Best New Back-to-Preschool Books for Fall 2019
How is it back-to-school time already?!?
Whether it’s a little one’s very first day of preschool or it’s their last year, sometimes a little extra encouragement is needed to get kiddos excited about school and learning.
Thankfully, 2019 has seen many books published to do just that!
Here are the newly-released books that will be welcome in any preschool’s library 2019:
First Day of Groot!
Author & Illustrator
Brendan Deneen & Cale Atkinson
Release Date
July 2, 2019
Description
You’ll find adventure at every turn. Now, come on, quick-it’s time to learn!
Just like the rest of us, Groot’s learning that there’s a first time (and a first day!) for everything. Follow Rocket and Groot as they set off across the galaxy learning new lessons, developing new skills, and making new memories with friends along the way.
With so many new experiences on the horizon, Groot’s sure to have a first day rooted in spectacular fun, heroics, and everything in between. Don’t be late for this thrilling adventure with the mightiest heroes from Earth and beyond!
Told in rhyme and accompanied by colorful and action-packed illustrations, First Day of Groot! is the perfect story to help little learners get excited about first-time experiences.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Author & Illustrator
Mo Willems
Release Date
July 2, 2019
Description
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!
Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School
Authors & Illustrator
Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook & Andy Robert Davies
Release Date
June 11, 2019
Description
Catchy rhymes and visual cues introduce young readers to the people they’ll encounter as they embark on their first day of school.
Spot A+ clues on the clothesline to identify all the people who make starting school so much fun! A follow-up to Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do and Clothesline Clues to Sports People Play, the clues in each lively verse can be spotted hanging from the clotheslines. From teacher to custodian, from crossing guard to new friends, who wears what?
If I Built a School
Author
Chris Van Dusen
Release Date
August 13, 2019
Description
In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school–from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground.
My school will amaze you. My school will astound.
By far the most fabulous school to be found!
Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.
On a scale, 1 to 10, it’s more like 15!
And learning is fun in a place that’s fun, too.
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.
The King of Kindergarten
Authors
Derrick Barnes & Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Release Date
July 2, 2019
Description
A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets. It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.
Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes’s empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations exude joy.
Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School!
Author & Illustrator
Christina Geist & Tim Bowers
Release Date
July 16, 2019
Description
This fun role-reversal picture book will help reluctant students see the appeal of school!
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!
Christina Geist’s warm, interactive story is the perfect tool for parents of kids who are reluctant or nervous about going to school. The fun refrain–“Sorry, grown-ups! You can’t go to school! Only kids and teachers! Only kids and teachers!”–brilliantly paints school as something exclusive and desirable…which kids can access! Tim Bowers’s lively illustrations enhance the fun and heighten the hilarity. This is sure to be a back-to-school classic in many families and classrooms!
Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten!
Author & Illustrator
Lisa Robinson & Eda Kaban
Release Date
August 1, 2019
Description
Yo, ho, ho! It’s a mutiny against kindergarten!
Pirate Emma is about to start kindergarten! But Emma’s not so sure she’s ready for a new captain and crew. Especially since Cap’n Chu—the roughest, toughest, awesomest preschool cap’n ever—is right down the hall. So Emma decides to head back to the preschool ship to see if she can stir up a mutiny against kindergarten! Is that what she really wants? Or does she just miss her beloved Cap’n Chu? Batten down the hatches, mateys, because the first day of school is going to be stormy!
Take Your Pet to School Day
Author & Illustrator
Linda Ashman & Suzanne Kaufman
Release Date
July 2, 2019
Description
Wouldn’t it be fun to bring your pet to school? Now imagine if EVERYONE brought their pet to school! That’s exactly what happens in this hilarious picture book–and it gets pretty wild! A lighthearted way to tackle classroom etiquette with new students.
When pets show up with their kids at Maple View Elementary, it’s total chaos! These animals have no respect for school rules, and every class quickly gets out of hand. But why did they show up in the first place? Who said they could come? Could it have been…the pets themselves? It turns out they just wanted in on the fun! Now, if they want to stay, they’ll just have to behave….
Linda Ashman’s bouncy, rhyming text lends itself perfectly to an exuberant classroom read-aloud, and Suzanne Kaufman’s playful art is full of hilarious details. A great way to generate enthusiasm for school, this book will easily find a place in pet lovers’ hearts.
Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool
Authors
James Dean & Kimberly Dean
Release Date
June 18, 2019
Description
Pete the Kitty is almost ready for his first day of preschool!
It’s a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day of preschool! He meets his cool teacher, sings a few fun songs, and even gets to paint. Who knew preschool could be so much fun?
Just don’t forget your groovy backpack and your yummy snack, Pete the Kitty!
Preschoolers and little ones getting ready to go to preschool for the first time will enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty’s fun entry to preschool.
Your First Day of Circus School
Author & Illustrator
Tara Lazar & Melissa Crowton
Release Date
June 4, 2019
Description
A clever, comical re-imagining of the classic “first day of school” story, with a circus twist!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages! It’s the most amazing day on earth: the first day of school! It can be a daunting prospect, but don’t worry – your big brother can show you the ropes. Join a nervous boy and his enthusiastic older brother as they navigate the highs and lows of a first day at school . . . except this school is a big top, and the teacher is named Miss Stupendous, and the cafeteria can be a zoo, literally! It turns out, school isn’t so scary when you can let off steam during recess (on a steam train) and walk on stilts to all of your classes. With a bit of help from family and some new friends, you’ll make it to the top of the class in no time! This charming take on school readiness will delight new school-goers and take a bit of the fear out of those first-day jitters.
Preschool, Here I Come!
Author & Illustrator
David J. Steinberg & John Joven
Release Date
July 2, 2019
Description
A book for all preschoolers-to-be from the author of Kindergarten, Here I Come!
From saying goodbye to parents on the very first day of school to watching butterflies hatch in spring, D. J. Steinberg celebrates all the landmark moments of preschool. Because the year is full of so many firsts, this collection of funny, joyful poems is a must-have for all small scholars in the making.
Open the Preschool Door
Author
Christopher Santoro
Release Date
May 28, 2019
Description
A lift-the-flap board book all about preschool from the creator of OPEN THE BARN DOOR and OPEN THE GARAGE DOOR!
Little preschoolers will love lifting 11 fun flaps to find a smiling teacher, a playground, a class pet, and much, much more in this bright and engaging board book. With a simple story and colorful and inviting illustrations, this is the perfect way to introduce the youngest of students to a preschool classroom.
All the Words You Need to Know Before You Start School
Author
Felicity Brooks
Release Date
September 3, 2019
Description
This delightfully illustrated book encourages language development at a key stage in children’s lives, introducing over 400 everyday words through a variety of themed sections. Help pre-schoolers build the vocabulary they will need to communicate effectively, make friends and learn to read and write when they start school. Helps fill the ‘word gap’ which has been identified by Primary teachers as having a significant impact on children’s learning, behaviour and self-esteem when they start school. An entertaining way to build vocabulary for pre-school children who are learning to talk Quirky, detailed images, and an abundance of interesting and useful words will make this word book stand out in the crowded retail market.
Which books will you be adding to your library? Let us know in the comments!
Michael writes for HiMama's early childhood education blog and ECE Weekly newsletter. When not developing content for early childhood professionals, he can usually be found out and about with his wife and daughter exploring all that Toronto has to offer, or playing music with his karaoke band.
More by Michael
