Remember that feeling of heading back to school after a long summer break? Back-to-school season ushers in a complex array of emotions, combining the excitement of new beginnings and reconnecting with friends, with the apprehension of facing new challenges and navigating changes in routines.

Besides getting backpacks and school supplies ready, one of the best tools you can equip your child with during this time of transition is a well-chosen picture book! And I’ve compiled a list of new ones to entertain, inspire, or even temper your young reader’s nervous butterflies.

Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes by Stacey Marshall

This bestselling picture book is an inspiring tale that introduces Katie, a shy newcomer who feels a flurry of butterflies as she navigates the challenges of her new school. But a remarkable superhero, Captain Courage, swoops in with his incredible fear-squishing shoes to show Katie, and young readers, how to find their inner strength and conquer back-to-school jitters and self-doubt. It’s a heartwarming adventure filled with confidence-boosting messages and practical tips to ensure brave communication, all wrapped up in a delightful, vibrantly-illustrated, fun-filled package.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt

In the 13th book in Daywalt’s popular crayon series, Duncan’s crayons are once again out of their box. But this time, it’s not to quit, it’s to make friends with other items in Duncan’s home. Each crayon sends a letter detailing their adventures and the unlikely friendships they’ve forged with interesting objects like a firetruck, a chess set, or even a spatula. The book celebrates the delight in finding new friends and highlights the value of empathy and making connections, even in unexpected places.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Marvelous Now by Angela Diterlizzi

Through this calming and accessible book, young readers are introduced to mindfulness and emotional regulation. When facing difficulties like a flubbed test or feeling overwhelmed, a blue creature appears called The Marvelous Now, guiding children through simple, soothing exercises to help them reset and find their happy place in the present moment.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Itty Bitty Betty Blob Makes a Splash by Constance Lombardo

Meet Betty, a lovable blob monster, navigating the challenges of choosing an afterschool activity. When Betty tries out for the Devil Divers, her coach encourages big, monstrous splashes, but that isn’t Betty’s style. This cute story is a reminder for children to embrace their individuality and follow their hearts, even if it means doing things differently than expected.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Recess by Lane Smith

A richly-illustrated picture book, Recess invites readers to join along with the narrator in taking magical mini-breaks in school. The narrator leads the reader through a school day, highlighting the excitement of imaginative recess moments, even when it’s not officially recess time. The book encourages readers to embrace spontaneous bursts of glee and silliness, reminding them that a little recess can be had anywhere and anytime.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Bored Panda by Mike Bender

This great read-aloud follows a tech-obsessed panda who learns about the joys of the outdoors and creative activities after his electricity goes out. The book reminds young readers to embrace boredom as a pathway to imagination and a deeper connection with the world around them.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Day the Books Disappeared by Joann Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard

Arnold loves airplane books so much he wishes his classmates’ books (about other topics) would all vanish – and then they do! This charming story follows Arnold as he learns the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of empathy in bringing back the stories that really matter to others.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

In this book, a lonely and grumpy old bird named Otto discovers the transformative power of sharing stories when a small seed begins to sprout in his home. As Otto spins his imaginative stories to the growing seed, it flourishes into a huge tree, attracting a community of animals who gather to listen, demonstrating how storytelling can bring people together and create hope.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Stacey Marshall is a bestselling author, public speaking and voice coach and speech-language pathologist. She loves working with kids and adults of all experience levels to develop their best, most confident speaking skills. She has coached both student and professional athletes in media best practices, and is a winner of the Women Executives International Speak-Out. She earned her B.A. in English from Duke University and her M.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.