Five Back-To-School Children's Books

It’s back-to-school season for kids and families! Most classes in Alberta started last week, and with that comes the return of earlier wake-ups, getting ready for the walk, ride, or bus to school, attending classes, lunchtime, and the homework that follows. School brings a whole new set of challenges for children. 

That’s why we thought it would be the perfect time to share some back-to-school books for you and your child to enjoy together. These stories offer a fun way to bond and provide a springboard for discussions about the new school year. Below are five fantastic children’s books, all available for borrowing at the Calgary Public Library! 

Rocking in My School Shoes  

Story by Eric Litwin (aka Mr. Eric) and art by James Dean

Time to head back to school with this bestselling groovy Pete the Cat book! 

Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunch room, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C751443

School's First Day of School 

Story by Adam Rex and illustrated by Christian Robinson

A New York Times bestselling author (The True Meaning of Smekday) and illustrator (Last Stop on Market Street) team bring you a fresh look at the first day of school, this time from the school's perspective. It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.  

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1062259 

The Pigeon Has to Go to School! 

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! 

 Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon! 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1263262 

Miss Nelson Is Missing! 

Written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall

The classic, hilarious story of a misbehaving class, their sweet teacher, and the legendary substitute teacher who restores order in their chaotic classroom. 

Miss Nelson's class always acts up--especially when their teacher is absent from school! But after a week with their strict substitute, Viola Swamp, the kids can't wait for Miss Nelson to come back. 

Full of tongue-in-cheek humor and James Marshall's simply silly illustrations, this is the ultimate back-to-school book or teacher gift: Accept no substitute! 

Plus don't miss the companion books: Miss Nelson Is Back and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day! 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C142779  

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute 

Written and illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo. Serving justice… and lunch! Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she isn't dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home? Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn't just serve sloppy joes - she serves justice!

Whatever danger lies ahead, it's no match for LUNCH LADY! 

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: https://calgary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S95C1336132