BOOK MARKED
11 Books to Get
Your Kids Excited
About Back to School
BY WF STAFF
With the new school year approaching, get your kids
excited for their first day back with one of these newly
released books that focus on themes like making new
friends, starting new routines, gaining confidence in
school subjects and having fun in the classroom!
‘The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!’ Who knew preschool could be so much
fun? Just don’t forget your groovy back-
By Mo Willems
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? pack and your yummy snack, Pete the Kitty!
He already knows everything! And what Preschoolers and little ones getting ready
if he doesn’t like it? What if the teach- to go to preschool for the first time will
er doesn’t like him? What if he learns too enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty’s fun entry to
much? Discover what Pigeon learns about preschool. Ages 3-6.

the importance of school. Ages 4-7.

‘When Pencil Met Eraser’
By Karen Kilpatrick
‘The King of Kindergarten’
Ever wonder why there’s a little pink eras-
By Derrick Barnes
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, er on every pencil? Find out in this funny,
and this kindergartener is ready to make his clever picture book that tells the true story
mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of of how Pencil and Eraser became the best
pancakes and can’t wait to be part of a whole of friends. When Pencil draws on the pages
new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam- of this book, Eraser erases parts of Pencil’s
packed, but he’s up to the challenge. And work, and the book itself becomes a canvas
afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud for their different takes on creativity — until
parents all about his achievements. Ages 3-6. the two discover their artwork is even better
when they work together. Ages 3-6.

‘I Will Be Fierce’
‘First Day of Groot!’
By Bea Birdsong
This is a powerful picture book about cour- By Brendan Deneen
age, confidence, kindness and finding the Just like the rest of us, Groot’s learning
extraordinary in everyday moments. It’s that there’s a first time (and a first day!)
a brand new day, and a young girl decides for everything. Follow Rocket and Groot as
to take on the world like a brave explorer they set off across the galaxy learning new
heading off on an epic fairy-tale quest. From lessons, developing new skills and making
home to school and back again, our hero new memories with friends along the way.

conquers the library, forges new friendships With so many new experiences on the hori-
and leads the victorious charge home on her zon, Groot’s sure to have a first day rooted
in spectacular fun, heroics and everything in
school bus. Ages 3-6.

between. Ages 4-7.

‘Pete the Kitty’s First
‘Life According to Og the Frog’
Day of Preschool’
By James Dean
By Betty G. Birney
It’s a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day Og the Frog has just moved into Room 26
of preschool! He meets his cool teacher, at the school, and the place is hopping.

sings a few fun songs and even gets to paint. There are lively kids, new routines and a
34 WashingtonFAMILY AUGUST 2019