Maribel's Year in Society of Illustrators The Original Art Annual Exhibition 2023

🌟Congratulations to Sarah Gonzales whose art from Maribel’s Year is in this year’s Society of Illustrators The Original Art annual exhibition! 🌟

From Sarah Gonzales —

“Maribel’s Year has been selected to be part of @soi128 The Original Art 43rd Annual Exhibition!!!

Here’s some process behind this starry parol* scene. Pencil sketches, digital colour processing, line art and a bit of inspiration.

*parols are Filipino ornamental star lanterns.

The photos are from my last trip to the Philippines back in 2016. A lot of time was spent travelling by car so most of my photos were snapped through the window. Along the roads the nature was vast and life was in layers.

A home with caged windows and all its tiny details caught my eye — pots, bottles and containers were reused and stacked with plants. From the archives I pulled up one of my studies and redrew it in this spread.

Big thanks to Art Director Dana Fritts and Editor @hellomabel 💛”

Click here to get a behind-the-scenes at Sarah’s creative process for the illustrations in Maribel’s Year.

20+ Picture Books that Celebrate Names

Names, in all their glorious shapes and sizes, are treasures. These wonderfully affirming books about names and identity are important to read not only at the start of the school year, but all year long, in order to foster respect for each other’s names and understand that every person, like their name, has a story. Let’s listen to each other’s stories.

This list of picture books about names generally starts with newer books that have been more recently published with some classic books about unique names towards the end of the list. Enjoy!

My name is a window to my world, a door to my destiny, a key to unlock, the dreams of my ancestors, the hopes of my family, and the divine that lives within.

Names are music, each infused with a unique rhythm and melody that gives it life on the tips of our tongues. Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past before a word is even spoken. Names—and correctly saying them—are important as each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those that came before us.

In Say My Name, six kids introduce themselves and convey the rich histories of their names and cultures: Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong.

These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent proudly celebrate their names and languages, and those that came before them.

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho’s lyrical writing delicately shows us that names are both beautiful and meaningful, and learning to say a person’s name is the only way one can truly know another. 

Say My Name was written by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Khoa Le and published by HarperCollins.  Its scheduled publication date is September 26, 2023.

Your name means you’re different

Your name means you’re you

When an Indian American boy starts school in a new classroom, one child can't pronounce his name properly, which leads to giggles amongst his classmates. Later at home, his parents remind him of how special he is — and how his unique name reflects that.

With lush illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat, award-winning author Supriya Kelkar writes a stunning tribute to the word that identifies each of us the very most — our name, reminding readers of the beauty in celebrating difference, taking pride in uniqueness, and helping others to do the same.

My Name was written by Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers.

“Sora means ‘seashell’ in Korean,” her mother said. “Halmoni always said finding a perfect shell is like receiving a wonderful gift. That’s why she suggested we name you Sora.”

Every summer, when Sora’s Halmoni, or grandmother, visits from South Korea, the two of them take the bus to the beach to search for seashells. While Sora likes to take all of them back with her, Halmoni always leaves the prettiest shell for someone else to find and treasure. As summer turns to fall, Halmoni returns home and Sora starts kindergarten, where some of the kids tease her about her “weird” name. One day, Sora’s parents receive a sad call about her grandmother, and Sora feels more lost than ever about who she is and how she fits in. But when her parents reveal the origin of her name, Sora channels a newfound pride and, inspired by Halmoni, combats her peers’ hurtful comments by sharing her shells with everyone in her class. This story, told by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Stella Lim, based on art by Ji-Hyuk Kim, speaks to the prevailing power of kindness and will resonate with anyone who’s been made to feel different.

Sora’s Seashells was written by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Stella Lim with Ji-Hyuk Kim and published by Candlewick Press.

Growing up in Iraq after the Gulf War, Mooz didn’t always like his name, which means “banana”. But when he learns the story behind it, he’s proud, even when being teased by his classmates. Now all he yearns for is to taste a banana—a lofty dream in a time when few countries are trading with Iraq, where bananas don’t grow.

Inspired by author Hasan Namir’s own childhood, Banana Dream is at once a celebration of a seemingly ordinary fruit and a snapshot of how war can alter a landscape. Artist Daby Zainab Faidhi’s background in architectural illustration is evident as she brings the story's setting vividly to life.

Banana Dream was written by Hasan Namir, illustrated by Zainab "Daby" Faidhi and published by Neal Porter Books.

Today’s the day! It’s Baby Sister’s naming ceremony, and big sister Amira could not be more excited. She has the perfect name picked out . . . or, at least, she hopes it’s the perfect name.

One by one, friends and family arrive. As Amira greets them, she asks what name they have brought to give to Baby Sister. Each is more beautiful than the last—Shakira, Akahana, Uhwe. And each has its own special meaning—thankful, red flower, moonlight. Amira knows that Baby Sister will love these names. But will she love the name Amira has chosen? Is it special enough?

Written by Seina Wedlick and beautifully illustrated in full color by Jenin Mohammed, Naming Ceremony is a story about rich traditions and the unique bond between sisters, celebrating a multigenerational Nigerian family and Black joy.

Naming Ceremony was written by Seina Wedlick, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

This endearing picture book from South Africa follows the story of a little girl who, with help from her grandmother, explores her identity and learns to appreciate her name.

“There was once a beautiful little girl with a heart as big as her name, Kantiga. But Kantiga did not like her name.” Hearing this, her gogo tells her a family tale of the magical clay pot that seems to be useless because it is cracked and broken. We learn how this flaw makes it more than perfect.

Follow this beautiful tale, full of color and folklore, as Kantiga tries to find the perfect name and on the journey learns a bit more about who she is and where she is from.

Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name was written by Mabel Mnensa, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne and published by Crocodile Books.

Max discovers that uniqueness is more than just a name, in this funny, lively picture book debut by the bestselling author of The Interestings.

Max's room has his name all over it--on his blanket and night light and wall. His parents call him The One and Only Max. And so, he is in for a big surprise at the playground one day, when he hears "Max, time to go home!" and two other kids come running. He's not the one and only after all! How many Maxes are in the world?! Millions of Maxes?

But when he decides to help one of the other Maxes find her missing toy, he discovers that there are other ways to be special, and that he can appreciate the specialness of his new Max friends just as much as his own. That night he dreams of the future adventures he'll have with all of the Maxes he has yet to meet.

Millions of Maxes was written by Meg Wolitzer, illustrated by Micah Player and published by Rocky Pond Books.

A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.

A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn't sound the way she's used to hearing it. She knows she doesn't fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her—and not quite understanding her.
But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community.
This emotionally sweeping debut picture book by Costantia Manoli, with vibrant art by Magdalena Mora, artfully captures feelings of displacement and the joy that comes from forging new friendships.

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox was written by Costantia Manoli, illustrated by Magdalena Mora and published by Roaring Brook Press.

Gigi decides she doesn’t want to be called Gigi anymore in this Level Three I Can Read adventure.

Gigi wants to go by something besides her baby name—but her full name, Geraldine, is too long to write, and Hanako, her middle name, doesn’t feel quite right. Will Gigi find the perfect name?

This Level Three I Can Read book is geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.

Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? was written and illustrated by Melissa Iwai and published by HarperCollins.

When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he’ll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name is a warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves, and proclaims that no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.

The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name was written by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Skip right into this joyful, diverse, alphabetic picture book celebrating girls around the world.

A, my name is ALBA and my sister's name is AYELÉN. We come from ARGENTINA and we are ADVENTUROUS.

Girls from 26 different countries—Argentina to Zambia—are beautifully and thoughtfully represented in this A to Z tribute to global girlhood. Children will enjoy reading about each girl's name, empowering character trait, and country, while learning how we are all connected.

Globally-minded kids can also find the countries on a map at the back of the book and dream of places they'd like to visit.

G My Name Is Girl: A Song of Celebration from Argentina to Zambia was written and illustrated by Dawn Masi and published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers.  Be sure to check out the companion book B My Name Is Boy: A Song of Celebration from Australia to Zimbabwe.

On Vanessa's first day of school, her parents tell her it will be easy to make friends. Vanessa isn't so sure. She wears her fanciest outfit so her new classmates will notice her right away. They notice, but the attention isn't what she'd hoped for. As the day goes on, she feels more self-conscious. Her clothes are too bright, her feather boa has way too many feathers, and even her name is too hard to write.

The next day, she picks out a plain outfit, and tells her mom that her name is too long. She just wants to blend in, with a simple name like the other girls--why couldn't her parents have named her Megan or Bella? But when her mother tells her the meaning behind her name, it gives her the confidence she needs to introduce her classmates to the real Vanessa. Perfect for readers of Alma and How She Got Her Name and The King of Kindergarten.

Becoming Vanessa was written and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers.

A debut picture book about loving your name, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself from the critically acclaimed illustrator of Bilal Cooks Daal and I Am Perfectly Designed.

Mirha is so excited for her first day of school! She can't wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily.

Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries.

That’s Not My Name was written and illustrated by Anoosha Syed and published by Viking Books for Young Readers.

Even though it’s only four simple, familiar letters long, nobody can ever pronounce Thao’s name. She’s been called Theo, Tail, even Towel! But the teasing names—Tofu, Tiny, China Girl—are worse. Maybe it’s time to be someone else? Thao decides to try on a different name, something easy, like Jennifer.

It works, but only until she opens her lunchbox to find her mother’s Vietnamese spring rolls, gỏi cuốn—Thao’s favorite! Now, it feels a lot more comfortable to be herself.

Simple on the surface, this story inspired by Thao’s own childhood is full of humor, heart, and important ideas of diversity, inclusion, and cultural pride. The story will be instantly relatable to readers who have ever felt different.

Designed with a playful emphasis on typography, and Thao’s own childhood photos added to her signature cut-paper collage, THAO champions being true to yourself and your background, and being empathetic towards others. It is a celebration of all that’s in a name and the power of owning your identity.

Thao: A Picture Book was written and illustrated by Thao Lam and published by OwlKids.

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.

Your Name is a Song includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The "Glossary of Names" lists each name’s meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Additionally, readers can use a listed link to access an online video of the author pronouncing all the names in the book.

Your Name Is a Song was written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe and published by The Innovation Press.

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all—and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her 2019 Caldecott Honor Book, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.

Alma and How She Got Her Name was written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal and published by Candlewick Press.

Anjali and her friends are excited to buy matching personalized license plates for their bikes--but Anjali can't find a plate with her name. She is often teased about her "different" name, and this is the last straw. Anjali is so upset that she demands her parents let her pick a new name! When they refuse, Anjali decides to take a closer look at who she is--beyond her name--and why being different means being marvelous. 

Actress and activist Sheetal Sheth has penned a deeply personal picture book about the experience of feeling othered and the journey toward embracing yourself.

Always Anjali was written by Sheetal Sheth, illustrated by Jessica Blank and published by Random House Books for Young Readers.

One day Nivi asks her mom how she got her names, and the answer leads her to an understanding of traditional Inuit naming practices.

Nivi has always known that her names were special, but she does not know where they came from. So, one sunny afternoon, Nivi decides to ask her mom how she got her names. The stories of the people Nivi is named after lead her to an understanding of traditional Inuit naming practices and knowledge of what those practices mean to Inuit. How Nivi Got Her Names is an easy-to-understand introduction to traditional Inuit naming, with a story that touches on Inuit custom adoption.

How Nivi Got Her Names was written by Laura Deal, illustrated by Charlene Chua and published by Inhabit Media.

From New York Times bestselling author Sherman Alexie and Caldecott Honor winning Yuyi Morales comes a striking and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the special relationship between father and son.

Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder doesn't want to share a name. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he's done like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder.

But just when Little Thunder thinks all hope is lost, dad picks the best name...Lightning! Their love will be loud and bright, and together they will light up the sky.

Thunder Boy Jr. was written by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.

The Name Jar was written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers.

A little kid who wants to play with the big kids uses the alphabet to get his way in this classic story from Strega Nona author and illustrator Tomie dePaola.

Andy may be the littlest kid on the block, but he’s very important. Andy has a wagon full of letters that spell his name, and he takes it with him wherever he goes.

When the big kids decide that using Andy’s letters would be a lot of fun, Andy is left out of the game. But what can the big kids do if Andy takes his name and heads for home?

Originally published in 1973, this classic picture book from the legendary Tomie dePaola now features refreshed artwork and a new cover.

Andy, That’s My Name was written by Tomie dePaola and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Chrysanthemum has a brand-new look! This modern classic by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten’s First Full Moon, has sold more than a million copies! Chrysanthemum is beloved by librarians, teachers, parents, and students alike.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

For nearly thirty years, Chrysanthemum has been a household and classroom favorite, and a refreshed cover design, larger trim size, and welcome letter from the author will bring the paperback edition of Kevin Henkes’s beloved classic to a whole new generation of young readers. Chrysanthemum is a celebration of diversity, self-esteem, and acceptance for every child who has ever felt out of place for being different.

Chrysanthemum as written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes and published by Greenwillow Books.

National Monuments of the USA

We’ve explored a lot of California and Muir Woods is one of our favorite monuments here.  With so many beautiful monuments and landmarks in the US, it’s hard to decide where to go next.  Where would you all recommend?  Bonus points if it’s located somewhere with fall foliage (because we don’t get too much of that here in Southern California). 🍁🍂

National Monuments of the USA, a companion book to the equally stunning National Parks of the USA, takes readers on a sweeping tour of the country’s almost 130 monuments and stops at historic sites, intriguing landscapes, mountains, quarries, canyons, caves and more.  Detailed pages hone in on local flora, fauna and animals and explore stories, culture, history, people and places.  We hope you get a chance to check this one out!

National Monuments of the USA was written by Cameron Walker, illustrated by Chris Turnham and published by Wide Eyed Editions.

20+ Books about The First Day of School: New Picture Books and Classic Favorites

It’s almost that time — back to school is around the corner for many of us.  What to read on the first day of school?  We’ve got the perfect list of new and classic favorite first day of school books.  Sharpen those pencils and crack open those shiny new notebooks, because you’ll want to take note of all of these!

First-day-of-school jitters take on a whole new meaning at howlergarten, where future werewolves prepare for their big transformation!

Most kids go to kindergarten, but there is a special place for those who turn into werewolves. Instead of attending school during the day, these supernatural students go to howlergarten at night! There they practice tracking scents, listening to whispers on the wind, and more. But when one student named Sophie doesn't seem to possess the basic skills, she worries she won't become a werewolf at all. What will happen if she remains human when the full moon appears? Will she still be accepted as part of the pack, or will she be cast aside as an ordinary outsider? 

First Night of Howlergarten was written and illustrated by Benson Shum and published by Penguin Workshop.

Author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo serves up a hilarious picture book about a kindergarten class arriving for the first day of school that can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether or not the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical book of mayhem and chaos, perfect for back-to-school and fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing.

It was the first day of school.

But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong. . . .

Where was the teacher?

Who left this sandwich on the desk?

The only clue, written neatly on the chalkboard, were three simple letters:

Mr. S

Mr. S was written and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo and published by Katherine Tegen Books.

When a little girl wakes up on the first day of school, the butterflies in her stomach feel positively giant-sized! She really wants her mom to stay with her, on this first day.

As she and her mom make their way to school, Mom explains how the butterflies are a good thing. Everyone gets them (including parents) and they are a sign of something exciting happening—that we're about to learn and grow from a new experience and they can help us through it.

So with the butterflies as her guide, the girl soars into her first day.

Beloved children's songwriter Justin Roberts brings one of his most popular songs to the page, alongside beautifully tender illustrations by Paola Escobar, in a story guaranteed to help readers of all ages reframe their first-day nerves as first-day excitement.

Giant-Sized Butterflies on My First Day of School was written by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Paola Escobar and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Every morning, I'm up at four o'clock.

I brush my teeth, get dressed, and drag my sister Melanie to the car where Mami's waiting for us.

¡Se nos va hacer tarde! ¡Apurarse!

For the next two hours, we'll be in the car driving—past tamale vendors (my favorite part), through la linea (my least favorite part), and across the US border. That's how we get to school every day. This is our normal. ¡Vamos!

In a winning, sunny voice in a bright, friendly palette, debut author-illustrator Sendy Santamaria tells the story of one girl's commute—a commute Sendy herself made growing up as an American citizen living in Mexico. Yenebi's Drive to School takes readers on a trip to school that many will recognize as very similar to their own.

Yenebi’s Drive to School was written and illustrated by Sendy Santamaria and published by Chronicle Books.  The Spanish edition is called El viaje de Yenebi a la escuela.

Cooler mornings, cicadas buzzing, apples ripening . . . Can shopping for school supplies be far behind? The evening before the first day means laying out your outfit, loading up your backpack, and filling a lunch box with your favorite things. When the alarm goes off, there’s Dad’s extra-special breakfast (and, of course, some picture-taking), then the feeling of bubbly excitement as you and your friends climb onto a bus, ready to see your new classroom and meet your teacher. Whether the reader is a child who is eager to return to school or a younger one trying to imagine what school is like, this upbeat and lyrical ode—the fourth in the And Then Comes series—holds sure appeal for returning students and first-timers alike.

And Then Comes School was written by Tom Brenner, illustrated by Jen Hill and published by Candlewick Press.

Everyone’s favorite cockroach from Your Birthday Was the Best! is back, and this time he’s going to school . . . and bringing his whole family along for the ride!

From show-and-tell to arts and crafts, this little stowaway can’t wait to try it all . . . and maybe become the new teachers' pet!

Charming, hilarious and just a tiny bit disgusting, this is a school tale with a twist.

Your School Is the Best was written by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Felicita Sala and published by Tundra Books.

There will be times when you walk into a room

and no one there is quite like you.

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. 

Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

The Day You Begin was written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López and published by Nancy Paulsen Books.  This book is also available in Spanish as El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres!

It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day.

As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they’d like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all. 

A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves—and offer inspiration—to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives.

KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day was written by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Joey Chou and published by Random House Studio.

English, with its blustery blues and whites, just feels wrong to Isabel. She prefers the warm oranges and pinks of Spanish. As she prepares for class at a new school, she knows she's going to have to learn—and she would rather not! Her first day is uncomfortable, until she discovers there's more than one way to communicate with friends. This is a universal story about feeling new and making new friends.

Isabel and Her Colors Go to School was written by Alexandra Alessandri, illustrated by Courtney Dawson and published by Sleeping Bear Press.

A moving celebration of school and all it may signify: work and play, creativity and trust, and a supportive community that extends beyond walls.

A school isn’t just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community. It is a place of hope and healing, even when that community can’t be together in the same room. John Schu, a librarian and former ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic, crafts a loving letter to schools and the people that make up the communities within in a picture book debut beautifully illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison.

This Is a School was written by John Schu, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison and published by Candlewick Press.

In our classroom safe and sound.

Fears are lost and hope is found.

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. 

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

All Are Welcome was written by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers.

MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Like The King of Kindergarten, this is the perfect book to reinforce back-to-school excitement and build confidence in the newest students.

The Queen of Kindergarten was written by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton and published by Nancy Paulsen Books.

A New York Times bestselling author (The True Meaning of Smekday) and illustrator (Last Stop on Market Street) team bring you a fresh look at the first day of school, this time from the school's perspective.

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?
The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.

School’s First Day of School was written by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson and published by Roaring Brook Press.

From the author-illustrator of Hannah and Sugar comes a back-to-school tale about facing your fears, now in paperback with bonus tear-out lunchbox notes.

As Mae's first day of school approaches, she decides she IS. NOT. GOING.
School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her? Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae's anxiety only builds as she walks to school.
But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?

Mae’s First Day of School was written and illustrated by Kate Berube and published by Harry N. Abrams. 

An inspiring picture book for every family that makes home a place for learning.

Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Jonathan Bean takes the autobiographically inspired family he introduced in Building Our House through the special rhythms and routines of a homeschooling day. For young Jonathan and his sisters, Mom is the teacher and a whole lot more, and Dad is the best substitute any kid could want. From math, science, and field trips to recess, show-and-tell, and art, a school day with this intrepid, inventive family will seem both completely familiar and totally unique. Includes a selection of family snapshots and a note from the author. 

This Is My Home, This Is My School was written and illustrated by Jonathan Bean and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers.

Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe.

She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade.

But Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.

Grammy-nominated children’s musician Justin Roberts, together with vibrant artwork from award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, will have readers cheering for young Sally McCabe.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade was written by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

In the tradition of School’s First Day of School, debut author Keith Calabrese and Pura Belpré Award winner Juana Medina share a sweet, universal story about a clever little girl whose shoes are nervous about the first day of school.

Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there’s just one problem…

Lena’s shoes are nervous.

Lena doesn’t want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can’t go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?

Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma was written by Keith Calabrese, illustrated by Juana Medina and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!

Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! was written and illustrated by Mo Willems and published by Hyperion Books for Children.

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book was written and illustrated by Ryan Higgins and published by Disney Hyperion.  It’s available in Spanish as Los niños no se comen.

What really happened over the summer break? A curious teacher wants to know. The epic explanation? What started out as a day at the beach turned into a globe-spanning treasure hunt with high-flying hijinks, exotic detours, an outrageous cast of characters, and one very mischievous bird! Is this yet another tall tale, or is the truth just waiting to be revealed? From the team behind I Didn't Do My Homework Because . . . and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School . . . comes a fantastical fast-paced, detail-rich illustrated summer adventure that's so unbelievable, it just might be true!

The Truth about My Unbelievable Summer was written by Davide Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud and published by Chronicle Books.

This wildly funny twist on the "How I spent my summer vacation" school-essay ritual details one child's imaginary adventures over the summer and is perfect for back-to-school reading!

Most kids go to camp over the summer, or to Grandma's house, or maybe they're stuck at home. Not Wallace Bleff.  He was supposed to visit his Aunt Fern. Instead, Wallace insists, he was carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West--from riding buckin' broncos to roping cattle. Lucky for Aunt Fern, he showed up at her house just in time to divert a stampede from her barbecue party!  Perfect for back-to-school read-alouds, here's a western fantasy with sparkling illustrations and enough action to knock kids' boots off!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation was written and illustrated by Mark Teague and published by Dragonfly Books.

Hope everyone has a wonderful first day of school!  Any other back to school favorite books?  We’d love to hear about them.  Leave us a comment below. ✏️

Free Printable Activity Sheets for Maribel's Year

Learn about the four seasons of the year, color traditional Christmas holiday lanterns called parols from the Philippines and write a letter with Maribel’s special stationery!

Maribel’s Year is a celebration of the special connection between father and daughter that knows no bounds. This evocative, lyrical picture book from author Michelle Sterling and artist Sarah Gonzales recounts the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines.

New country, new school, new friends.

A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing’s for certain: Maribel won’t forget her Papa, even when he’s eight-thousand miles away in the Philippines.

After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth.

He is everywhere except the place he’s wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer?

This activity guide for Maribel’s Year was created by Michelle Sterling and Sarah Gonzales for their picture book Maribel’s Year. Click here to download the free printable activity sheets (under the Resources tab).