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Children’s Book Blog: September 2025

Reminders for Back to School

Heading back to school is an exciting time! But, it can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty.  For September, we selected books with universally uplifting messages on kindness, individuality, empathy and leadership.  

At the end of an exhausting school day, reset and connect as a family with these reads:

The Boy and The Shells by Erik Richter

This book begins with the age-old playground question “who is your best friend?”. Having a best friend is wonderful until you are asked to pick just one…excluding your other friends. 

Richter ‘highlights the value of individuality and differences and the importance of each friendship within the reader’s own life.’ THAT is a message worth sharing with every back-to-schooler. 

The Day The Book Disappeared by Dan Santat

Per usual, if Dan Santat illustrated it, I’m reading it.  In Santat’s signature style, the author’s timely story comes to life. 

Arnold, who only reads books about airplanes, accidently makes every other classmate’s books disappear. Close-mindedly, he is excited about this. But, Arnold discovers that we don’t all have to like the same thing. 

It’s a celebration of choice, diversity, and empathy. 

We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang 

Three ‘definitely human’ creatures (ha!) crash their ‘car’ in Mr. Li’s field. Mr Li and others show the trio what it means to be human. Being human is being kind. 

This book is FANTASTIC! It’s funny and silly and heartwarming. 

Keep your eye on the dog – he knows something is up. Like the other characters, his facial expressions are expertly illustrated. 

The Littlest Drop by Sascha Alper, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

Another FANTASTIC book – this one is all heart (no alien humor). 

When a fire rages through the forest, a tiny hummingbird takes charge.  The positive messages are endless:

  • When we work together, we can make the world a better place. 
  • Even the smallest can have a big impact. 
  • Self-motivation and hard work do pay off. 
  • and more much more!

For kids returning to school, I believe this line with resonate: “I am doing what I can.”

 

Back To School, Backpack! by Simon Rich & Tom Toro 

Does your child have first-day-of-school jitters? Lighten their mood with this hilarious story. 

While this one had Joanna and Connor belly laughing, it also reminded them that they aren’t alone.  Everyone gets nervous, especially on the first day of school, but with a little help from friends, everything will be OK. 

 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.