The Best Spanish Back-to-School Books for Kids

With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to bust out some loved and cherished Spanish back-to-school books. I’ve chosen a few that celebrate Hispanic culture, are great for discussing rules, and celebrate the range of emotions little ones will be facing as they start the year.

Hopefully these Spanish back-to-school books are helpful for your Spanish class, bilingual classroom, or at-home read alouds. Note that following list contains affiliate links.

Spanish Back-to-School Books that Celebrate Hispanic Culture

La Joven Maestra y la Gran Serpiente

By Irene Vasco, illustrations by Juan Palomino

A young teacher arrives in a remote village in the Amazon ready to teach, but learns the importance of local legends and oral storytelling. A great multicultural read about respect for indigenous cultures.

René tiene dos apellidos

By René Colato Laínez, illustrated by Fabiola Graullera Ramirez

René Colato Laínez starts school with two last names, but when his teacher drops one of them it feels like René has lost half his family. After presenting his family tree to the class, René shows his classmates and his teacher the importance of both his last names.

¿Qué se dice en la escuela?

By Sara Pletcher, illustrated by Randall Pletcher

I love that this book hits a very specific topic: the first day at a bilingual school. How often is that the setting in children’s books? And it’s also written by a teacher. Join Sofía as she figures out the right thing to say at her new bilingual school.

Spanish Back-to-School Books with Simple Text

David va al colegio / David va a la escuela

By David Shannon

Another great and short read in the David book series, this time mischievous David goes to school. Have fun watching all the ways David gets in trouble (and then makes up for it). Great for starting a class discussion about rules, consequences, and rewards.

Nacho va al colegio

By Liesbet Slegers

Super simple text that is perfect for young kids or beginner Spanish classes. Nacho va al colegio is also part of the Nacho book series.

Spot va a la escuela

By Eric Hill

A lift-the-flap book that follows the infamous Spot on his first day of school. The text is very simple for young learners and finding Spot under each flap adds an interactive element even the youngest readers will love!

Spanish Back-to-School Books about School Rules

¿Cómo van a la escuela los dinosaurios?

By Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Perfect for reading as a class and watching how funny it is to see dinosaurs break all sorts of school rules.

El monstruo de colores va al cole

By Anna Llenas

Similar to ¿Cómo van a la escuela los dinosaurios?, this is another humorous take on a monster and all his rule-bending. From the author of El monstruo de colores, which centers on emotional maturity. A great way to discuss the reason behind rules.

Reglas en el salón de clases

By Dwayne Hicks

A must-read series for teachers. Each book discusses rules for a specific place in school. There’s Rules in the classroom, library, playground, and school bus. Available in English, Spanish, or bilingual editions.

Spanish Back-to-School Books about School Jitters

Los tentáculos de Blef: Miedo

By Teresa Arias and Eva Clemente

This is part of a series of books that work on emotional maturity by following the adventures of Blef. This book, Miedo, focuses on Blef’s first day of school and how Blef and his classmates overcome their fears.

Un beso en mi mano

By Audrey Penn

Chester isn’t so sure about going to school until his Mom gives him a kiss on the palm of his hand to remind him how much she loves him. The love between mother and son resonates in this first-day-of-school classic. A heartwarming read for both parents and kids alike.

Soy demasiado pequeña para ir al colegio

By Lauren Child

Tolola is finally old enough to start school, but she’s not so convinced. While her brother, Juan, gives her all the reasons going to school is important, Tolola explains all the reasons why it’s not. Tolola’s line of thinking is hilarious! This is a great read for any reluctant kids before their first day of school.

Mamá va al cole

By Éric Veillé, illustrated by Pauline Martin

Another reluctant girl who doesn’t want her mom to leave her alone at school so naturally, Mom stays. But Mom forgets to raise her hand before speaking, snores at naptime, and isn’t making any friends. Maybe school is more fun without Mom.

A creative and humorous perspective for kids who don’t want their parents to leave them alone at school.

El primer día de escuela de Chu

By Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex

A shy panda is anxious about his first day of school. Great to discuss likes and dislikes and how to introduce yourself to the class.

¡No quiero ir al cole!

By Stephanie Blake

Simon doesn’t want to go to school. He tells his Mom, he tells his Dad, he can’t sleep, and that’s that. So, what makes Simon change his mind? A story about how back to school nerves can be worse than the real thing.

Spanish Back-to-School Books for Eager Learners

Si llevas un ratón a la escuela

By Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond

The classic, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, series expands to If You Take a Mouse to School. Watch as this adorable mouse becomes an eager part of a young boy’s school day. Humorous and sweet all rolled up together.

¡No te comas a la maestra!

By Nick Ward

The problem with this little shark? He tends to bite whatever is in his path when he gets excited. The table, a book, his friends, and even the teacher!

This is a great read for kids who get too excited on their first day of school.

Cristantemo

By Kevin Henkes

Crisantemo loves her name. But, on the first day of school she realizes that it’s not like everyone else’s. When some of her classmates make fun of her, Crisantemo has to learn how to take pride in her name again.

Lola va a la escuela

By Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola’s first day of school is fun, but exhausting! Follow her for the day as she plays with her friends, sings along with her class, and discovers that she is more than ready for school!

¡Prepárate kindergarten, allá voy!

By Nancy Carlson

Follow Henry as he deals with the ups and downs of his first day of Kindergarten. Simple, sweet, and shows how exciting and nerve-wracking the first day of school can be.

VEO, VEO en el colegio

By Chema García

Get kids ready for the school year with this I Spy book of school-themed objects. Perfect for reading at home as you lead up to the school year or for a quick brain break for teachers in the first few weeks of school. This is also a fantastic review of school vocabulary for Spanish class at any point during the year.

Spanish Back-to-School Books about Teachers

¡La Señorita Nelson ha desaparecido!

by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshall

This back-to-school classic follows the kids in room 207, who love to misbehave. But, when sweet Miss Nelson disappears and is replaced by a strict and scary substitute, will her students change their ways? There’s also a sequel: ¡La Señorita Nelson Ha Regresado!

¡Qué nervios!

By Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love

¡Qué nervios! is a classic back to school story with a surprise ending sure to make nervous students relate to their teachers and laugh about their first day of school.

¡Mi maestra es un MONSTRUO!

By Peter Brown

Beto’s teacher yells a lot. She’s strict. And she’s a total MONSTER. But a chance encounter with her at the park shows Beto another side to Mrs. Kirby. And maybe, she’s not a monster all the time. A cute read that shows kids that teachers are people too.