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Five Faves: New Back-to-School Picture Books

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!

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! 

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. 

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.

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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