“LLAMA, LLAMA MISSES MAMA” by Anna Dewdney, Viking Juvenile, March 19, 2009, $16.99 (ages 3 and up) Anna Dewdney’s rhymed “Llama Lllama Misses Mama,” is part of a large offering of “Llama Llama” books. Specifically written as an off-to-school book, this “Llama Llama” story addresses the feelings many youngsters feel at encountering a new environment…

“OPERATION ALPHABET: Ministry of Letters,” by Al MacCuish, illustrated by Luciano Lozano Thames & Hudson, Oct. 24, 2011, $19.95 (ages 4-8) Once upon a time there was a little boy named Charlie whose mum took him to a strange place called school. Poor Charlie; he loves to run and play, not sit in a desk…

“BAILEY,” by Harry Bliss, Scholastic Press, Aug. 1, 2011, $16.99 (ages 4 – 7) Bailey isn’t your average student. He’s not even a person. He’s a dog! But that doesn’t matter, he loves school. Bailey wants to be a good student, but he also tends to eat his own homework. When will he ever learn?…

“VAN GOGH AND THE POST-IMPRESSIONISTS FOR KIDS: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities” (For Kids series), by Carol Sabbeth, Chicago Review Press, May 2011, $17.95 (ages 9 and up) The summer is coming to a close and children, and their parents, are gearing up for a new school year. And while many don’t want to…

“SKIPPYJON JONES, CLASS ACTION,” by Judy Schachner, Dutton Juvenile, July 12, 2011, $17.99 (ages 4-8) Everyone’s favorite Siamese kitty, who thinks he’s a Chihuahua, is back just in time for school in “Skippyjon Jones, Class Action.” Skippyjon Jones wants to go to school, but his mama won’t let him. “School is just for the dogs!”…