Back to School Reads

There’s no better way to wind down and prepare for a new season of learning and discovery than with a good book! Here at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, our Education Staff are passionate about sparking curiosity through play and, of course, through reading!

We asked our education team to share their top picks for Back to School reading from the Museum’s Library. Get ready to add some fantastic titles to your reading list!

1st Pick: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Why it’s a favorite: “This book is about more than just saying goodbye; it’s about being brave and staying connected. It gives kids a way to physically hold on to our bond even when we’re not together. For me, it’s a reminder that my love is a presence that they can carry with them all day long. It’s a teary but hopeful way to get our hearts ready for this big step.”

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/4nsy9jp8 

2nd Pick: Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman

Why it’s a favorite: “Pink Is for Boys is a great book to share at the beginning of the school year. It pushes back against old ideas about what boys and girls should like, helping all kids feel comfortable being themselves. The book uses a simple story and bright pictures to show that things like colors and feelings aren’t limited by gender. This encourages kids to be authentic, which in turn helps everyone create a more welcoming and understanding classroom.”

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/2n63j8ud

3rd Pick: Just Ask! By Sonia Sotomayor

Why it’s a favorite: This book’s core message is all about curiosity over judgment. It teaches kids that if they see someone who is different and they don’t understand why, they can just ask. This simple act of kindness helps them build compassion and realize that what looks like a “problem” from the outside might actually be a unique and powerful way of being in the world.

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/38btcv8u

4th Pick: Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf

Why it’s a favorite: “Fox Makes Friends is a wonderful resource for young children as they navigate the often tricky waters of social development. The book gently reframes the anxiety of making friends into the simple, enjoyable act of being with others and sharing an experience.”

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/5epb85zv

 

5th Pick: Rosie goes to preschool by Karen Katz

Why it’s a favorite: “This book was helpful when our daughter was starting preschool for the first time. She hadn’t been to daycare so really didn’t know what to expect! I like how simple and clear it is—we read it almost daily leading up to her first day!” 

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/5epb85zv

6th Pick: The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen

Why it’s a favorite: “The Pout Pout Fish was always a favorite character for my children, so when it was time for school, this was a natural fit. I think everyone no matter the age can relate to feeling a little nervous and worried. The book makes it clear that it’s totally normal to feel a bit scared or unsure about starting something new, like school. This can be a great way for parents and kids to talk about their own worries and to remind children that they’re not the only ones feeling that way.”

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/2dustp6d 

 

7th Pick: I Am Golden by Eva Chen

Why it’s a favorite: “I Am Golden is also a great book for all kids, no matter their background. It gives them a peek into what it’s like to be an immigrant and celebrates a specific culture. This helps kids understand and appreciate the different people they’ll meet in the world, which can make their classroom a more welcoming place for everyone.”

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/mr3fx9n2 

8th Pick: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book by Ryan T. Higgins

Why it’s a favorite: “Penelope Rex approaches the adjustment to school with a silly twist to help ease children’s worries about starting a new school year!” In the book, Penelope the dinosaur keeps trying to eat her new friends. She doesn’t realize it hurts their feelings and makes them scared.But then, something funny happens! The class goldfish bites her finger. It doesn’t hurt a lot, but it surprises her and makes her feel a little sad.That’s when Penelope finally gets it! She realizes, “Oh! So this is how my friends feel when I try to eat them!

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/y459bdur 

9th Pick: The Pigeon Has to Go to School, by Mo Willems

Why it’s a favorite: Pigeon has some of the same first day worries as most kids do. This book goes through why it’s important to go to school but also lets children know it’s okay to be nervous about something, even if you’re also excited. Pigeon doesn’t think he wants to go until the bus shows up, which we all know is their favorite, and he happily jumps on. It’s a fun way to explain you can be excited and scared about doing something new, but it’s always good to try!

Where you can find it: https://tinyurl.com/5n8ty33z 

Reading together is such a powerful way to get ready for the school year. Here at The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, we’re all about hands-on discovery and learning through play, and we think these books are a perfect fit for that. By exploring stories that teach empathy, celebrate what makes us all different, and build confidence, you’re giving your child all the tools they’ll need for the exciting journey ahead. So as you get ready for that first day, be sure to grab one of these books and start a new family tradition of learning and growing together.