5 Popular Back To School Books For Kids

1. "A Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn: This heartwarming book follows a young raccoon named Chester as he learns to cope with separation anxiety on his first day of school. It reassures children that their parent's love is always with them, even when they are apart. Watch it on our YouTube channel.

2. "David Goes to School" by David Shannon: This book is part of the "David" series. In this book you watch the adventures and misadventures of David as he tries to navigate school. Despite David's occasional misbehavior, he learns some valuable lessons.  Watch this book on our YouTube channel.

3. "Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney: In this Llama Llama series book, little Llama starts preschool and goes through a range of emotions while missing his mama. It's a comforting story that helps children navigate the emotions of separation and adjustment in a new school environment. Watch it here.

4. "The Pigeon Has to Go to School" by Mo Willems: The lively and opinionated Pigeon is reluctant to attend school. He has various excuses and fears about going to school but eventually discovers the excitement and fun of learning and making new friends. Watch Grandpa read aloud this story here.

5. "Pout-pout Fish Goes to School" by Deborah Diesen: Mr Fish is nervous to start school. He is worried because he does not know how to write his name, or how to do math. Then he discovers the school is the perfect place to learn these new skills. Watch Mr. Fish here.

These books can help children feel more prepared, confident, and excited about going back to school. They address common fears, emotions, and experiences associated with the start of a new school year, making them relatable and comforting reads.

All of the books listed are available to watch on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrammyGrandparead and we have created A Back To School Playlist with these specific books and a few others. We hope you will enjoy watching them.

Several of these books are available on The Kindle Unlimited App or on Audible Premium Plus or Audible Plus as well. (Audible is offering a FREE trial offer if you'd like to try it.)

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate I may receive a commission on links in this article, at no additional charge to you. 

10 Books About Summer

Ten Summer Children's Books

Summer Books

Ten beloved children's books that capture the spirit of summer:

1. "Summer in The Forest" by Rusty Finch

2. "Swimmy" by Leo Lionni

3. "Fancy Nancy: Sand Castles and Sand Palace" by Jane O'Connor

4. "Curious George Goes to the Beach" by Margret Rey

5. "The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!" by Mo Willems

*6. "Jamberry" by Bruce Degen

7. "Duck and Goose Go To The Beach" by Tad Hills

8. "The Watermelon Seed" by Greg Pizzoli

9. "Llama Llama Sand and Sun" by Anna Dewdney

10. "Seashells by the Seashore" by Marianne Berkes

These books offer delightful summer-themed adventures, explore the wonders of nature, and celebrate the joy of the season. I have placed a * by the books you can find on our YouTube channel. Remember to check with local libraries, bookstores, or online retailers for the availability and popularity of these books.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a commission from links in this post.

Ideas For Celebrating Reading Achievements 

1. Reading party: Host a reading-themed party to celebrate reaching a reading milestone. Decorate the space with book-inspired decorations, serve snacks or treats mentioned in the book they completed, and invite friends or family members to join in the celebration. You can even incorporate activities or games related to the book's themes or characters.

2. Book-themed movie night: If the book your child completed has been adapted into a movie or has a related film, plan a special movie night where you watch the movie together. Compare and discuss the similarities and differences between the book and the film adaptation.

3. Create a reading display: Set up a display area to showcase your child's reading achievements. Use a bulletin board, shelf, or designated space to exhibit the books they have read, along with any certificates, bookmarks, or reading logs they have earned. This display serves as a visual reminder of their accomplishments and can inspire them to continue reading. 

4. Book-inspired art or craft project: Engage your child in a creative activity inspired by the book they completed. They can create artwork, illustrations, or crafts related to the story, characters, or themes. Display their creations or create a mini-exhibition to showcase their artistic interpretations. Here are a few ideas from Pinterest: Pigeon (Mo Willems books) Character Crafts (31 ideas)

5. Author or character dress-up day: Encourage your child to dress up as their favorite book character or even as the author of the book they completed. Help them put together a costume or outfit that reflects the character's appearance or personality. This can be a fun and imaginative way to celebrate their reading achievement.

Fancy Nancy Costume

6. Book donation or book swap: Instill a sense of giving and community by encouraging your child to donate the book they completed to a library, school, or charity organization. Alternatively, you can organize a book swap event where children can exchange their favorite books with friends or fellow readers. This promotes sharing and expands their reading choices.

7. Personalized bookplates or bookmarks: Design and create personalized bookplates or bookmarks to commemorate their reading milestone. They can include the child's name, the title of the book they completed, and the date of achievement. This special keepsake can be used in their future reading adventures.

Customized bookmark

8. Special outing to a bookstore or library: Plan a special outing to a bookstore or library to celebrate their reading accomplishment. Allow them to choose a new book as a reward or spend time browsing the shelves for their next reading adventure. This reinforces the joy and excitement of discovering new books.

9. Reading certificate or awards ceremony: Create a personalized reading certificate or award to recognize your child's reading milestone. Hold a mini awards ceremony at home, complete with a certificate presentation and celebratory applause. This formal acknowledgment can boost their confidence and pride in their reading achievements.  Here is a Free Reading Certificate you can print at home.

Free Download

10. Share their success: Share your child's reading milestones with friends and family members. Encourage them to talk about their favorite parts of the book, what they learned, or why they enjoyed it. This not only celebrates their accomplishment but also inspires conversations and recommendations among peers.

Remember, the goal is to celebrate and foster a love for reading, so choose activities and rewards that resonate with your child's interests and preferences. Celebrating their reading milestones reinforces their achievements and encourages them to continue exploring the wonderful world of books.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Affiliate I may receive commissions on links in this blog.