14 of the Best End of the School Year Picture Books to Share with Your Elementary Students
As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the memories made, the friendships formed, and the countless lessons learned. The last day of school, even the last week of school, is a special time for students, teachers, and families, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of a well-deserved summer break.
What better way to celebrate this occasion than by reading aloud a collection of end-of-the-school-year picture books that capture the essence of the last few days of the school year?
We have handpicked some fun picture books to read at the end of the school year, perfect for reading aloud to elementary students or spreading them out over the last week of school.
These books beautifully encapsulate the mix of emotions experienced during this time, from the excitement of summer vacation to bidding farewell to classmates and beloved teachers. Each book on our list offers a unique perspective on this milestone, engaging young readers with relatable characters, vibrant illustrations, and heartwarming stories.
Whether you’re a school librarian, a teacher, or a parent looking to share meaningful stories with your child, these picture books are sure to create lasting memories and inspire conversations about the significance of the end of the school year.
Elementary End of the School Year Picture Books
Let’s dive into our handpicked selection of end-of-the-year picture books that celebrate the past year’s achievements, cherish the memories made, and embrace the anticipation of the summer ahead.
Last Day Blues
by Julie Danneberg
In this heartwarming story, the students in Mrs. Hartwell’s class are worried about their teacher on the last day of school. They want to give her a special gift, but they’re unsure what she would like. As they brainstorm ideas and work together, they realize that the best gift is something money can’t buy.
A Letter From Your Teacher: On the Last Day of School
by Shannon Olsen
Through a heartfelt letter from the teacher’s perspective, the class is invited to reflect on the memories created, bonds formed, and obstacles overcome. The letter conveys the teacher’s immense pride in their achievements and how deeply they will miss them. Students will depart on the final day knowing that their teacher is cheering them on for the thrilling future that awaits them.
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The Night Before Summer Vacation
by Natasha Wing
Inspired by the classic poem “The Night Before Christmas,” this delightful book follows a family preparing for their summer vacation. From packing bags to saying goodbye to friends, the anticipation builds until they finally embark on their much-awaited adventure.
Last Day, Hooray!
by Nancy Poydar
In this book, a diverse group of students celebrates the last day of school with excitement and joy. From signing yearbooks to enjoying a special lunch, the children savor every moment and bid farewell to their beloved teacher and classmates.
Summer is Here
by Heidi Pross Gray
As the last day of school arrives, children eagerly anticipate the joys of summer. This book captures the season—swimming, picnics, outdoor games, and more. With lively illustrations and simple text, it immerses young readers in the magic of summertime.
The Last Day of Kindergarten
by Nancy Loewen
It’s the final day of kindergarten, and the students are filled with mixed emotions. They reflect on the wonderful experiences they had, from learning to read to making new friends. This book beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings that come with saying goodbye to a special year.
The End is Just the Beginning
by Mike Bender
This heartwarming book teaches students that the end of one thing can mark the beginning of a new adventure. It deals with the mixed emotions that come with starting summer vacation. The book discusses how endings are never truly final because they often lead to new beginnings.
A Teacher in the Wild
by Devin Siebold
This story highlights a common situation that teachers often experience – when a student sees them outside of school. Read it before summer vacation and build students’ curiosity about what their teachers do outside of teaching hours.
Goodbye For Now
by Madison Rowe
Get ready to feel the nostalgia! “Goodbye For Now” is a book that perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling when school comes to an end. With its bold and playful illustrations and charming message told from the teacher’s perspective, it celebrates all the great times that you and your students had together throughout the school year. Reading this story to your classroom kiddos will remind them of just how much their teacher loves them and how proud you are of all they’ve accomplished. It’s the perfect send-off as they get ready to move on to a new year.
Goodbye, School
by Tonya Bolden
Franny adores her school. It’s a place where she has played, read, studied, and even napped. As Franny prepares to transition to a new school, she cherishes those memories and reflects on her old school. The author even includes a Reader’s Note on how to guide children through periods of transition or change and acknowledge their feelings throughout the experience.
Summer Vacation, Here I Come!
by D.J. Steinberg
Get ready for summer with some poetry from best-selling author D. J. Steinberg! Whether it’s splashing around at the local pool or heading out on a family road trip, these amusing and endearing poems – complete with a page of stickers! – are guaranteed to awaken the spirit of summer vacation in every reader.
And Then Comes Summer
by Tonya Bolden
Get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season. Jaime Kim’s jubilant, nostalgia-soaked illustrations will bring back fond memories of summer outdoors. Tom Brenner’s lovely, lyrical ode is a sweet reminder of waiting for school to end and the joyous anticipation of the sunny season.
The Last Day of School
by Louise Borden
This story is about the mixed emotions that come at the end of the school year. Specifically, it centers around Mrs. Mallory’s 3rd-grade class and follows Matthew as he tries to find the best way to bid farewell to his teacher.
Lizzie and the Last Day of School
by Tonya Bolden
Lizzie adores school more than anything. However, all good things come to an end, and Lizzie is disappointed when the last day of school arrives. How could this be? It was supposed to be a whole year! But good news soon comes, and Lizzie discovers she and Miss G. will be in a different class.
These picture books celebrate the end of the school year and capture the emotions, memories, and excitement associated with this significant milestone.
We hope that our selection of picture books has sparked your excitement about celebrating the end of the school year with your elementary students. These end-of-the-year picture books offer a range of perspectives, emotions, and adventures, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for young readers to explore.
Through these stories, children can connect with characters who share their hopes, fears, and dreams, helping them navigate their own emotions as they bid farewell to another school year.
Reading aloud these picture books on the last day of school or during end-of-year celebrations can become cherished traditions, creating shared moments of joy and reflection among students, teachers, and families.
More End-of-the-School-Year Activities for Your Elementary Students
As the final pages of these picture books are turned, we encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations with young readers, discussing their experiences, memorable moments, and aspirations for the future. The end of the school year is not just an endpoint but a stepping stone to new beginnings and fresh adventures that await in the upcoming summer break and beyond.
We offer end-of-the-year activities and crafts that go well with the end-of-the-school-year picture books. These activities are perfect for engaging students during the final week of school. They are meaningful and allow students to reflect on the school year while anticipating summer! From end-of-the-year memory books to summer bucket lists, you’ll find just what you need for the last week of school!
Jessica BOschen
Jessica is a teacher, homeschool parent, and entrepreneur. She shares her passion for teaching and education on What I Have Learned. Jessica has 16 years of experience teaching elementary school and currently homeschools her two middle and high school boys. She enjoys scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success in all academic areas.