First-Day-of-School Books for 5-8 Year Olds

Every year we look for the best books we can find for children with eczema. This year our theme is back to school for elementary school age kids. Our criteria: highly rated, or award-winning books with engaging illustrations and great stories. Here are this year’s selections.

An Itch for Agnes, written by a medical student who had childhood eczema, is rated 4.9 on Amazon.  Beautifully illustrated and engagingly written, (I’ve read it!) this book is our top pick for first-day-of-school books.

“Meet Agnes, on her first day of school! It’s off to a great start except for her itchy rash. It makes her twitch, and she knows she shouldn’t itch, but she can’t resist! When Agnes’ school friends become afraid that her eczema is contagious, will she be able to change their minds? Agnes is every child who has ever been made to feel different. An Itch for Agnes encourages kids to directly address bullying and misconceptions about skin differences by educating their peers. All net proceeds are donated to charitable organizations.” Amazon

The Day You Begin, available in both Spanish and English, has a 4.9 rating on Amazon and was a Teachers’ Pick selection. Though it doesn’t mention eczema, it does talk about anxious kids starting school when they feel different from the other kids.

“National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.”  Amazon

Caroline’s Itch was written by Victoria Yap Cheung, the busy mom of a pre-schooler with eczema. Even though her child wasn’t ready for school, she worried that she would be bullied and feel insecure when she entered first grade. “Victoria decided to do something about it, creating "Caroline's Itch." She hopes this book raises awareness of … eczema and educates readers, both adults and children alike, to bridge the gap and help people with eczema feel less alienated and more empowered.” Amazon

For unknown reasons, there are fewer books written from the perspective of a young boy with eczema. Patches, which has a rating of 4.8 on Amazon, helps fill the gap. Is there a 5–7-year-old boy on the planet that doesn’t relate to being a superhero? Though it is strictly not a back-to-school book, it helps prepare little boys with eczema to take charge of their experience.

“A little boy self-proclaims himself a superhero as he conquers and embraces his day-to-day life while struggling with the annoyance of extreme eczema. Patches is a story that shares experiences and struggles, while also shouting from the rooftops that different is OKAY!!!! This is a story of sharing and coming together, uniting and being proud of who you are.” Amazon

Okay this one is not about eczema, but it’s the highest rated of all the books on our list, and a great read in preparation for school. If you’ve never read a Llama Llama book, you’re in for a treat. They are funny and charming for kids and parents alike.

“Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn’t ready for summertime to end. It's been full of backyard camping, family picnics, and ice cream with friends. All he wants is for summer to go on forever! He’s anxious about his first day back at school but maybe, with some help from his friends and Mama Llama, going back to school will be fun after all!

With over 30 million copies in print, Anna Dewdney's New York Times bestselling Llama Llama books have provided hours of comfort with catchy rhymes, effortless rhythm, and adorable artwork.” Amazon

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