September 8, 2025 By Maria
Well, it’s come and found us as we tried to hide in the end of summer fun; back to school time is here. It found us at last. Since school is starting and there is no more escaping it, I decided to read some school themed picture books to my kids this week. We figured we might as well start the year with a laugh and some familiar stories.
The night before school started, we all sat down on the couch (even my 12-year-old) and read We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. We have yet to find a book by Ryan T. Higgins that doesn’t bring us to giggles. On a regular basis, my kids and I will quote this hilarious story. The book is about a young dinosaur, Penelope Rex, heading out for her first day of school, with children. Penelope is a fairly well-behaved little t-rex, but children are her downfall, because children are delicious. Penelope soon learns that it is not okay to eat your classmates. The way she finally learns empathy for her poor slobbered classmates and loses her appetite for children is my kid’s favorite part. This is a silly book to share with kids who are feeling a little fearful or unsure about the beginning of school or anyone who can just use a laugh.
Starting our back-to-school time on a silly note helped us ease into the transition. Going back to school after a fun and laid-back summer is not easy for kids. It announces the end of one season and the start of another. I love the change in seasons (autumn is my favorite), but I still find the change hard. Back to school time is definitely hard for kids. They are totally not happy about the end of summer and open days of freedom. Changes are hard for kids and adults alike. We both need time to adjust to change, especially the little ones. I hope your transition from summer to school season goes smoothly with a few laughs for good measure.
Here are some of our other favorite school picture books:
- Lily and the Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
- Wemberly Worries by Kevin Henkes
- Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
- Art Lessons by Tomie dePaola
More Bookshelves Please 