When it comes to choosing books for the beginning of the school year, I recommend looking for books that are short and extra engaging for young children. As children learn to sit still and listen later on, you will be able to read longer books.
At the beginning of the year, you don’t want to lose them at story time and set the wrong tone at the start. You don’t want them to see story time as a time to wiggle and squirm because they have to sit too long.
I leave off the books that are “traditional” to read at back to school time, such as The Kissing Hand, because this book in particular is soooo long! I really don’t even worry about whether the topic of the book is about school. I focus mainly on books that are short and engaging.
These are my favorite back to school books for Pre-K. (This list contains Amazon affiliate links.)
Visit the Beginning of School Activities page for lots of Preschool & Pre-K lesson ideas.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
by Eric Litwin
Is Everyone Ready for Fun?
by Jan Thomas
Knuffle Bunny
by Mo Willems
David Goes to School
by David Shannon
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
by Eric Litwin
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
by Mo Willems
The Pigeon Needs a Bath
by Mo Willems
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
by Eric Litwin
The Doghouse
by Jan Thomas
Knuffle Bunny Too
by Mo Willems
No, David
by David Shannon
Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants
by Eric Litwin
The Duckling Gets a Cookie
by Eric Litwin
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
by Mo Willems
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The Night Before Preschool is longer, but is in board book format.