School bells, backpacks and bagged lunches — it’s back to school time.

This can be a nerve-wracking time for kids, getting back into the swing of things. Which is why these books on school days will help calm their fears, give them something to relate to and maybe induce a few chuckles.

Fairy’s First Day Of School (By Bridget Heos, Illustrated by Sarah Not)

A great read for nervous school-starters is Fairy’s First Day Of School, from the author of Mustache Baby. This picture book is about a tiny fairy who has all the typical experiences a child might have on the first day of school, but with silly twists. From circle time (sitting crisscross berry sauce) to centre time (art, spells, tooth), all the activities one might encounter at school are explored, with sweet fairy-like touches. The perfect story to ease fears and build anticipation for any child or fairy starting school for the first time. Ages 3 to 6. 

We Share Everything (By Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Martin Martchenko)

A school days book list wouldn’t be complete without a Robert Munsch title, and We Share Everything is a fun read for littles who love to giggle. It's the first day of kindergarten, and Amanda and Jeremiah have a problem. They both want to read the same books, and paint with the same paints. And they refuse to share. Until the teacher says something that really sticks with them, and they take it to the extreme. Ages 3 to 7. 

Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms (By Robert Paul Weston, Illustrated by Misa Subari)

Sakura feels lonely on the first day of school, having recently moved to Canada from Japan. But she finds comfort in her new friendship with neighbour Luke. Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms is a sweet book that explores the healing power of friendship through author Robert Paul Weston's Japanese poetry-inspired text and Misa Saburi's breathtaking illustrations. Ages 3 to 7.

Chu’s First Day Of School (By Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Adam Rex)

Chu’s First Day Of School is a picture book school story featuring the New York Times bestselling panda named Chu from Newbery Medal-winning author Neil Gaiman and acclaimed illustrator Adam Rex. Chu, the adorable panda with a great big sneeze, is heading off for his first day of school — and he's nervous. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at school? And will Chu do what he does best? Chu's First Day of School is a perfect read-aloud story about the universal experience of starting school. Ages 4 and up. 

School’s First Day Of School (By Adam Rex, Illustrated by Christian Robinson)

It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, even the school itself! The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, it soon recovers when it sees that it's not the only one going through first-day jitters. Ages 4 and up. 

On The First Day Of First Grade (By Tish Rabe, Illustrated by Sarah Jennings)

This is the perfect book to share with a kindergartner getting ready for the step up to "big kid" school. From choosing books to read to building things with clay to performing in a play, there are many exciting firsts to look forward to. Saying goodbye to mom and dad can be hard, but when the school bus pulls up, it’s time for some first-grade fun! This engaging adaptation of The Twelve Days of Christmas helps show parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a first-grade classroom. Ages 5 to 7. 

Monster School (By Kate Coombs, Illustrated by Lee Gatlin)

Twilight's here. The death bell rings. Everyone knows what the death bell means — it's time for class! You're in the place where goblins wail and zombies drool. (That's because they're kindergartners.) In this entertaining collection of poems, award-winning poet Kate Coombs and debut artist Lee Gatlin bring to vivid life a wide and playful cast of characters (outgoing, shy, friendly, funny, prickly, proud) that may seem surprisingly like the kids you know… even if these kids are technically monsters. Ages 5 to 8.