Compiled by Emily Weitz.
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Ages 2-5:

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang – Jim Panzee is in a bad mood. All his friends help give him suggestions for how to feel better on this beautiful day. But maybe it’s okay to be a little grumpy.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins – It’s the first day of school, and Penelope Rex is nervous for her first day of school. But to her surprise, her entire class is children! So she eats them. Watch Penelope navigate becoming friends with her human classmates, and even the class goldfish.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems – Why does Pigeon have to go to school? What if his teacher doesn’t like him?? What if he learns too much??
Ages 6-8:

Pocket Peaches by Dora Wang (to be released September 26, 2023) – There’s a new cat in town, and Peaches wants to be friends with her. Join Peaches and pals as they navigate friendships, debate over the perfect amount of frosting, and learn the value of being yourself.

Amelia Bedelia’s First day of School by Herman Parish – Iconic childhood character Amelia Bedelia is now a kid herself, ready for her first day of school. Watch her “hop” on the bus like a bunny and glue herself to her seat!
Ages 9-12:

Elli’s Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! by Lisa Greenwald (to be released September 5, 2023) – Ellie’s family owns the town deli. When a restaurant group threatens to move in and take over, tenacious Ellie and her BFFs must prove that matzo ball soup and sour pickles are here to stay, in this adorable new middle grade fiction series with recipes and illustrations throughout.

Holes by Louis Sachar – Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys detention center, where the boys have to spend all day digging holes. It doesn’t take Stanley long to realize that they are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could it be?