Heading back to school can be a nerve-wracking time for both parents and kids. Why not ease some of the worries and get back into your bedtime-routine by reading a few favourite back-to-school books with your children? These stories are packed with beautiful drawings and lessons, and they’re a wonderful way to start the back-to-school conversation with your family.

1. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

A popular favourite amongst parents and teachers, The Kissing Hand tells the story of Chester Raccoon who is starting school for the first time but does not want to go. His mother eases his fears by sharing a family secret to help him on his first day. This is a great read for little ones who need reassurance and love on their first day of school.

2. How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Perfect for any kid who is crazy about dinosaurs! Head to school for some laughs and lessons with your favourite dinosaurs as they have a fun-filled day in the classroom! How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? will quickly become a bedtime favourite.

3. The Berenstain Bears Go To School by Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain

Follow Brother and Sister Bear as they head to school for the first time. Your little ones will relate to Sister who is nervous about her first day. Filled with beautiful illustrations and familiar characters, The Berenstain Bears Go To School is a must-read for September!

4. The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing

Following the familiar rhythm of Clement C. Moore’s classic Christmas story, The Night Before First Grade tells the story of Penny as she goes through her first-day-of-school jitters and starts first grade with her best friend. Be sure to also check out Wing’s The Night Before Kindergarten if you have a little one heading off to kindergarten this fall.

5. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Williams Montalbano

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be a scary time for your daughter; A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Wililams Montalbano is filled with advice to ease the adjustment. This makes a great back-to-school gift!

6. I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

Be immersed in the familiar world of Charlie and Lola as Lola gets ready to start school. In I Am Too Absolutely Small for School, Lola has decided that she is too small to start school and her brother Charlie tries to tell her otherwise. How does Charlie fare in convincing Lola? Read this book with your little ones to find out!

7. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

First Day Jitters is a back-to-school read with a twist! Perfect for school-aged children to learn that they aren’t the only ones nervous when it comes to the first day — everyone will be surprised by the big reveal at the end!

8. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

A quintessential childhood favourite, Chrysanthemum deals with the idea of bullying and teasing in a school setting. The book teaches compassion and love with a few laughs along the way.

9. Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish 

Laugh along with Amelia Bedelia as she embarks on her first day of school in Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School. As usual, Amelia is taking all instructions completely literally which means there will be a lot of giggles from your little ones!

10. Zip, Zip…Homework by Nancy Poydar

Filled with teachable moments and lessons, Zip, Zip…Homework tells the story of Violet who is so excited when she gets her first homework assignment! When she gets home, she can’t find the assignment and lies about having completing it. With important lessons in honesty, this is a great story to get the conversation started with your family.

Did we forget your favourite back-to-school read? Let us know in the comments!