The time has come: the first of the pandemic babies (and those born in the months before COVID entered our consciousness) are starting school.
And wow, it’s been a lot.
From giving birth with one support person, to social distancing; to going to every single appointment in masks — we’ve poured our heart and soul into these pandemic babies. And yet, they haven’t been totally unscathed by the experience. A study by researchers at Columbia University suggests that babies born during pandemic have scored lower on gross motor, fine motor, and social-emotional skills (as assessed in the ASQ-3 ages and stages questionnaire issued at wellness checks) than the babies born before it. Many of us are dealing with speech delays, therapists, and referrals; as the repercussions of mask-wearing and limited interaction (both with adults and their peers) catch up with us. You can read more about my experience of dealing with my son’s speech delay here — one of the positives of this is that the parents of babies born between mid-2019 and mid-2021 have become some of the best advocates for their children. It can be hard, but we are doing it.
Starting school is a huge milestone for both child and parent — and there are a lot of unknowns and anxieties for kids as they head into pre-K. It makes sense that these will be magnified among the pandemic generation. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of thoughtful books to help you open up the conversation about school, offer reassurance and encouragement to your little one, and make the idea of pre-K exciting.
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1. The Yellow Bus, by Loren Long (2024)
A modern classic in every sense of the word, award winning author and illustrator Loren Long has created a fresh yet comforting story that celebrates new beginnings. The Yellow Bus chronicles the life of a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. Opening with her carrying happy, busy children from home to school and back again; she later finds herself with a new driver, new route, and new, elderly passengers; then parked up for good.
Beautifully illustrated in grey scale with the bus in color, it follows the bus on a journey full of new beginnings. Eventually a home for homeless people, then submerged under water with fish swimming in and out of her windows, the Yellow Bus finds joy and discovery in the world around her — no matter where she ends up.
The Yellow Bus is a really charming story with a quiet but powerful message. Intended for 3-6 year olds, it is a great way to open up conversation about starting or returning to school, and all of the adventure — and opportunity — it offers.
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2. Choo-Choo School: All Aboard for the First Day of School, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2020)
A personal favorite in our house, if you’ve got a little train lover, this is the perfect way to prepare them for the excitement — and expectations — of school. Follow on as seven adorable train cars experience their first day of school, reciting their classroom rules: work hard, play fair, and be kind.
Sweetly illustrated and written in lighthearted, catchy verse; late author Amy Krouse Rosenthal portrays a world where train stations double as classrooms, the conductor plays the role of the teacher, and the Boxcar hands out tissues to all with “ah-choo-choos.” Personally, I love puns, and both my son and I enjoy the ones littered throughout Choo Choo School.
This is a great bedtime or anytime story to introduce the flow of the school day in a fun way. The classroom rules set a great foundation for all school spaces, and Choo Choo School does a great job of explaining the course of a school day — from the carpool, taking attendance, learning one lesson after another, eating lunch, and more.
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3. The Smart Cookie, by Jory John (2021)
If the cover of The Smart Cookie looks familiar, there’s a good reason: it’s the fifth picture book in the New York Times bestselling Food Group series, written by Jory John and strikingly illustrated by Pete Oswald.
Cookie has never felt like a “smart cookie,” no matter how hard she tries. Like it is for most of us, comparison is the thief of her joy: she just doesn’t think she “weighs up” against the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls who also live in the bakery. But with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence from her teacher, Ms. Biscotti, cookie learns that not everyone is good at everything, and finds her moment to shine.
Perfect for kids aged 4-8 (or a little younger, like mine) this story is funny, encouraging, and empowering — my favorite part is that kids feeling different or less than are encouraged to celebrate their differences instead of feeling the need to fit in. A great book for those starting school, but one that you’ll find yourself reaching for throughout the year for a boost of confidence.
4. Our Class is a Family, by Shannon Olsen (2020)
While lots of kids starting school this year will have socialized extensively at daycare, Parent’s Day Out, or elsewhere, the sense of community in the classroom still offers a new dynamic that is a big step for little ones. Our Class is a Family is a fantastic story — really, more of a resource — to encourage children to form positive relationships, foster a supportive community of learners, and create a sense of belonging.
Part of author Shannon Olsen’s “Classroom Community Collection,” her books support teachers as they strive to make their classroom a home away from home, and make their students feel included and loved. Whether it’s read at school or part of your home rotation, Our Class is a Family is an accessible lesson in the classroom as a safe space for kids to be themselves, make mistakes, and be a friend to others.
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5. Time to Fly, by George Ella Lyon (2022)
This sweet and simple story is the perfect way to gently encourage little ones who feel hesitant, worried, or overwhelmed about going to school. In the spirit of Mark Teague’s wordless picture book, Fly!, George Ella Lyon creates interplay between a baby bird and his mama as she tries to tempt him away from the nest.
Like many little ones when faced with change, little bird initially resists leaving the nest. Though his brother and sister have already become fledglings, mama bird has to resort to various tactics to get him to recognize that it is his time to fly. Time to Fly is a great option that isn’t specifically about school, and can open up great conversations with kids about change, new beginnings, and dealing with separation anxiety.
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6. You’re Always Enough, and More Than I Hoped For, by Emily Ley (2022)
Small children aren’t immune to anxiety, and beginning school is a natural moment for it to peak. Author Emily Ley’s message of “grace, not perfection” seeks to give kids the freedom to just be themselves — it is a faith-based book, which goes further in saying that they can be themselves because they are already fully loved and treasured by God.
You’re Always Enough, and More Than I Hoped For has bright and beautiful pictures throughout, illustrating a vibrant cast of characters from all kinds of backgrounds. It reminds children to try hard and never be afraid of making mistakes, because they are enough just as they are. At its heart is the beautiful, heartfelt message that perfectionism doesn’t matter. The story is well-told and uplifting, and will give kids ranging from pre-K to grade 3 a boost of self-confidence when needed.
This is definitely one of my favorite titles in the list, because while it’s positive message is applicable to the school environment, it can be carried across every area of your child’s life and relationships with others.
The first day of school is a huge milestone for kids, moms, parents, and beyond. I’ve no doubt that reading some of these titles with your littlest will make you feel some big emotions, too — that the babies we brought into and raised in the weird pandemic-stricken world are leaving the nest and taking flight. But remember that, we’ve carefully carried them this far: now it’s their time to soar.
You’ve got this mama.
