Picture books perfect for spring that are recommended for elementary school children. Picture books that make them look forward to going to elementary school.
A first school, a new class, new friends.
Spring is a season when even elementary school children encounter many firsts and new experiences.
In this article, we’ll introduce picture books recommended for elementary schoolers in spring!
We’ve gathered picture books that are perfect for first graders starting their very first school life after graduating from daycare or kindergarten, as well as books that will make going to elementary school feel exciting and fun.
If your child is feeling anxious—Will I make friends? Can I keep up with my studies?—have them read these picture books and catch the joyful excitement that will carry them into school life!
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Picture books perfect for spring recommended for elementary school children. Picture books that will make you look forward to elementary school (21–30)
Let’s go to elementary school.Written by: Hiroshi Saitō / Illustrated by: Rokudai Tanaka
“Let’s Go to Elementary School” is packed with various interactive features.
This work is by Hiroshi Saito, who has created numerous classic picture books.
It addresses questions that arise in elementary school life, such as “What should I do when I go to school?” and “What should I do when I use the nurse’s office?” Another notable feature is the inclusion of elements like quizzes and mazes that children can actively enjoy.
Thanks to these features, children can stay focused to the end and have fun while learning about school.
A Day in Class 1-1Photos and text: Toshio Kawashima
Let me introduce a unique picture book, “1-nen 1-kumi no 1-nichi” (A Day in Class 1-1).
Created by Toshio Kawashima, it’s technically a photo picture book.
Through real photographs, it portrays daily life at an elementary school.
Because they’re photos, you can really feel the textures and atmosphere.
Another notable feature is the use of speech bubbles on the photos, giving it a manga-like presentation.
Children who love picture books will enjoy it, of course, and it’s likely to appeal to kids who like photography and manga as well.
first graderPoem: Shuntaro Tanikawa / Illustrations: Makoto Wada
Some children may feel nervous or anxious as they get ready to move up to the next school level.
That’s why I’d like to introduce Ichinensei (First Grader).
This hugely popular picture book features a story by Shuntaro Tanikawa and illustrations by Makoto Wada.
The story captures the inner feelings of a child going to elementary school for the first time.
It can help children better understand what elementary school is like—“Oh, so this is what we do there”—and it’s sure to make them think, “It seems like a fun place!”
The school backpack has arrived.Written by Hirotaka Nakagawa / Illustrated by Yasunari Murakami
A book I highly recommend reading around the time a child starts elementary school is “The Randoseru Has Arrived.” In this volume, the text is by Hirotaka Nakagawa and the illustrations are by Yasunari Murakami.
The story revolves around the theme of the randoseru school bag.
It begins when the young boy protagonist suddenly receives a blue randoseru as a gift one day, and it depicts him heading out with it on his back and thanking the grandfather who gave it to him.
Reading it will surely make you excited to wear a randoseru yourself.
Story ClassroomWritten and illustrated by Shinobu Saito
There are certain things you start using when you enter elementary school—pencil cases, pencils, recorders, and red-and-white caps.
This book, “Ohana shi Kyōshitsu” (Story Classroom), focuses on those very tools.
By cleverly weaving in their uses and characteristics, it turns “what the tools are thinking” into a story.
Because items that elementary schoolers use every day appear one after another, it captures children’s interest and may also foster a desire to take good care of the tools they’re using now.
Each spread features a different story, so it’s also recommended for kids who aren’t fond of long stories.
