Fall is here, and backpacks, packed lunches, and getting little ones into backseats, carpools, and buses are in full swing. Some people go back to familiar routines, while others embark on a new learning adventure. In this edition of the Ovia Bookshelf, we’ve curated a few children’s books to spark excitement for a new season.
Check out what’s on our shelf!
Lola Goes to School
By Ana McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages 2-4
The Lola Reads book series is a wonderful collection for preschoolers. In this book, Lola encounters various milestones, including starting school. The book helps reinforce new routines for first-time students. In this book, Lola prepares for her first day at school, from packing her bag to meeting new friends.
Favorite line: Lola puts everything in her chair. She is ready for the morning.
Anno’s Counting Book
By Mitsumasa Anno
Ages 2-5
You will find no words here, just a simple and sweet landscape that unfolds into a vibrant community as you turn the pages of this book. This is a great way to introduce the concept of mathematics to little ones.
This is My Home, This is My School
By Jonathan Bean
Ages 3-6
Not everyone learns in a traditional school. Some kids receive their education at home. Based on the author Jonathan Bean’s homeschooling experience, this book is a beautiful visual homage to his experience.
Favorite line: Watch out, here comes the crabby cafeteria lady!
The Smart Cookie
By Jory John, Illustrated by Pete Oswald
Ages 4-7
Cookie struggles with school and can’t seem to find her place. When Ms. Biscotti gives the class a special assignment, Cookie struggles with finding her originality. This book is part of the Food Group books, a fun, lesson-filled series that introduces kids to cool characters like Sour Grape, Big Cheese, and more. The whole family will love these insightful stories.
Favorite line: I imagined my desk was a raft and that I was completely lost at sea. Because that’s what it felt like.
The Name Jar
By Yangsook Choi
Ages 5-8
Unchei is a recent immigrant from Korea. When her new classmates at school struggle to pronounce her name, she tells everyone she hasn’t chosen her name yet. To help, her classmates add names to a jar. Unhei then starts her journey toward loving her name and celebrating herself. It is a great read that inspires us to embrace new experiences, find friendship, and respect and honor cultures.
Favorite line: As she ran her fingers along the grooves and ridges of the Korean characters, she pictured her grandmother’s smile.
Planet Middle School
by Nikki Grimes
Ages 8-12
Written in free verse poems, Planet Middle School gives snapshots into the world of change that can happen during middle school. It is a good book to help start conversations about dealing with middle school and the things your child may be encountering for the first time, like puberty.
Planet Middle School
by Rob Harrell
Ages 9-12
Inspired by the author’s real-life experience, Wink takes us into Ross Malloy’s world, filled with many challenges, including a cancer diagnosis.
This sweet, poignant novel gives us a lot to think about and sometimes cry about, and most importantly, it teaches us about survival, strength and hope.
The author adds art and comic details, making this book even better!
Read more!
The Ovia Bookshelf: Black History Month Edition
The Ovia Bookshelf: Celebrating Disability Pride
