Every new school year comes with a host of emotions. These four books help prepare readers to pack backpacks, grab lunches and start a new year.…

4 Great Kids Books Celebrating School
Preschool, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg. Author D.J. Steinberg celebrates landmark moments of preschool, including saying goodbye to parents on the very first day of school and watching butterflies hatch in spring. Recommended for infants.

First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John. Sloth, snake and bunny are all worried about school. Even their teacher, an armadillo, is curled up in a ball. But after the first day, all the animals learned to support each other. Recommended for toddlers.

Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein. Four students stand out with their homemade lunches, from bagels with lox to dhokla cake topped with vagar. A great reminder to embrace your heritage and eat your favorite food with pride–even if it’s not a sandwich. Recommended for elementary schoolers.

New From Here by Kelly Yang. A family flees Hong Kong for the U.S. to escape Covid-19 only to face many complex obstacles, including a new school. Recommended for tweens.