School's back in session so get out your pencils and papers - and don't put your books away! Here is a list of some of the best new books on this perennial subject:

First, I'll review some outstanding picture books that are geared for preschool through second graders - “A Place Called Kindergarten” , by Jessica Harper, and wonderfully illustrated by G. Brian Karas, will become one of your youngster's favorites and I wouldn't be surprised if it became one of yours as well. The barn animals anticipate Tommy's daily visit as he feeds the horse, sheep, cow and rooster their favorite foods. But one day he doesn't come. When he finally comes home, he shares all that he learned at school. The joy found in Tommy's words, and the blissful bond between animal and boy, will bring a smile to your face.

“19 Girls and Me” , by Darcy Pattison, is a story about a classroom full of girls - and one boy. When John Hercules' older brother finds out that he's the only boy, he states that “...those girls are going to turn you into a sissy.” John Hercules believes that he will turn them into tomboys. But after going through many fun and exciting experiences on the playground, John Hercules discovers that these girls have turned into his friends. The pictures, by Steven Salerno, are reminiscent of the art from the Madeline series.

“Miss Mingo and the First Day of School” , by Jamie Harper, is a nice mixture of fact and fiction as Miss Mingo, a flamingo, asks the class to share something unique about themselves. She begins with herself and states that she stays pink by sipping shrimp shakes as she eats upside down. Below the picture of her demonstrating this feat, is information that backs up her statement. You'll learn interesting facts about each of the many different animals in her class. The pictures, also by the author, are adorable.

“Hands as Warm as Toast” , by Lisa Himle, is a loving look at a frightening experience as a child leaves the comforts and experiences of home to go to kindergarten. The endearing message from her mom and warming the teacher's cold hands are as symbolic as the title. The beautiful paintings, by Bruce Langton, go perfectly with this great book for first day jitters!

“Mr. Ouchy's First Day” , by B.G. Hennessy, and delightfully illustrated by Paul Meisel, shows the first day jitters from the teacher's point of view. Kids will be surprised to know that even teachers get nervous and excited about the beginning of the school year.

“First Grade, Here I Come” , by Nancy Carlson, is the perfect conversation book to help your child talk about the daily experiences at school. Ms. Carlson also illustrated the bright and cheery pictures.

One of the greatest things about the beginning of school is the celebration of classroom reading. “Miss Malarky Leaves No Reader Behind” , by Judy Finchler and Kevin O'Malley, and illustrated by O'Malley, has a classroom full of challenges as many students are non-readers. One especially difficult challenge is a boy who loves to play video games.

The next three books will teach, inform and entertain. “Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A difference!” , by Lynne Truss, not only teaches the value of commas and punctuation, but the book is hilarious. Each page demonstrates two examples of placing commas in different locations in the same sentence. Also, there's an explanation of the title at the front of the book. A panda walks into a library, eats, shoots, (a bow and arrow), and then leaves. The sentence should read: “Panda's eat shoots and leaves.” Quite a different meaning!

“Who Moved My Cheese? For Kids: An A-Mazing Way to Change and Win?” , by Spencer Johnson, M.D. and Christian Johnson, and illustrated by Steve Pileggi, is a positive approach for kids to learn how to deal with change.

“The Clear and Simple Thesaurus Dictionary: Revised and Fully Updated!” , by Harriet Wittels and Joan Griesman, is easy to read with larger font, highlighting and spaces between lines. This book is definitely kid friendly!