5 Great Books for the First Day of School

The First day of school can be quite an emotional time not only for the little ones but for parents as well. I have found five cute books that will help parents and their children cope with that dreaded first day of school:

First Day Jitters (Mrs. Hartwells classroom adventures) by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love - Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending. Fun, energetic illustrations brighten page after page with the busy antics surrounding Sarah Jane. FIRST DAY JITTERS is an enchanting story that is sure to be treasured by anyone who has ever anticipated a first day of school.

Curious George's First Day of School by H.A. Rey -  It’s the first day of school, and Curious George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper! George is just the right monkey for the job—until he starts to wreak his usual havoc, that is. Red and yellow paint makes orange, yellow and blue makes green . . . and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! Curious George and the First Day of School is a story based on H. A. and Margret Rey’s popular primate and painted in the original watercolor and charcoal style.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish and illustrated by Lynne Avril - Amelia Bedelia is sure she will love everything about the first day of school: new friends; new teacher; her own desk; music, books, gym, art; recess and lunch. Amelia Bedelia can't wait. What could be better? School! School! Hooray for school!

The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer - It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child's fears about the first day of school.

First Day of School by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell -  Anne and Lizzy Rockwell's delightful picture book series about Mrs. Madoff's class has explored some special occasions at school, including Career Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Presidents' Day. Now the respected mother-daughter writer-illustrator team is taking on another BIG day in First Day of School. Kids will understand the excitement and nervousness of the children in Mrs. Madoff’s class as they get ready for the first day of school after summer vacation. They’ve all changed a little. Nicholas has a grown-up new haircut. Jessica has learned how to make her own lunch. And Ethan has his very own house key! As the kids get into their back-to-school rituals, they know one thing for sure: this year is sure to be great!