new year books for elementary students

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An elementary school classroom that is decorated with fun colors and themes can help create an exciting learning atmosphere for children of all ages. Here are 10 fun elementary school classroom decorations that can help engage young students.

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Classroom calendars are a great interactive decoration that students can update daily. A calendar can help students establish a routine and commit important dates to memory.

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Computer access for students is important in every 21st century classroom. An elementary classroom should have a space for students to safely access the web. Kahoot is a fun way to play interactive and educational games for students of all ages. Some of the games available to students on Kahoot include lessons in world history, geometry and vocabulary. Google Classroom is an innovative online classroom where students can join a class created by an educator. In order to access Google Classroom, students must first receive an access code from his or her teacher. Students cannot access Google Classroom with their personal Google login. Schools must have a G Suite For Education aCC0unt before creating classes for students.

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Festive Books about New Year's for Children!

When you want to celebrate ringing in the New Year with children, there's no better way than reading a good picture book about New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and its diverse traditions around the world.

The New Year books on this book list will inspire kids to look forward to a fresh start, perhaps make a resolution or two, and perhaps even start a New Year's tradition of their own.

So whether you stay up all night, counting down the hours until January first, or if you all head off to bed early for a good night's sleep make it your New Year Resolution to read all of these books and continue in the same way throughout the year.  (Note: Book covers and titles are affiliate links that may earn commission.)

Books about New Year's Day Celebrations

Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela! by Alexandra Alessandri, illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda. Ava is celebrating New Year's with her family in Colombia, but she is feeling shy. Her mother reassures her that her feelings are normal and slowly, Ava starts to gain self-confidence. I love how the story gives us a taste of Colombian New Year's traditions. Includes a glossary of Spanish words and phrases used in the text.

Snow Horses: A First Night Story by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Micha Archer. This is a wonderfully peaceful book that celebrates the spirit of community at year's end. It's perfect to read when you want the kids to wind down from all the New Year festivities. On a snowy New Year, a young girl takes out two black horses and a sled into the night. Along the way they collect revelers and neighbors for a celebratory sleigh ride.

MORE: New Year's poems for kids and families

MORE: Picture books about new beginnings

More books you will love:

• Family Read Aloud Books for Every Season
• 15 Smile-Inducing Children's Books about Happiness and Joy

Reader Interactions

Tracey M. says

December 19, 2010 at 10:24 pm

I never thought about getting special books to read for the New Year. What a nice idea. Thanks for stopping over at my blog too! Have a great holiday.

Joyful Learner says

December 20, 2010 at 2:31 am

I agree with you, Natalie is the most dedicated commenter! Love the list of New Year's books as well as your math books, chapter books, etc.!

Raising a Happy Child says

December 20, 2010 at 6:24 pm

Thanks for all the blogging love and for joining WMCIR again 🙂 We have only read one book for New Year so far - a picture book Squirrel's New Year Resolutions (or something like this). By the way, I wanted to give you heads up about Santa's Snow Cat for your Storied Cities - it's set in New York 🙂 Oh - and we are focusing on Christmas in Russia for New Year, because I used to get presents from Grandfather Frost on New Year's Eve.

Fanny Harville says

December 22, 2010 at 7:25 pm

Oooh, thanks for linking to this Blog Hop -- introduced me to lots of fun blogs!

Alison at NOVA Frugal Family says

December 29, 2013 at 7:10 pm

This is a great idea. I didn't even think about picking out books for New Years!! I am going to have to head to the library and try to get some tomorrow. I wonder if I have any that I didn't realize around the house 🙂

Erica MomandKiddo says

December 30, 2013 at 6:55 am

There are surprisingly few books about New Years! There are some nonfiction ones, but not too many picture books.

Theres Just One Mommy says

December 26, 2014 at 10:08 pm

I never thought to look for New Year's books.... It sounds like some great titles here!

Even in Australia says

May 07, 2015 at 1:23 pm

Do you have any nonfiction ones to recommend?

May 07, 2015 at 1:24 pm

I never found one I really liked. They were all pretty much the typical dry stuff. Hopefully you will have better luck.

Rachel says

December 26, 2018 at 7:34 pm

I always figured the dearth of New Year's books is because it is really an adult holiday, focused on staying up late and drinking!

December 27, 2018 at 10:36 am

That may be true!

Ruby Zhang says

January 18, 2019 at 8:38 am

For me, New Year means family reunion and a good blessing for the coming year. In our hometown, there are also some new year traditions, such as visiting the elders of the family to show respect, having a feast with all the family members on new year's eve, putting up Spring Festival cuplets... I will read these books with my kid and get him to know about some traditions of other countries during the holiday.

debra luger says

December 28, 2020 at 3:00 pm

P. Bear book is not really available to buy.... > $50-$100 on amazon! not easily available from library either 🙁

January 12, 2021 at 10:21 pm

Such a shame when books go out of print!

Natasha Wing says

September 22, 2021 at 2:44 pm

Thank you for including my book, The Night Before New Year's. Just wanted to note that my name is Natasha Wing (not Natalie) just in case people want to look up my other holiday books.

September 23, 2021 at 10:46 am

Thanks for the correction. I'll update right away.

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A Dab of Glue Will Do

Little Learners, Big Ideas

PS PK K 1 2

12 New Year’s Picks For Your Book List for Little Kids

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I love teaching New Year’s Eve and Day traditions to my students. It is always fun to reflect on the previous year while thinking ahead to the new year. Creating a Book List is a great way to engage your children!

These New Year’s books are the perfect way to talk about this special time and discuss different ways people celebrate. Here are my 12 favorite New Year’s books.

This book list is one of my favorites to share for reading with your students.  With so many fun ideas to go over with your students or your children about the past year and the new year ahead, this book list is perfect to begin with in your classroom!

The Night Before New Years by Natasha Wing

Natasha Wing’s “Night Before” series is a favorite with young readers.  The Night Before New Years is a fun story about how a family celebrates this special evening.

Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin

This bright story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. A perfect introduction to this holiday for young readers.

Happy New Year, Spot! by Eric Hill

Ring in the new year with this festive board book featuring everyone’s favorite puppy! Spot isn’t old enough to stay up until midnight, but he finds a way to celebrate the New Year early with his family.

Squirrel’s New Year Resolution by Pat Miller

With the help of her friends, Squirrel learns about what it means to make a New Year’s resolution. An excellent read for the beginning of the calendar year or the beginning of the school year!

New Year’s Day by Lynn Peppas

People around the world have different customs to welcome in the new year. Learn the history of New Year’s Day, and read about all of the different traditions that make it fun!  This is definitely a must for your New Year’s book list if you are teaching students about traditions and customs!

Happy New Year by Dee Smith

It is New Year’s Day! This book is a simple tale that captures the wonderful things children can look forward to in the New Year.

Shante Keys and the New Years Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

In her quest to find some black-eyed peas, Shante discovers the different ways that her neighbors celebrate the New Year. A story of diversity and traditions that children will really enjoy.

The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant

A soothing book that is fantastic to read at the end of a tough day. Cynthia Rylant’s story let’s us know that everything will be ok.  An encouraging read like this is always a must on any book list for children. 

Happy New Year Everywhere! by Arlene Erlbach

Elementary children will love learning about New Year’s customs in twenty different countries.  A great way to learn about world customs.

P. Bear’s New Year Party: A Counting Book by Paul Owen Lewis

This book counts down to New Year’s Eve, while teaching numbers, counting, and telling time! This book is popular with teachers, and students will enjoy the story and the simple illustrations.  

Happy New Year by Amy Ackelsberg

Ring in the new year with Strawberry Shortcake and her friends! This book also comes with a sheet of stickers to play with.

Happy New Year Around the World by Sylvia Walker

Discover the holiday customs of nations around the world with 30 festive full-page illustrations that are ready for your children to color.  This book is another great addition to any book list! 

Can you not find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom? Contact me and I would be happy to make it for you.

Are you looking for more New Year’s ideas, activities, and printables to do at home or in the classroom? If so, don’t miss out on more great New Year’s lessons for your classroom!  To see all book lists featured on A Dab of Glue Will Do, click on our book lists resources .  Do you have any favorite New Year’s books that are not on the list? If so, please share in the comments below.

More Great Book Lists:

12 Apple Books For Little Kids

12 Books About Shapes For Little Kids

12 Color Books For Little Kids

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Reader Interactions

11 comments.

July 17, 2017 at 9:45 am

Thank you for your blog! Helpful in planning my preschool curriculum!

September 18, 2017 at 4:36 pm

You are so welcome!

December 14, 2018 at 1:31 am

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April 24, 2022 at 5:02 pm

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7 Children’s Books About the New Year

My kids are fascinated by the idea of a new year. “You mean, one day it is one year, and the next day it is another one?” Yep! It’s pretty amazing. I love a the new year, as well. It always feels great to have a fresh start, with new goals to achieve. I am setting a goal to read 100 books in 2021!

You may also enjoy these 15 Diverse Winter Picture Books!

Are you looking for some great books about New Year’s Day? This list of books about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will help you ring in another year with reading — my favorite way to celebrate any occasion!

Book links are referral links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase.

The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing

I first discovered this series when putting together our Hanukkah book list , and I enjoyed the New Year’s Eve book just as much! The entire family is determined to stay up and ring in the new year, but that gets harder to do as the clock creeps closer to midnight.

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

Eating black-eyed peas on January 1 was one of my family’s traditions growing up, so I was very excited to see it in a book! Shanté’s grandmother is cooking up a delicious meal for New Year’s Day, but she forgot the black-eyed peas. Shanté goes out in search of some, because she knows it’s bad luck to skip this tasty ritual.

New Year’s Eve Thieves   by Ron Roy

The Calendar Mysteries follow the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries kids, and this series is one of the first my oldest son got into. In this book, the kids are excited for a New Year’s Eve party, but they start to see clues that something suspicious might be going on. This is the perfect choice for early chapter book readers.

P. Bear’s New Year’s Party by Paul Owen Lewis

The first thing that drew me to this book was the gorgeous black, white, and red illustrations. However it’s also a fun story for young children that teaches counting and telling time. It’s a great book for preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller

Squirrel has heard about New Year’s resolutions, but she’s not quite sure  what a resolution is. Squirrel helps her friends with their own resolutions, but she has a hard time choosing her own. Will Squirrel find the right New Year’s resolution to start her year?

Just in Time for New Year’s   by Karen Gray Ruelle

Harry and Emily really  want to stay up until midnight, but it proves to be harder than they thought. Will they be able to keep their eyes open long enough to ring in the New Year? How can these two kitties keep themselves up that late?

The New Year’s Eve Sleepover From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Hubie has been invited to a New Year’s Eve sleepover, but he’s more nervous than excited. He’s never spent the night in a strange place, and he’s worried about what could happen. An excellent choice for kids reading early chapter books!

However your family rings in the new year, we hope these books will make your celebration even more fun — whether you make it to midnight or not!

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Crystal is an activist, feminist, and mom of three. She loves reading, crochet, and enjoying her family and friends. She lives with her family in Indianapolis.

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Home » Blog Posts » Book Ideas » 10 Happy New Year’s Books for Kids

10 Happy New Year’s Books for Kids

• Book Ideas , Holidays & Seasonal

Kicking off the New Year with a fun read-aloud gets students thinking about goal-setting, while helping them transition back after a long holiday break! These 10 Happy New Year’s books for kids are my favorite go-to picture books to read in January.

* *This post contains affiliate links to Amazon for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which do not cost any extra for you. Please see the  full disclosure here. **

Picture Books to Celebrate a Happy New Year’s

Teachers get the wonderful privilege of celebrating the New Year’s twice: Back-to-School and the New Year’s celebration in January.

So while you’re planning engaging crafts and activities, add one of these fun Happy New Year’s books for kids to the mix while you celebrate a new year!

Natasha Wing’s “Night Before…” series is a big hit in my classroom.

If you’ve seen my other read-aloud book recommendations lists, you have seen Natasha’s books.

This Night Before New Year’s shows fun ways to celebrate the New Year’s with your students.

The easy reading format makes it a quick activity–just in case you’re stretched for time when it comes to your New Year’s classroom activities.

P. Bear’s New Year’s Party by Paul Owen Lewis is not only a fun book about how to celebrate New Year’s, but it’s also a great math read aloud book.

The book fits well with early readers in Kinder and 1st grade, but if you’re just looking for something quick to read, this New Year’s book works for older kids too.

Happy New Year’s Books for Different Cultures

Everyone celebrates New Year’s differently.

These Happy New Year’s books for kids showcase the variety of ways to bring in the new year with a bang.

Freedom Soup by Tami Charle s presents the Haitian traditions and cuisine for celebrating New Year’s.

The special soup for New Year’s also aligns with the historical account of the Haitian revolution, which is why it’s called ‘freedom’ soup.

I also really love the songs and illustrations throughout book.

It’s a great way to expose your kiddos to different cultural traditions for Happy New Year!

Shante’ Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport is my absolute favorite happy New Year’s book for kids!

Several Southern families in the United States enjoy eating black-eyed peas on the first day of the year to signal good luck for the year ahead.

My own family has included black-eyed peas in our January 1st menu for years. I love cooking them for my students as a fun New Year’s treat. (even though many students DON’T consider any type of peas to be a treat! LOL)

Celebrating New Year’s Around the World

Want to know how people across 20 different countries ring in the New Year? This Happy New Year’s book for kids tells it all.

Happy New Year, Everywhere by Arlene Erlbach works really well for kids in 2nd through 5th grade.

It has tons of colorful pictures and examples of how people celebrate the new year holiday differently.

Every Month is a New Year by Marilyn Singer is a wonderful happy new year read aloud for two main reasons:

• It shows that not all “New Year’s” celebrations happen in January.
• Students get to see how different people celebrate New Year’s.

The book covers other celebrations such as Chinese New Year’s, Nowruz for Iranians, and Songkran for people in Thai.

As these different holidays come up throughout the school year, you can refer back to this book for details.

Goal-Setting New Year’s Books for Kids

While you are celebrating a new year with your students, I bet you also want to cover some goal-setting with them too?!

The timing and occasion is just too perfect to miss out on helping our kiddos set new goals for the new semester and new year.

These are some of my favorite read-alouds for setting new goals:

Before you run away hysterical over the title and cover illustration, here me out!

I Need a New Butt by Dawn McMillan is about a boy who thinks his butt is broken and he wants to find a new one.

It’s a hilarious book that can be connected to goal-setting because it shows this kid spending so much time trying to change something that doesn’t need to be changed.

If you have students who struggle to set realistic, worthwhile goals, this book may help them.

DISCLAIMER: The illustrations inside show a few pages with different booties. Your kids will have full-blown laughing fits!

Just in case you have some really sensitive parents who may not like this type of content, you may want to talk to your administration about it first.

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats works great for New Year’s goal-setting because its theme on perseverance.

The main character doesn’t give up on his goal of learning to whistle, which offers a great message to your students about not giving up.

Plus, this book is FREE on Amazon’s Audiobook program. You can try a free trial HERE .

A Growth Mindset Read-Aloud for the New Year

This book is another one of my favorites when it comes to read alouds for upper elementary students.

After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat fits perfectly with goal setting for the new year with its growth-mindset theme.

I actually end up reading this book more than once during the school year because students need on-going reminders about having the right mindset.

Some of your students need hope to start over fresh for the new year. Maybe they had a really rough first semester, which would lead almost anyone to feeling discouraged about setting new goals.

This book helps students see that no matter how things start–no matter how bad you fall–you can get back up again.

To be honest, we adults need that powerful reminder too!

Help Your Students Set New Year’s Resolutions

My final Happy New Year’s book for kids is Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller .

This cute book shows kids what it really means to make a resolution. Squirrel’s simple question: “What is a resolution?” is such a valid question that your students may ask! (Depending on their age.)

Squirrel gets help from her friend Bear to learn what resolutions are and how to help her friends set their resolutions too.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution is available on the Free Time Unlimited Reading Program for Prime members. I’ve been using this for years to save money on books for my classroom.

I also use it at home with my son Caleb so that he always has something to read.

You pay a low flat fee each month, which allows you to check out tons of e-books, videos, apps and more. I currently pay $3.99 a month.

Check it out by clicking the image above. You may even find more happy new year’s books for kids to use in your classroom!

More Ideas & Classroom Resources for the New Year

As you plan your New Year’s classroom activities, here are more ideas and resources that you’ll enjoy:

• 5 Creative Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Cheap & Free Ways to Stock Your Classroom Library
• 11 Children’s Books Written by Celebrities
• If I Lived in a Snow Globe…Winter Writing Activity
• Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Winter Bulletin Board

Happy “New Year’s” Reading!

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New Year’s Books for Kids

December 30, 2019

A new year feels like a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to look back on the past year and make new goals and resolutions for the year ahead. One way to get students excited about the new year is through books. Here are a handful of New Year’s books for kids that show how people around the world ring in the new year!

You can click on any of the covers below to learn more about each book or find all of these New Year’s books on my Amazon page .

we are a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

by Pat Miller

Squirrel knows that New Year’s Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year’s resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own…

You can find resources to use with this story here .

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas

by Gail Piernas-Davenport

Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no–it’ll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors.

The Night Before New Year’s

by Natasha Wing

It’s the night before New Year’s, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone’s stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?

Bringing in the New Year

by Grace Lin

This story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year.

Freedom Soup

by Tami Charles

Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup — Freedom Soup — just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle’s family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle’s family is from.

Happy New Year! (Strawberry Shortcake)

by Amy Ackelsberg

Ring in the New Year with Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends in this New Year’s Eve-themed book.

Happy New Year, Spot!

by Eric Hill

Spot isn’t old enough to stay up until midnight, but he finds a way to celebrate the New Year early with his family. Bring your party hats and noisemakers as you join Spot in celebrating the new year!

New Year’s Eve Thieves (Calendar Mysteries)

Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy are looking forward to a New Year’s Eve party. But someone is leaving clues that there might be more to this celebration than confetti and noisemakers.

The New Year’s Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon

by Mike Thaler

Eric is having a New Year’s Eve sleepover, but Hubie has never spent the night away from home. He’s going to be in a strange bed, in a strange room, in a strange house. What if Hubie gets sick or has a bad dream? What happens if Eric starts telling his cheesy jokes? And what’s all this talk about making a New Year’s resolution?

You can find a book companion to pair with this book here .

The New Year Dragon Dilemma (A to Z Mysteries Super Edition)

Fireworks and dragons and . . . a missing girl? Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are in San Francisco, home of the biggest Chinatown outside Asia. They plan to watch the famous Chinese New Year parade and see Miss Chinatown ride by in a giant float. But during the parade, Miss Chinatown disappears, and so does her crown! Can the kids crack the case?

Happy New Year (Celebrations)

by Clara Coleman

This book looks at New Year’s celebrations in different cultures around the world, including New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Dimali in India, and Songkran in Thailand.

New Year’s Day (Celebrations in My World)

by Lynn Peppas

Discusses the history, customs, and celebrations of New Year’s Day.

Happy New Year, Everywhere

by Arlene Erlbach

Celebrations from twenty countries are presented in this informative and colorful tale for young readers to demonstrate the diverse ways people kick-off the New Year around the world.

Every Month is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World

by Marilyn Singer

In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these diverse cultural, regional, and religious observances, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs.

Happy New Year Around the World (coloring book)

Discover the holiday customs of nations around the world with this coloring book. Celebrations range from spectacular parades in China and candles in the sand on Brazilian beaches to fireworks over Sydney Harbor and the countdown in New York’s Times Square.

New Year’s Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)

by David F. Marx

Introduces the history, customs, meaning and celebration of New Year’s Day.

You can find all of my book lists by topic  here .

Happy Reading!

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20 Books To Help Kids Get Ready for the New School Year

By devon a. corneal.

Do you have a little one making the transition from preschool to kindergarten? Or a child worried about moving from naptime and cookies to the first grade? Or maybe your child is changing schools and isn’t sure she’ll be able to make new friends? Whatever the transition your child is facing, we hope a few of these books might help ease their fears and remind them of all the fun they’ll have in their new classroom. After all, if a stuffed bear, a squash, a frog, and a llama can do it, so can they!

Our Classroom Rules!

by Kallie George, illustrated by Jay Fleck

One of the life skills kids learn at school is how to exist in a classroom setting with a dozen or more other children. This adorable book from the creators of Our Playground Rules! is perfect for helping young readers understand what makes a classroom successful and happy.

Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School

by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Paola Escobar

Tackle those first-day jitters with this gorgeous picture book about butterflies — but not the ones you’re thinking about. These butterflies appear in your belly when you feel nervous, like the little girl in this story. With her mom’s encouragement, the girl realizes butterflies mean something exciting is happening!

Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries

by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts

This adorable picture book shows kids how to handle their first-day-of-school nerves through relaxing breathing practices. Kids can use these breathing techniques whenever they feel stressed or anxious. Cute animal characters and the relatable story make this the perfect read-aloud before returning to the classroom.

The Crayons Go Back to School

by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Your favorite art supplies head back to school in this bestselling picture book! The Crayons take readers through the first day, from picking out their outfits and reuniting with old friends to meeting the teacher and learning new things. Familiar characters and a humorous story make this book a must-read!

How to Get Your Octopus to School

by Becky Scharnhorst, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

It’s time for an octopus to go to school, but the shy sea creature is nowhere to be found. His human friend searches high and low before she finds him, hugs him, and calms his nerves by helping him prepare for the big day. Kids will love searching for the octopus in the illustrations and soaking up octopus facts in the backmatter.

A New School Year

by Sally Derby, illustrated by Mika Song

In A New School Year , we meet six children, ranging from a kindergartener to fifth grade, who share their hopes (and fears) about the first day of school. While their backgrounds and perspectives are diverse, the emotions they express are universal. This one is such a special book that your child will return to year after year.

Sounds Like School Spirit

by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Sounds Like School Spirit is a fun, interactive book that helps build excitement around school and perfectly illustrates the communities that kids create. Told through a series of chants, your little one won’t be able to resist cheering along with this book!

All Are Welcome

by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

The start of a new school year can be exciting, but for many it can also be a little nerve-wracking. But what if there was a place where every child had a space and where they were loved and appreciated? This is the world that Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman have brought to life in this beautiful book about a school where diversity and community are not just protected but celebrated! A great introduction to inclusion and diversity that is perfect for young readers.

We're Going to School

by Tammi Salzano, illustrated by Morena Forza

This uplifting, diverse picture book celebrates the first day of school and the many activities that are shared on this special day. From getting ready for the day to meeting their teachers to lunch, recess, storytime, and art class, there is so much fun to be had at school. A page entitled "My First Day of School Memories" adds a personal touch with space for kids to record their experiences.

The Night Before First Grade

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Deborah Zemke

Penny is excited to start the first grade! She has everything planned and can’t wait to start the year with her best friend at her side. But things don’t always go according to plan. This fun read-aloud book in The Night Before series , is great story about making new friends and the perfect book for any child dealing with first day jitters.

My School Stinks!

by Becky Scharnhorst, illustrated by Julia Patton

In this hilarious story, a boy accidentally winds up at a school for wild animals! The book, told through the boy’s diary entries, starts with him very apprehensive about his new classmates, but he soon learns that friends can come in any shape, size, or species! A fun back-to-school celebration perfect for all little ones, including those who might be apprehensive about starting school again.

Corduroy Goes to School

by Don Freeman and B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Lisa McCue

Everyone’s favorite stuffed bear is going to school! Little fingers can lift colorful flaps to see what’s hidden around the classroom and get acquainted with the magic of learning in this comforting book for children headed to school for the first time.

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

by Lauren Child

Charlie knows that his little sister Lola does not want to go to school. But when Charlie reassures her that she can bring her imaginary friend with her, Lola decides she might be willing to try it after all.

Llama Llama Misses Mama

by Anna Dewdney

Anyone who has ever had a meltdown at school will appreciate how Llama Llama feels when he starts missing his mama on the first day of school. Thankfully, good friends, a kind teacher, and the knowledge that his mama always comes back will help him get through the day.

The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

Unhei and her family just moved from Korea, and she is nervous that when she starts school none of the kids will be able to pronounce her name. So instead of introducing herself, she tells her classmates that she is looking for a new name and they help her by putting names in a jar that she can pick from. But in the end Unhei and her friends decide that her Korean name is beautiful as is!

Milk Goes to School

by Terry Border

Get ready for puns galore! As one determined and confident milk carton goes to school, she learns important lessons in her classroom, including how to make lots of new friends.

How to Get Your Teacher Ready

by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

Everyone focuses on getting kids ready for school, but what about teachers? How do they get ready for the year ahead? In this lighthearted and funny “How To” book, the kids are the ones in charge, and they have a lot to say about what their teachers should be doing. Young readers will learn a lot about what to expect from the new school year through the kids’ instructions.

Froggy Goes to School

by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

This was a favorite in our house before our son started kindergarten. Froggy’s chipper attitude and his mother’s wisdom come together in this sensitive story about the anxieties that can surround the first day of school.

The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

This beautiful picture book helps to celebrate our differences. There is a point in everyone’s life when they feel like the outsider, and for many children this happens in school. What this book teaches is that it is our differences that make us truly special, and by reaching out to others we can create lasting bonds. With a poignant message and gorgeous illustrations, The Day You Begin deftly introduces little readers to big concepts like diversity, community, and self-esteem.

Barnaby Never Forgets

by Pierre Collet-Derby

Barnaby is always ready for school. He knows where his glasses, backpack, and books are. Well, most of the time. But one day, Barnaby forgets something really, really, really important. Read this one just for fun and remember to always look at your calendar BEFORE you go to school.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2023.

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Must-Read Books About New Years Resolutions For Kids

Discover a variety of books about new year’s resolutions for kids to enjoy during the new year’s season. You and your kids will find inspiration for goal setting as well as fascinating facts about New Year’s traditions around the world.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure .

The Value Of New Year’s Resolutions For Kids

New Year’s resolutions aren’t only for adults. Kids can also start to think about their own goals when it is time to ring in the new year.

Goal setting gives children allows children the opportunity for self-reflection, to practice decision-making skills, and to develop a sense of purpose. Children can set goals to support their hobbies or make small changes in their habits or attitudes.

Thinking about goals over the course of a year might be too much for young children. Families can start with goals for January and then make time to revisit those goals at the end of the month.

Parents should make sure that goal-setting with children is done in a positive light in order to build their self-confidence and autonomy. Goals should be created to celebrate a child’s identity and strengthen their confidence. If a child doesn’t respond well, then goal setting can wait for another year or two as the child matures.

A great way to keep goal-setting in a positive light is to include celebrations as part of your goal-setting time. These books about new years for kids will help set a positive tone for your celebrations and goal setting.

In addition to goal setting, we like to take time to look back at the previous year and record our favorite memories. Years ago we began completing the same Year in Review printable . This printable is such a fun way to record a snapshot of my children as they are in that moment while encouraging them to set a few goals for the year to come.

Must-Read Books About New Year’s Resolutions For Kids

Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela  Alexandra Alessandri

Ava and her parents are visiting family in Colombia during the New Year celebration. While Ava is excited to join in all of the new year’s fun, she also feels nervous around so many new family members. Will she feel comfortable in time to join the festivities?

This is a fantastic New Year’s book that will introduce your children to some of the South American, traditions to celebrate new years eve, such as eating beñuelos and building an el Año Viejo.

Happy New Year Everywhere Arlene Erlbach

Learn all of the various ways people in different countries celebrate the New Year. Twenty countries are represented in this story.

Bringing in the New Year Grace Lin

This simple picture book is a wonderful introduction to some of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. A short summary of the history and meaning of Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) is included in the back.

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) Dan Santat

This inspiring tale is a perfect read for New Year’s and goal setting as readers learn what happens to Humpty Dumpty after his fall. While he is scared to climb the wall, he faces his fear and achieves his goal to conquer the wall yet again. Books about New Years resolutions for kids such as this one help remind us that everyone might fail, but we can pick ourselves back up and try again.

Freedom Soup Tami Charles

In this picture book full of frolicking and fun, readers will learn about Freedom Soup, a traditional dish enjoyed as part of the New year celebration in Haiti. The soup dates back to the Haitian Revolution and a basic history of the revolution is also introduced.

Every Month is a New Year Marilyn Singer

While you might be preparing to celebrate the New Year on January 1, many people from around the world celebrate at different times. Learn more about various New Year’s celebrations in these meaningful poems by Marilyn Singer.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolutions Pat Miller

Publisher’s Description: “Squirrel knows that New Year’s Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year’s resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own.”

The Night Before New Year’s Natasha Wing

Publisher’s Description: “Another title in Natasha Wing’s bestselling  Night Before  series! It’s the night before New Year’s, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone’s stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?”

Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas Gail Piernas-Davenport

Publisher’s Description: “Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no―it’ll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors.”

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Picture Books for New Year’s Day and Goal Setting

I have to admit, I am still coming off of my Christmas high; I  do genuinely love it!  But once all of the presents are opened and we drink our hot chocolates and move on to the next day, there’s something new and exciting to gear up for….the New Year!  And since 2020 was a doozy, I am almost certain that most of us will be celebrating HARD this year, even the little ones who had their own struggles during this season.  Thinking about all of that had me analyzing the best way to get not only adults but kids into thinking about the positives that lie ahead.  And well, books have never failed us.  So today, I want to share some of my favorite picture books for New Year’s Day and goal setting that can get your kids or students (you too!) ready to set their own.

Yes, setting resolutions can be cliché, however; when you think about them in terms of goal setting, it becomes a lot more deliberate and clear.  I think it is important that we get kids into the mindset of setting goals early to create a solid foundation for how they navigate the rest of their lives!  Check out these fun New Year’s picture books for some inspiration.

Flight School by Lita Judge

When teaching kids about doing something that seems impossible, turn to the little penguin in Flight School who decided he was going to fly even if his body wasn’t made for it.

Because by Mo Willems

Because kids deserve to believe in the power of real-life magic and the sweet symphony.

The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant

A beautiful story for helping kids see the beauty in everyday life even when conflicts arise. (Kind of like the year 2020.)

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat

Children will be ecstatic to see a familiar face and learn that the fall was not the end of Humpty Dumpty’s story but the beginning of a tale of overcoming.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

In this comedic story, Giraffe finds his dance in his own way teaching kids that they can do the same.

The Night Before New Years by Natasha Wing

Ahh…the struggles of staying up for the big countdown! Kids will love this fun story about celebrating the New Year!

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

Do you have any New Year’s traditions?  Shanté’s family sure does and your kids will enjoy following her on a journey to keep it alive!

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles

Haitian independence and their New Year’s traditions are the focus of this cute picture book for New Year’s Day!

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller

As a great introduction to New Year’s resolutions, make this one your first step towards goal setting with your little ones or students!

I wish you nothing but the most amazing New Year and happy goal setting for 2021!  First, on my list, figure out how to get rid of the pandemic (ha!)

{Amazon affiliate links were used in this post but these are books I have personally read and enjoyed.}

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Picture Books to Celebrate the New Year!

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Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2020 by Molly

A quote attributed to twentieth-century poet and pacifist, Edith Lovejoy Pierce, says it all. “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”

Every new year can be a time to start over, to make changes and adjustments to our lives. At the same time, this yearly milestone presents an opportunity to encourage our children to think about what, if any, changes they may want to adopt. Do they want to:

• Stretch their wings and try a new hobby?
• Step out their comfort zones and meet new people?
• Get involved in something they are passionate about, such as social justice or climate issues?

Whatever you and your family decide to do as the calendar flips over, keep in mind that the new year is so much more than a blank slate. Dr. Seuss put it this way: “You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do.” C. S. Lewis takes it bit further: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

As you and your family welcome in 2021, enjoy these delightful picture books that celebrate the New Year.

• “ Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution ” by Pat Miller
• “ Freedom Soup ” by Tami Charles
• “ Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World ” by Marilyn Singer
• “ Shanté Keys and The New Year Peas ” by Gail Piernas-Davenport
• “ Happy New Year, Spot! ” by Eric Hall
• “ Just In Time For New Year’s! ” by Karen Gray Ruelle
• “ Bringing In The New Year ” by Grace Lin
• “ Feliz New Year Ava Gabriela! ” by Alexandra Alessandri
• “ New Year’s Day ” by Kathryn A. Imler

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