Inside: Christian families will love these 6 children’s books perfect for back-to-school. These picture books are also great anytime you want to remind kids of God’s love and encourage them to follow God’s ways.

The back-to-school season is special for so many families. As kids move from one grade to the next, we naturally want to encourage them in their God-given purpose, set them up for success, and emphasize our unconditional love.
One of my favorite ways to prepare kids for school and celebrate them is by reading excellent children’s books together. There are so many good ones!
However, sometimes it’s challenging to find books that hit those back-to-school themes and also address topics important to Christian families. So we’ve gathered some of the best back-to-school books for opening up helpful, faith-filled conversations with kids–children’s books that Christian families are sure to love.
A Christian Back-TO-School Book for Celebrating Diversity and Friendship
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for products we love. If you purchase, we get a small commission at no cost to you. We’re just as happy for you to buy local or thrift, and we’ve provided some links on our Resources page.

Different Like Me by Xochitl Dixon and Bonnie Lui
Different Like Me is a wonderful back-to-school book for this “make new friends” time of year. The rhyming text celebrates diversity and reminds kids about the connections we share while the illustrations show diverse kids working together to solve a problem. The book starts and ends with Bible verses and also includes conversation starters for families.
For more children’s books with diverse characters, check out this post.
A Fun CHRISTIAN Book for Back-to-School Worries

Flashlight Night by Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Julia Seal
Flashlight Night helps kids think about how God takes care of them even when they’re worried. It also addresses the question, “What if my prayers aren’t answered the way I think they will be?” Though it’s a wonderful selection all year round, I love it for back-to-school. This time of year can be anxiety provoking for kids. Flashlight Night specifically mentions several worries surrounding school and friendship as it reminds kids that God is listening when we pray.
Find more engaging books and resources in our article about helping kids face the unknown.
An Encouraging Picture Book with Themes of Resilience

Little Mole Goes to School by Glenys Nellist and Sally Garland
In this charming book about Little Mole starting school, kids learn that it’s okay to be nervous and not know how to do something right away. I love how in the end, not just Little Mole but all the woodland friends contribute their special skills to solve the problem. Facts about real moles and other animals can be found in the back of this great back-to-school picture book, as well as a page of tips from a child and family therapist for helping kids who are anxious about starting school. Little Mole Goes to School is such a sweet story and a much-needed resource.
A Christian Picture Book for Trusting God in Change, Challenge, and Loss

It Will Be Okay by Lysa TerKeurst and Natalia Moore
At back-to-school time or anytime, It Will Be Okay is perfect for Christian families facing a transition or challenge. It is a parable (and you know how we love parables) about a seed being planted and growing into a tree, all under the care of a watchful gardener. The seed also has the support of Fox, his caring friend. Of course, the seed does not fully understand all the good that will come about from being planted, just as we don’t always know the blessings that can come through change and difficult times.
The theme of this story reminds me of our Bible Verses for Resilient Kids printable–a fun, free download to strengthen kids through God’s word.
A Christian Picture Book to Remind Kids of Your Love

Hand to Hold by JJ Heller and Alyssa Petersen
An important part of successfully sending kids off to school (or teaching them at home) is creating that loving place for them to land and assuring them that your heart is for them, no matter what. Hand to Hold is a love song from parent to child, and it is a beautiful way to encourage your kids.
Want another way to remind them of your love throughout the day? Check out these Prayers to Share by Dayspring, perfect for packing in lunch boxes or posting on bathroom mirrors.
A (Funny) Back-to-School Book to Explore the Golden Rule

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Of course, part of the back-to-school experience involves learning effective, loving ways to relate to others. Though Do Unto Otters does not specifically mention Jesus’ words, Christian families can use this great back-to-school book to point to him. It’s a hilarious way to dive into the following Bible verses, which are often called the Golden Rule:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:31
The book starts when a family of otters move in next to Mr. Rabbit. As he reflects on how he wants to be treated, Mr. Rabbit discovers a road map for how to treat his new neighbors. Pick a silly voice for each lovable character, and you’re on your way to a memorable story time and meaningful conversations about kindness.
For more character-building resources, you’ll love these 9 ways to teach gratitude which includes our free Inspire Gratitude Journal for Kids.
I’d love to hear how your family celebrates this special time. What are some of your favorite back-to-school books or traditions? Maybe we’ll put them in a future post. Drop us a line in the comments!
Another Tool to Strengthen and Encourage

Leave a Reply