10 Engaging Back to School Picture Books
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated June 11, 2025
Favorite Back to School Picture Books for Grades 3-5
The first days of school are all about building classroom community, setting expectations, and helping students feel seen and safe. One of the best tools to support this? A powerful picture book. Back to school read alouds create moments of connection, spark important conversations, and bring a bit of joy and calm to your classroom routine. Whether you’re focusing on kindness, identity, perseverance, or teamwork, the right back to school picture books can help lay the foundation for a strong school year.
Looking for some print and go activities to use with back to school picture books? Click on the image or button below to see all of the fun read aloud activities I have available in my TPT shop!
(This post contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!)
Why Read Alouds Still Matter in Upper Elementary
Some teachers may think that read alouds are just for younger kids—but grades 3–5 are the perfect time to keep reading aloud. Picture books are short enough to fit into your busy schedule, yet packed with meaningful themes and conversation starters. They allow students to analyze text structure, character development, and theme in a low-pressure way. Even your most reluctant readers can engage deeply when they’re listening, not decoding. Plus, read alouds model fluent reading and provide a shared classroom experience that students remember long after the final page.
Looking for more information on the benefits of reading aloud to students? Click here to read about using read alouds in elementary, and here about reading aloud in middle school!
For detailed information to help you plan your next read aloud, check out this post!
Favorite Back to School Picture Books
Here are 10 of our very favorite picture books to read aloud at the beginning of the year. Each one offers something special—whether it’s a laugh, a lesson, or a chance to reflect.
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
This fun and quirky book teaches students about the Golden Rule through a cast of woodland creatures. Mr. Rabbit learns how to treat his new neighbors—the Otters—with kindness, respect, and good manners. It’s a great way to spark a discussion about classroom behavior and how we treat one another.
For more information on teaching this wonderful story in your classroom, click here.
The Bad Seed by Jory John
This humorous story about a seed with a bad reputation opens the door to conversations about behavior, reputation, and change. Students love the expressive narration, and it’s a great reminder that everyone has the power to grow and make better choices.
The Sharing Circle by Theresa “Corky” Larsen-Jonasson
This gentle story introduces the concept of a sharing circle, an Indigenous tradition focused on listening, empathy, and community. It’s a thoughtful way to begin conversations about inclusion, respect for diverse cultures, and how we build trust in the classroom.
For more indigenous read alouds, check out this post.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
With minimal text and maximum heart, this story of friendship and standing up for others resonates with students of all ages. It’s perfect for talking about kindness, bullying, and how we can support each other as classmates.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
This story centers on Lucy, a girl who dares to be different—and kind—even when others tease her. It encourages students to embrace what makes them unique and to stand up for others, making it a great lead-in to identity and empathy activities.
The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers
A beautifully illustrated and imaginative story about a “failed project” who escapes to find where he truly belongs. This book opens up deep conversations about acceptance, perseverance, and what it means to be enough just as you are.
After the Fall by Dan Santat
Ever wonder what happened to Humpty Dumpty after his big fall? This clever follow-up explores fear, resilience, and getting back up after failure. A powerful metaphor for students facing back-to-school anxiety or recovering from past setbacks.
The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
This hilarious story features a warrior princess and her rather un-warrior-like pony. It’s laugh-out-loud funny while also challenging stereotypes and celebrating that strength comes in many forms. Students will love the humor—and the message.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
This book is a conversation starter in disguise. As Sam and Dave dig for something spectacular, they miss it by inches over and over. It’s a fun and mysterious story that invites students to think about perspective, determination, and what it means to work together.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox by Danielle Daniel
This lyrical book introduces students to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, using each animal to explore different emotions and traits. It’s a wonderful way to explore identity and feelings, and to respect Indigenous perspectives from the very start of the school year.
Looking for additional indigenous read alouds? Check out this post.
Whether you’re aiming for laughter, heart, or meaningful reflection, these books deliver. Add a few to your first-week lineup—you’ll build connection, spark important conversations, and set the tone for a thoughtful, inclusive classroom community.
Looking for Some Activities to Use With Back to School Picture Books?
Click on the image or button below to see all of the activities to go along with Back to School Picture Books in my TPT shop!
Have You Downloaded Our Free Back to School Planning Guide?
Make your Back to School planning easy with this FREE comprehensive planning guide, especially designed for teachers in grades 3-5! This all-inclusive resource is packed with everything you need to streamline your planning process and set a positive tone for the back to school season.
Inside, you’ll find calendar pages to help you stay organized, curated Back to School read aloud lists, engaging activities and worksheets for important dates like Orange Shirt Day and Patriot Day, and a variety of Back to School planning tips and tricks. Engage your students with back to school themed graphic organizers that encourage interaction and learning. Make your monthly planning smooth, efficient, and enjoyable with this essential planning guide!
✅Includes 50+ pages of free teaching tips, activity suggestions, and worksheets – click on the image or button to download for FREE!
Interested in signing up for my email list?
If you are interested in signing up for my email list, you can do so by clicking on the link below. I periodically send out emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals. Signing up will also give you immediate access to some of my best selling Interactive Notebook resources – foldable activities, graphic organizers, and other fun activities.
