We are in our final full week off before school starts. This is a transition time for us as we prepare for returning to a more structured schedule. We’ll be staying home most of this week, getting settled and rested. My oldest will be starting first grade — the first year for full days at school! My middle daughter will be starting Pre-K and attending 3 half-days a week. They’re both excited for school and since they’ve both already attended, there isn’t any anxiety. They’re ready! Still, we like to talk about what to expect at school and what is expected of them. Books are a fun way to get the message across, get the littles excited for the school year and help ease the transition. Here are a few titles from Candlwick Press relating to the topic:
[amazon_link id=”0763663417″ target=”_blank” ]Bluefish[/amazon_link] by Pat Schmatz Ages 12 and up
A highly acclaimed ALA award-winning novel, Bluefish tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy learning to read. With the perfect blend of humor, gravity, and hope, Schmatz meditates on the role of teachers, books, and learning in everyday life.
[amazon_link id=”0763665037″ target=”_blank” ]How Did That Get Into My Lunchbox?[/amazon_link] by Chris Butterworth, Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti Ages 5-8
It’s easy to forget where all our food comes from—especially once the hustle and bustle of back-to-school begins! Luckily, Chris Butterworth is here to provide answers to curious youngsters in this relevant, colorful story and the American Farm Bureau’s book of the year.
[amazon_link id=”0763665258″ target=”_blank” ]Peppa Pig and the Busy Day at School[/amazon_link] by Candlewick Press, Illustrated by Ladybird Ages 2-5
Peppa Pig is back! Get ready to join her on a new adventure starring the beloved, award-winning U.K. sensation. Peppa is having a busy day at school—learning numbers and letters, painting, making music, and playing outside. Peppa can’t wait for Special Talent time, but her excitement turns to worry when all three of her special talents are chosen by others!
[amazon_link id=”076366524X” target=”_blank” ]Bobbo Goes to School[/amazon_link] by Shirley Hughes Ages 3-5
In the newest book by two-time Greenaway Medalist Shirley Hughes, Lily’s stuffed dog, Bobbo, accidentally gets trapped on a bus headed for school! Lily’s not old enough for school yet, but will she rescue Bobbo and discover that school is actually much more exciting than she thought?
[amazon_link id=”076366278X” target=”_blank” ]Joe and Sparky Go to School[/amazon_link] by Jamie Michalak, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz Ages 5-7
The goofy animal pals are back! This time, they’re headed to school for a fun-filled day of learning in Jamie Michalak’s third book about Joe the Giraffe and Sparky the Turtle, an unlikely pair of best friends. Readers will roll over laughing—and find lots to relate to—in this hilarious new adventure.
[amazon_link id=”0763658553″ target=”_blank” ]Electrical Wizard[/amazon_link] By Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez Ages 7-10
Move over, Thomas Edison! Nikola Tesla takes the spotlight in a biography of the man who pioneered modern electrical engineering—and changed the course of history. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time.
[amazon_link id=”0763668818″ target=”_blank” ]Mesmerizing Math[/amazon_link] By Jonathan Litton, Illustrated by Thomas Flintham Ages 7-10
An interactive, engaging and exciting exploration of math! Clear, humorous text, bright illustrations and interactive novelties help explain topics including numbers, geometry, probability, transformations and statistics. The focus is on making math accessible and exciting, so each topic has an investigation for young numbersmiths to try at home.
My middle daughter found the “How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?” book really interesting while all three of my kiddos loved Peppa Pig & The Busy Day at School. All of these books are great — Candlewick always comes through with the perfect children’s books for all sorts of occasions!