Back to School 2020

By

All Are Welcome By Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom!

In our classroom safe and sound.
Fears are lost and hope is found.

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

“An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way.” – Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy

How to Get Your Teacher Ready By Jean Reagan; illustrated by Lee Wildish

Learn how to get your teacher ready for back to school…from the first dayl to graduation! The kids are in charge in this hilarious classroom adventure--from the creators of the New York Times bestseller How to Babysit a Grandpa.

This humorous new book in the beloved HOW TO . . . series takes readers through a fun and busy school year. Written in tongue-in-cheek instructional style, a class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready—for the first day of school, and all the events and milestones that will follow (picture day, holiday concert, the 100th day of school, field day!). And along the way, children will see that getting their teacher ready is really getting themselves ready. Filled with charming role-reversal humor, this is a playful and heartwarming celebration of teachers and students. A fun read-a-loud to prepare for first day jitters, back-to-school readiness or end of year celebrations..

The fun doesn't stop! Check out more HOW TO... picture books:

How to Babysit a Grandpa
How to Babysit a Grandma
How to Catch Santa
How to Get Your Teacher Ready
How to Raise a Mom
How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa

Nana Akua Goes to School By Tricia Elam Walker; illustrated by April Harrison

Winner of the 2021 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award!
 
In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother--whose face bears traditional tribal markings--to meet her classmates. This is a perfect read for back to school!

It is Grandparents Day at Zura's elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. Aleja's grandfather is a fisherman. Bisou's grandmother is a dentist. But Zura's Nana, who is her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmas. Nana Akua was raised in Ghana, and, following an old West African tradition, has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be scared of Nana--or worse, make fun of her--Zura is hesitant to bring her to school. Nana Akua knows what to do, though. With a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua is able to explain what makes her special, and to make all of Zura's classmates feel special, too.

Uni Goes to School (Uni the Unicorn) By Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Uni the Unicorn for early readers! This Step 2 Step into Reading book about Uni and friends going to school is great for back-to-school time, or any day of the year!

It's the first day of school! Join Uni on this all-new adventure in the land of unicorns! Unicorns can fix things with their horns, and Uni wants to learn. But learning anything takes time, practice, and belief in yourself. And unicorn magic only works if you're helping others. At first, Uni doesn't have a very magical horn. Will Uni be able to fix a nest and help the birds?

Uni the unicorn is a charming and relatable character! Fans of the picture books, as well as new Uni fans, will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on an amazing journey. Look for all the Uni stories, including Uni's First Sleepover and more!

Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Rocket's 100th Day of School (Step Into Reading, Step 1) By Tad Hills

Number one New York Times bestselling author Tad Hills returns with an all-new Level 1 Step into Reading story about Rocket’s 100th day of school.

Rocket, the beloved dog from the New York Times bestselling picture books How Rocket Learned to Read and Rocket Writes a Story, is busy collecting 100 things to take to school on his 100th day, and he has the perfect place to keep them safe. That is, until Bella, a squirrel who loves acrorns, gets involved.

With predictable patterns, simple words, lots of repetition, and bright, colorful illustrations, this new Rocket book will charm young readers—and they can read it all by themselves!
 
Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.