Fiction Friday: New Back to School Picture Books for Kids

With First Grade looming (OH MY!!), we’ve started getting ready for school with a bit of special reading.  I’ve picked out some of my favorite back to school picture books for children that are new to the publishing world this year.

Which ones are you interested in?

Clark the Shark is a brand new story from Bruce Hale – one that’s perfect for the child who is a bundle of energy.  You see, Clark the Shark is the biggest in his class and he’s also the most enthusiastic.  With everything.  Playing. Reading. Eating. Get the picture?

Sometimes, especially at school, it’s just not appropriate.  With the help of his teacher, Clark figures out a way to learn that there is a time and a place for everything.  A great lesson….and one that helps him navigate school (and make friends) much better.

SHOP: Clark the Shark

Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus is a fun story for kids that tracks the famous children’s song, “The Wheels on the Bus”.  I couldn’t help but “sing” the book all the way through.  A great read for a young toddler heading off to preschool, or just one who is learning the tune for the first time.  You’ll even find unique verses to the song, particular to Pete the Cat.

SHOP: Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus – discounted to jut $5.99 now for Hardcover (reg $9.99)

Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card is one of my favorite new stories, but I do have a thing for Amelia.  She just cracks me up.  In fact, this story takes place in the town library, during a class field trip.  I chuckled as Amelia tried to do the right thing by getting rid of her juice box (after all, she discovers that she shouldn’t have food or drink in the building).  The laughs come as she disposes of the juice box inside the opening where you return your library books.  Oh boy……Amelia is always getting into trouble without realizing it.

Another classic Amelia tale.

SHOP: Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card

My New Teacher and Me! is a brand new book by Al Yankovic. YES, I’m aging myself when I tell you that I can only refer to him as Weird Al Yankovic (from his music days).  I was surprisingly delighted by this book, and I think you will be too.

Billy is a young boy with an amazing imagination who has Mr. Booth (a serious teacher) in school.  Oh, I think we’ve all had a teacher or two like Mr. Booth.  But I tell you what, he met his match in Billy, though it took the entire book to prove it.  Mr. Booth doesn’t think any of Billy’s tales are true…….and he learns a lesson or two.  A great lesson for parents to use (though inferred) about making assumptions.

SHOP: My New Teacher and Me!

Splat and the Cool School Trip (Splat the Cat) is such a wonderful new tale about Splat and his classmates taking a field trip to the zoo.  All Splat can focus on is getting to the penguins….his favorite animal.  Unfortunately, a surprise friend had tagged along (Seymour the mouse) and scared an elephant.  The elephant went thrashing about the zoo.  Next thing you know……no penguins would be available for viewing.  Splat was crushed.  Heartbroken.  In the end, Seymour the mouse makes it up to Splat, without Splat realizing it.  It would be Penguin Day after all.

This book reminds me of how all kids at some point (and hey, adults too) get disappointed.  This makes for a great opportunity for talking with our kids about it….while laughing a bit too!

SHOP: Splat and the Cool School Trip (Splat the Cat)

Kids will love the arguments that come out of the new book, 123 versus ABC.  Number 1 and Letter A are fighting over who is the star of this book…..numbers or letters.  They don’t budge……well, eventually they do, after it becomes clear that both are quite the stars.  A great book for young ones learning letters and numbers.

SHOP: 123 versus ABC

First Day of School is perhaps surprisingly one of the most helpful stories in this bunch.  Why?  Well, it completely identifies children and everything they worry about on that first day of school in addition to all that the stuff that’s done beforehand.  From getting haircuts to buying new shoes, you’ll see classmates getting ready for the big day.  Backpacks will be on sale and special outfits picked out.  Kids remember what it was like the last year and hope that best friends will be in their class again.

We’re reading this one this week.  It has really been helpful!

SHOP: First Day of School

Mia Dances Back to School!might be just the book you need if your child finds that he/she won’t be in the same class as their best buddies.  That’s something we are dealing with right now.  I know many parents and children are too.  Mia is in the same position, with her two best friends in another class.  She’s so upset she doesn’t want to go to school on the second day.  But she learns a lesson…..and it’s one that should help kids everywhere.

Plus, as always, there’s a full page of stickers you can use!

SHOP: Mia Dances Back to School!

If you are a fan of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, you are bound to love her new children’s book, Charlie Goes to School.   Who says  it’s just for kids?  🙂  Charlie, the ranch dog, is watching mama homeschool the kids, just like Ree does.  He decides snack time might just be the best part of the day.  Kids everywhere just might agree, although I think Ree’s snacks are probably a bit better than those at our elementary school.  Ha!

Charlie decides he’ll start a school for the animals on the ranch.  Of course, he finds himself a wee bit in over his head.

Best of all, you’ll find a recipe in the back of the book – Charlie’s Favorite Strawberry Oatmeal Bars!  (It’s for people!!)  🙂

SHOP: Charlie Goes to School

So, which book are you most interested in?