful and proud in every way.
I love a book that embraces the different, the unique, the beautiful. Highlighting of imperfections is an excellent way to speak to the fears, insecurities, and inhibitions each of us have when entering a new situation. Especially a little one entering a new environment for the first time. Having a character one can relate to goes a long way in building self-esteem.
This book is immensely fun! The prose makes for an enjoyable read for all ages. The confidence the main character has instilled in him from his parents is stunning to see as he conquers a new milestone. Our hero is self-assured yet kind. I love this book for its "you got this!" tone all the way through.
Fun poems about all of the activities experienced in preschool. A charming way to introduce your little one to what to expect from washing hands to playing dress up to color mixing to outdoor exploring and everything else in-between.
A sweet book about Rosie who is beyond excited and prepared to start school until...it's the night before the first day. Her belly just doesn't feel good! After her mother tells her it's just butterflies in her stomach a few butterflies actually escape out of her mouth every time she talks. This book takes you on the journey of Rosie's first day and how she makes it through...butterflies and all.
An especially lovely read for those little ones preparing for preschool and kindergarten. This book takes you through some beautiful ideas on preparing for the first day of school and transitioning once the day comes. There are some sweet ideas from having special pencil presents from family members packed to preparing the perfect first day of school outfit and even bringing a comfort item for the big day. If you're a fan of the Lola series this is another delightful book to grow with your child through another milestone.
A fun one to round out the list puts a spin on the first day jitters. This time it's the new school building being nervous and apprehensive about what to expect. Featuring one of my favorite illustrators, Christian Robinson (of
Last Stop on Market Street) who has created the images for this story. Robinson has a way of making each picture fun and lively!
BONUS! This book also comes in French!
HAPPY READING!
Here's to Letting the Whole Child Sparkle!
For further reading on back to school check out this article I wrote for NoodlePros on Tips for the First Day of Kindergarten.
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| Image from "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold |
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