Show and Tell: Back to School Books

September may be shouting “Back to the books!” but let’s be real— kid-lit writers (hi, that’s us) never actually put them down. The shelves keep calling, the stories keep inspiring, and honestly, there’s no better homework than opening a new picture book. Here are three new(ish) back-to-school books (Age Range: 4 – 8 years) you’ll want to stash in your backpack.

#1 Hot off the press: First Day Around the World by bestselling author Ibi Zoboi (HarperCollins, 2025)

Did you know that when the First Bell rings on the Day of Knowledge in Russia, older children hold the hands of younger children and guide them through the halls and classrooms? Or, that Children in China use “Tian Zi Ge” notebooks to learn how to write Mandarin and Cantonese words and sounds. From Ethiopia to Germany to Brazil, this joyful story celebrates kids on their first day of school around the world. It’s all about the excitement, nerves, and curiosity every child feels—no matter where they are. Zoboi’s writing flows like the hidden straits and passages that link the world’s waters into one big ocean.

Why it’s a standout:

• Portrays global perspectives in a kid-friendly way, with a lyrical flow perfect for reading aloud.
• Lends itself to endless follow-up conversations and explorations – an engaging read and a learning tool all in one. (Field trip to Nepal, anyone?)
• Parent/Teacher Tip: I wouldn’t call this a one-sitting book—there’s so very much to soak in! I also suggest giving it a preview to practice pronouncing the global words, names, and phrases.

In some parts of the world, like Melbourne and Brisbane, as the end of summer nears, and the long, warm days become short, spring flowers bloom. It’s a brand-new season when our schoolbooks are blank pages and our imaginations are as wide and far-reaching as the Great Barrier Reef.

Excerpt from First Day Around the World by, Ibi Zoboi
. Ibi Zoboi is a Bestselling & award-winning author for readers of all ages.

#2 Bitsy Bat: School Star — written and illustrated by Kaz Windness (Simon & Schuster, 2023)

Meet Bitsy, a brave little bat totally ready (she even practiced!) for her first night of school at Crittercrawl Elementary. Her supportive parents wave goodbye, with one last reminder:

“Remember, you’re our star student!” praised Mama. “Go Shine!”

When she flies into the classroom, her teacher Mr. Nibbles welcomes her and she takes a spot hanging upside down from the doorway, while her classmates (all different kinds of critters) sit in chairs, crayons in hand, with name tags on their tables. Bitsy quickly realizes she does everything differently—painting with her feet, eating bugs for lunch, and flying at recess. To make matters worse, her classmates keep telling her she’s doing it all wrong. After an epic meltdown at school, Bitsy tells her parents that she doesn’t want to go back to Crittercrawl because she doesn’t fit in. Her mother encourages Bitsy by asking:

“Is there something you can do at school to remember that you’re a Big Star?”

Bitsy hatches a ‘Big Star’ plan to help everyone at school celebrate their differences. Her courage makes her a furry, little, flying hero you can’t help but root for. Bitsy Bat: School Star earns top marks—fun to read, sweeter than nectar, and five stars of pure back-to-school charm.

Why it’s a standout:

• Awesome Back Matter!  In “More About Autism” – neurodivergent author Kaz Windness turns autism terms into kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp ideas, ending with a super-sweet, personal note to her young readers, sharing her personal experience living with autism.
• Agency! The sweet spot in kid-lit? Parents/Adult Characters gently point the way, but the child holds the reins. Windness finds the perfect balance.
• Parent/Teacher Tip: Seize the opportunity to gain valuable insight. Ask your child/student to share their own school experiences—what’s easy or hard for them?

#3 The First Week of School written and illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer. Another treat from Simon & Schuster (2024) that kids (and grown-ups) will love. This book caught my attention on the first page, literally, with the dedication: “For Nobody”. 

“Huh? For Nobody?” I thought. “Okay… I’m listening.” 

That quirky start set the tone for what came next: original, humorous, and completely unexpected. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to reread the moment you finish, now that you’re in on the fun. It’s a busy first week for this ensemble of characters, each of whom has their own side story unfolding throughout the week — including Pat, an adorable bearded dragon who’s the only one who knows what’s really going on behind the scenes in the classroom. 

Why it’s a standout:

• It’s bizarre! An outlandish twist on a back-to-school book.
• Students will love tracking the chaos and surprises through each character’s eyes.
• The book features full-color illustrations created with crayon, adding to the book’s charm. 
• Parent/Teacher Tip: It’s all in the pictures! The illustrations reveal details and humor the text alone doesn’t capture. In fact, it’s one of those stories that really won’t make sense without the illustrations. 

PS: Nobody is somebody.

Here are more great back-to-school book recommendations from Simon and Schuster‘s website.