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Five Faves: New Back-to-School Picture Books

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Whether your reader is going to school for the first time or returning for another busy year, these new picture books are a great way to get in the school year mindset!

Scarecited on the First Day of School
Written by Alliah L. Agostini
Illustrated by Lala Watkins 
New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025. Picture Book. 

Have you ever felt more than one way about something? Of course you have! This delightful picture book perfectly encapsulates that phenomenon --because it's Afua's first day of school, and she's feeling so many things! 

The Tour at School!
Written by Katie Clapham
Illustrated by Nadia Shireen
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2025. Picture Book.

Get ready to smile until your face hurts at the antics of this young new tour guide! Our tour guide is very self-assured, and reminds readers that when you're assigned to show a new student around there are some things you absolutely must remember to do, like: Sound very excited, locate the echo-ey bathroom first off, and most importantly be sure to offer the hand of friendship. 

When You Go to Dragon School
Written by Chelsea M. Campbell
Illustrated by Charlene Chua
New York : Feiwel & Friends, 2025. Picture Book.

Can you believe it? Human school is full! But rest assured, there are spots available at dragon school --where you'll be encouraged to learn to breath fire and sleep on piles of gold. Wait... you can't do those things? Hopefully, the humans and dragons can find a way to learn together.

Recess
By Lane Smith
New York: Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book. 

The book equivalent of a brain break, Recess, is a riotously fun interactive title that will leave teachers and students clamoring for more as the characters find small ways to break up the school day. 










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