10 Books to Ease Back to School Fears

If your child is experiencing first-day-of-school jitters, they're not alone! Many kids feel the same way. Fortunately, books specifically about the first day of school can be a wonderful tool to ease their fears and open up a conversation with you about their worries. 

Embrace these stories as a way to support your child during this transition and provide them with the reassurance they need to start the school year with confidence.

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Here's a list of 10 great kids' books about the first day of school:

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn A nervous young raccoon's mom kisses the palm of his hand before his first day of school. If he feels scared at all, he can touch his hand to his cheek and feel her kiss.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson Henry, a mouse, isn't sure he's ready for kindergarten. But on his first day of school, he discovers how much fun he will have.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg Sarah Jane Hartwell knows her first day at her new school will be awful. But when she arrives, she finds help in smoothing her jittery transition. A surprise ending is sure to make you - and your kids - laugh.

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex Even the school building is nervous about the first day of school in this sweet and charming book.

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child This book features the well-known characters of Charlie and Lola. The ever-patient Charlie persuades Lola that even though she can already count to 10, school is worthwhile.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish The literal-minded Amelia is about to start her first day of school. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! Amelia will make your child laugh, and ease her worst fears.

Off to First Grade by Louise Borden All 23 students in Mrs. Miller's class get a voice in this story, which means kids will find at least one character they relate to.

How Not to Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka Will's troublesome little brother, Steve, is starting kindergarten. School will never be the same! Cathy Hapka and Ellen Titlebaum are the authors of many books for children.

A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Williams Girls about to enter middle school can take a quiz to determine how they respond to change. The book contains tips on everything from switching classes to making new friends. Also includes tips from girls who have been through the switch from elementary school to middle school.

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School by Robin Epstein and Ben H. Winters The authors of the best-selling "Worst-Case Scenario" series return with a survival guide for those who are facing, or just about to face, this big transitional time in school and life. No matter your children's ages, they're bound to have first day of school jitters! A new book about the first day of school might just be the answer to put some of those fears to rest and remind them that everyone else is nervous too.

More book ideas for kid to read before going back to school:

• Scholastic: 12 Books to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety for All Ages

Macaroni Tip: Head to your local library and ask the librarian for helpful back to school themed books for your little and not so little ones.