Helping Kids Transition Back to School: 6 Children’s Books Every Parent Should Read
As the first day of school gets closer, many children begin experiencing a mix of excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. Parents in Katy, Texas, may notice more questions about what to expect, worries about new teachers or classmates, or even a little extra clinginess at home. While these feelings are a normal part of the transition, one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to help children prepare emotionally is by reading together.
Families throughout Katy, Fulshear, Cinco Ranch, Richmond, and West Houston often tell us that the weeks before school bring excitement mixed with uncertainty.
Reading together is one of the best ways to help children prepare for the first day of school. Whether your child is starting preschool, elementary school, or middle school, the right back-to-school books can ease anxiety, build confidence, and create meaningful conversations about new routines, friendships, and big emotions.
Reading is an incredible way to connect with children, expand their understanding of concepts, broaden their interests and validate their feelings. Children of all ages use books to connect what is on the pages to what they are experiencing. This back to school season, can be a valuable time to incorporate intentional book choices when reading to or alongside your child(ren). The following books feature relatable characters and scenarios that help children process their feelings and fears about starting school.
In Katy, Texas, most schools start back in mid August. We are only a few weeks away!. Parents may be feeling a mix of emotions- you may be ready for the routine of school to return, or sad that your child is growing older and extended time together may be coming to an end. Children pick up on our emotions, so how we feel and discuss back to school season shapes how our children may feel about this transition too. We can model healthy coping skills, share our ways of preparation and speak highly of school starting… but sometimes kids need more. Or, they need the information to come from someone other than their parents!
Why Back-to-School Books Help Children Feel More Confident
Books allow for a relaxed and child-paced exposure to process their own thoughts and feelings about back to school. Studies show reading your child books to ease the transition to or back to school is beneficial by:
Normalizing worries about upcoming changes
build emotional vocabulary and identify common feelings
reduce anxiety by providing predictable outcomes and familiarity
encourage conversations and an outlet for children to express what they’ve internalized about preparing for school
prepare children for new routines within the school day as well as before and after school
strengthen parent-child connection and allow for open communication in an informal setting
Our Recommendations:
If you are wanting to have resources for your children, or just curious how books can help play a role in supporting a healthy transition back to school, here is our list of 6 books you will want to check out!
First Day Jitters: Suggested Age: Pre-k, Elementary
Recap: Readers are able to laugh and relate to the feelings of getting up and getting ready for the first day of school. It is a great tool to open up conversation about preparation, encouragement and feelings that may come with starting back. The ending is one that you and your child will remember!
Squish and Snug: Brave Lion Suggested Age: Mother’s Day Out, Toddlers, Preschool
Recap: In this squishy animal covered board book, a lion learns to roar at school. It provides a great way to incorporate scripture to young listeners while naming and discussing feelings. At the end, the brave lion is able to show off his skills,a great mirror for what your child will accomplish away from home in their upcoming MDO or preschool class.
Our Class is a Family Suggested Age: Pre-K, Early Elementary
Recap: If your child is a confident and thriving member of your family, but nervous to transition to full time school again, this can be a bgg help. It has bright, colorful pictures and an easy to follow story that portrays many diverse students. It highlights character traits of good classmates, and reminds readers that their class will stick together and their teacher will be there to support them along the way- just like a family!
Moja Finds her Courage Suggested Age: Pre-K, Younger Elementary
Recap: Moja is a little bear who loves being close to her mother. Moja’s mother encourages her to go out alone and gather berries, and at first Moja feels very nervous and overwhelmed. With therapist recommedned coping strategies, Moja find the courage to go out on her own. Written by our very own therapist and owner, Amy Oxener, this book will help your child with confidence, trust in God and skills to overcome anxious feelings.
The Dot Suggested Age: upper elementary and up
Recap: A reluctant student is pushed by her teacher to participate and do the minimum for class. To her surprise, after being encouraged (not without a little sass!) she finds she likes doing the new task and is actually quite talented. A great reminder for students, that new classes bring new content and possibly new passions.
Thank You, Mr. Falkner
Suggested Age: Middle School
Recap: Written as a memoir from a child who has dyslexia, it is a great reminder that we all learn differently, but can be successful regardless of any diagnosis or ailment. She is reflecting on the positive impact her teacher had on her learning, and can serve as inspiration for students before meeting their new teacher. Teachers play an intrical role in a student’s comfort in the classroom, and this heartwarming story gives children (and their parents) an optimism and excitement for the start of the school year we all long for.
Bonus- Because Brian Hugged His Mother
If you are feeling like your child is growing too fast and will soon outgrow their love of hugging you, or your child is eager to start school with a confidence you don’t want to shake- This is the book for your family! It isn’t centered around school or the back to school season, but serves as an incredible reminder to all the impact one positive act can have. Whether holding the door, smiling at a new student, assisting a teacher with dropped papers- we are in control of all of our actions, and if we choose wisely, we can have a far larger impact on the world/school/community than we ever imagined. Parents and children will finish the book with a smile, and a desire to hug their mother :)
Wanting More?
Feel free to check out from your local Katy library, download or purchase the Scholastic recommended list too for more options. Scholastic’s recommendations {here}
Or, if you or a family member would like to discuss this topic further, have questions, or would like to start counseling this summer, please reach out to us at AP Counseling group here in Katy, Texas!
At AP Counseling Group, we offer a variety of services to support individuals and families. Our child counseling and play therapy provides a safe space for kids to process emotions and build healthy coping skills. We also offer teen counseling to help adolescents navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships, and adult counseling tailored to help adults manage life pressures. Whatever stage you're in, we’re here to support you with guidance rooted in faith and practical tools.
chool books that help children ease school anxiety, build confidence, and prepare for the first day of school in Katy, Texas.