The first day of school is always exciting and a little (or a lot) nerve-racking. These 10 best back-to-school books and stories will help ease those first day jitters and get your kids ready for back to school, learning new things, meeting new friends, their teachers, and the new school year.

1. Beach Toys vs. School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello

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“Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner when two old rivals meet at the beach. Shovel thinks Ruler is a number-obsessed know-it-all. Ruler thinks Shovel is all play and no work. So when their two gangs challenge one another to a beachfront competition, the contest between beach toys and school supplies gets heated. Who will win? Who will have more fun? And will they be able to step up to help each other when unexpected disaster sweeps in?”

2. First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John and Liz Climo

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“It’s almost the first day of school, and the animals are nervous. Sloth worries about getting there on time, snake can’t seem to get his backpack fastened onto his body, and bunny is afraid she’ll want to hop around instead of sitting still. When they all arrive at their classroom, though, they’re in for a surprise: Somebody else is nervous too. It’s their teacher, the armadillo! He has rolled in as a ball, and it takes him a while to relax and unfurl. But by the next day, the animals have all figured out how to help one another through their jitters. School isn’t so scary after all.”

3. I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison

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“Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit! She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123!”

4. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

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“Discover a school where—no matter what—young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other’s traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.”

5. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López

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“There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.”

6. Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! by Christina Geist and Tim Bowers

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“It’s just another school morning…until Mom, Dad, Grandma, and even Bow-wow the dog BEG the kids to let them come to school, too! Dad can tie his own shoes–why can’t he come? Mom is all ready with her brand-new backpack–she’s allowed, right? No! Only kids and teachers!”

7. Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina

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“Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there’s just one problem… Lena’s shoes are nervous. Lena doesn’t want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can’t go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?”

8. Even Monsters Go to School by Lisa Wheeler and Chris Van Dusen

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“What’s a school day like for you? Bigfoot rides a yellow bus. Frankenstein shows off his new shoes. Troll loves playing tag at recess. And aliens go gaga over school supplies. Just like you, even monsters go to school!”

9. Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube

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“As Mae’s first day of school approaches she decides she IS. NOT. GOING. School is scary! What if the other kids don’t like her? Or what if she’s the only one who doesn’t know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae’s anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?”

10. If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen

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“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.”

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