Picture Book List: 15 Terrific Books About Teachers

It’s back-​to-​school time, so what better way to celebrate the awesome teachers in our lives than to put together a list of fun picture books about teachers, schools, and students?

If I missed any of your favorites, drop a note in the comments. Enjoy!


A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon (March 1998)

From Goodreads: “‘What we have here is a bad case of stripes. One of the worst I’ve ever seen!’ Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don’t like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she’s so worried that she’s about to break out in…a bad case of stripes!”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7


Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (September 1991)

From Goodreads: “Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria.
“Let’s smell her,” says Jo.

Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6


Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis ? (October 2012)

From Goodreads: “Chloe doesn’t really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she’s gone.

When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the opportunity that’s been lost. How much better could it have been if she’d just shown Maya a little kindness and opened her heart to friendship?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 6–10


Here Comes Teacher Cat by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Claudia Rueda (August 2017)

From Goodreads: “It’s back to school for the New York Times bestselling Cat when he steps in as a substitute teacher.

Cat is not pleased to be tapped as substitute teacher. Not only is it cutting into his naptime, but a roomful of kittens is a little … much. At school, Cat follows the lesson plan of music, building, and painting–only in gradually more mischief-​making Cat style. By the end, Cat has learned a thing or two about inspiring others by being himself. But even more heart-​melting and humorous is what these adorable kittens have learned from Cat.”

Pages: 88
Reading Age: 3–5


Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes (May 1996)

From Goodreads: “Hooray For Lilly!

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her new favorite things

movie star sunglasses (complete with diamonds)
three quarters (shiny ones)
a purple plastic purse (it plays lively music when opened)

to school, and insists on showing them to everyone even though it is not Sharing Time, Mr. Slinger is not amused. In fact, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly’s fury leads to revenge and then to remorse as she sets out to make amends, in this modern classic by the beloved Kevin Henkes.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 3–6


My Teacher Is a Monster by Peter Brown (July 2014)

From Goodreads: “Bobby has a problem. You see, his teacher is a monster. But when Bobby runs into his teacher outside of school, he learns there is more to her than meets the eye.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 3–9


The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (September 2003)

From Goodreads: “With a simple, witty story and free-​spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark — and follow where it takes us.

Her teacher smiled. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”

Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw — she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. “There!” she says.

That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-​discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–7


Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara Calahan King (September 2000)

From Goodreads: “It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy! In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipes for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 3–6


How Full Is Your Bucket? (for kids) by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, illustrated by Maurie J. Manning (April 2009)

From Goodreads: “Through the story of a little boy named Felix, this charming book explains to children how being kind not only helps others, it helps them, too. As he goes about his day, Felix interacts with different people — his sister Anna, his grandfather, other family and friends. Some people are happy, but others are grumpy or sad. Using the metaphor of a bucket and dipper, Felix’ grandfather explains why the happy people make Felix feel good, while the others leave him feeling bad — and how Felix himself is affecting others, whether he means to or not. This beautifully illustrated adaptation takes the original book’s powerful message — that the way we relate to others has a profound effect on every aspect of our lives — and tailors it to a child’s unique needs and level of understanding.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7


The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Leonard Weisgard (May 1999)

From Goodreads: “Goodnight Moon creator Margaret Wise Brown’s The Important Book is a deceptively simple exercise–taking familiar things like an apple, spoon, or shoe, and finding the most basic association with those things. The most important thing about an apple? It is round. A spoon? You eat with it. A shoe? You put your foot in it. But why, according to Brown, is the most important thing about grass “that it is green,” while the most important thing about an apple is “that it is round”? Why is “that it is white” the most important thing about snow and a daisy? Whether or not you’d distill these things in the same way that the author does, Brown makes us think about the essence of everyday entities in new ways. The illustrations, by Caldecott Medal winner Leonard Weisgard (The Little Island), perform the same function–capturing the spoonness of spoons, the roundness of an apple, the motion of wind.”

Pages: 24
Reading Age: 4–9


The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton (October 2013)

From Goodreads: “Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party… until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 5–8


The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak (January 2003)

From Goodreads: “Chester Raccoon is very scared and nervous about his first day of school. His mom helps to solve his anxiety in a very special way that involves the kissing hand.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6


The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (October 2003)

From Goodreads: “The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week.

Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-​name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.

On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-​Hey.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 3–6


The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Laura Huliska-​Beith (February 2002)

From Goodreads: “A fresh & original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, & parents & teachers will appreciate the story’s deft handling of conflict resolution (which happens w/​o adult intervention) Mean Jean was Recess Queen and nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she’d push ’em and smoosh ’em lollapaloosh ’em, hammer ’em, slammer ’em kitz and kajammer ’em. Until a new kid came to school! With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–7


School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson (June 2016)

From Goodreads: “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.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 5–6

Picture Book List: 20 Terrific Books About School

Since it’s Back to School time pretty much everywhere, it just made sense to have this special Monday post about some of the best picture books about school. If I missed YOUR favorite picture book about school, drop me a note in the comments and I’ll try to include your fave in a future list or Bonus Goody post.


Brand-​new Pencils, Brand-​new Books by Diane deGroat (June 2007)

From Goodreads: “Gilbert, the popular star of deGroat’s New York Times bestseller Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, returns in this humorous and reassuring back-​to-​school story, in which Gilbert experiences his first day in first grade.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

 

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex (June 2015)

From Goodreads: “It is Chu’s first day of school. Chu is nervous. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at school today? Will Chu do what Chu does best?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 1–5

 

David Goes to School by David Shannon (May 2021)

From Goodreads: “David’s teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David’s high-​energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-​behaved reader.

In ‘David Goes to School’, young David shows up late to class, goes wacko at the blackboard, chews gum in class, yells answers out of turn, pulls pigtails, stares out the window, cuts in line, has a food fight (“I don’t care who started it!” says the teacher), lingers at recess, and more. Colorful, hilarious, childlike illustrations examine our strangely appealing demon-​boy at eye level.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

 

Don’t Eat the Teacher! by Nick Ward (January 1998)

From Goodreads: “Sammy has trouble controlling his enthusiasm on his first day of school.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6

 

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love (February 2000)

From Goodreads: “Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–8

 

First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene (June 2010)

From Goodreads: “Perfect for nervous/​excited kids about to go to school (and their parents!), this engaging story convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a first-​grade classroom. Time to shake those jitters!

Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn’t know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can’t understand anything his teacher says?

Looks like a case of first grade jitters!”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6

 

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz (September 1998)

From Goodreads: “Froggy’s mother knows that everyone’s nervous on the first day of school. “Not me!” says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop — flop flop flop. Froggy’s exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun.“This is a great read-​aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation.…A charming story to calm those pre-​school jitters.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6

 

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child (August 2005)

From Goodreads: “Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it’s up to ever-​patient big brother Charlie to persuade Lola that school is worthwhile — and that her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, will be welcome, too.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7

 

I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-​Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison (July 2020)

From Amazon: “This exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-​winning illustrator Frank Morrison will have every kid cheering for school to begin!

Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit! She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-​A-​DINGShe sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123!

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

 

If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen (June 2015)

From Goodreads: “In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school–from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground.

My school will amaze you. My school will astound.
By far the most fabulous school to be found!
Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.
On a scale, 1 to 10, it’s more like 15!
And learning is fun in a place that’s fun, too.

If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-​up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-​chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

 

Little Mole Goes to School by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland (July 2022)

From Goodreads: “It’s Little Mole’s first day of school, and he’s nervous. What if he is the last to know his alphabet? What if he’s not good at anything? With a good bit of anxiety, Little Mole heads to class and begins to compare himself to his peers. How will he ever measure up? But soon a crisis on the playground reveals that he has everything he needs in his own two paws to save the day. In this third installment of the Little Mole series, author Glenys Nellist and illustrator Sally Garland spin another endearing tale of the beloved Little Mole, his encouraging mama, and his forest friends. Children will relate to Little Mole’s feelings of self-​doubt, will cheer him on when he discovers his unique gifts and talents, and will be inspired to confront their own insecurities and celebrate what they have to offer, too.”

Pages: 36
Reading Age: 2–5

 

A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade by James Preller, illustrated by Greg Ruth (June 2013)

From Goodreads: “Arr! It’s the first day of first grade, and it’s all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?”

Pages: 48
Reading Age: 3–6

 

Pterodactyl Show and Tell by Thad Krasnesky, illustrated by Tanya Leonello (October 2018)

From Goodreads: “When a boy brings his pterodactyl to school for show-​and-​tell, hilarious havoc ensues. The creature’s delightfully demented antics, the kids’ expressions as they try to avoid the hungry pterodactyl, and the out-​of-​control imagination of the boy yield a wild and wacky romp. Kids who dig dinosaurs will devour this preposterous pterodactyl tale written in rhyming couplets and teeming with edgy school-​age humor and giggle-​inducing illustrations.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–7

 

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson (June 2016)

From Goodreads: “It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially … the school.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 5–6

 

 

The Class from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, illustrated by Jared Lee (June 2009)

From Goodreads: “Is it true that the new class REALLY is just a bunch of horrible ghouls? The new teacher has heard all sorts of weird stories about her students. What will she find when the students arrive?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

 

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-​Newton (July 2019)

From Goodreads: “Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-​packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6

 

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Julie Durrell (July 2001)

From Goodreads: “It’s the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6 years

 

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins (June 2018)

From Goodreads: “Penelope the dinosaur starts school, but it’s hard to make friends when her classmates are so delicious!

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all… Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-​winning author-​illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.”

Pages: 48
Reading Age: 3–6

 

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (April 2010)

From Goodreads: “Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon, and night. “Worry, worry, worry,” her family said. “Too much worry.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

 

Wow! School! by Robert Neubecker (April 2011)

From Goodreads: “What could be more WOW! than the first day of school?
From science and storytime to music and math, Izzy’s classroom is full of new things to explore. Tag along with Izzy and experience the wonder and excitement of school from a child’s-​eye view.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7