Books About Kindergarten To Read Before the First Day

Audrey Penn's heartwarming book is perfect for a young child facing separation, such as going to kindergarten or going away to camp. Chester Raccoon learns a secret that helps ease his separation anxiety when starting school. My daughter loved this book when she started kindergarten!

Kristy Pepping:  This book about kindergarten is filled with small poems that fill kids in on all of the fun things they will experience throughout the whole year. Great for easing fear of the unknown!

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  Wemberly Worried is a great book for starting kindergarten. Written in an easy and fun way, the story of this mouse is one that many kids can relate to, reflecting the message that even if we may not be able to avoid worries, we can transform them and always try to overcome our fears.

Kelly R:  This lighthearted story focuses on the activities and feelings that go into getting ready for kindergarten, for the teacher and the students, without dwelling on fears and anxiety. The same students and wonderful illustrations are continued in the rest of this cute series of books about kindergarten by Joseph Slate.

Amanda Banta:  A little girl is starting kindergarten in 10 days and she has heard about the "rules" that kindergarten has, including that you can't ask for help. EVER. She doesn't know how to tie shoes and, not wanting to be labeled Velcro Girl, she devises ways to delay the start of kindergarten, like serving her cat its dinner in her shoes. Readers will see what this girl CAN do, like feed her cat by herself or count backwards from 10, and will learn to celebrate their own achievements for what they are, not compared to what others can do.

Juan L.:  The adventures (and misadventures) of sweet, literal-minded Amelia Bedelia always make great books for early readers, and the way her innocent misunderstandings (this time at her first day of school) are gently received is endearing. There are good lessons here for kids about patience and having an open heart.

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  The adorable and very imaginative "Stinky Face" has lots of worries with the start of the school year. But with his mommy's help and her reassurance he manages to face all of his troubles with courage and humor. This is a great book for starting kindergarten.

Alexandra F.:  This book was our family's introduction to the awesome Pout-Pout Fish picture book series, and I truly think it is the best of the bunch! I love reading it to my preschooler because the rhyme flows so beautifully that it just makes me happy. The Pout-Pout Fish feels lost and confused as he goes through his first day of school, until he finally finds his kindergarten teacher and realizes (thanks to her kindness and encouragement!) that he belongs, and becomes excited about school and learning new things.

Kelly R:  Beloved Pigeon explores his misgivings about starting school in this story that is every bit as wonderful as the rest of Mo Willems' books. The ending made me laugh out loud at the bookstore (make sure your kids have already read the first book in the series).

Vanessa M.:  This catchy new version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" goes over all the exciting things to look forward to when starting kindergarten. From riding the school bus to school, to jumping rope in gym class, to going to the zoo on a class field trip, your new student will see the fun side to beginning big kid school.

Lisa R:  My kids love this sweet rhyming book about a little llama who is homesick on his first day of school. Luckily his teachers and friends are there to remind him that his mama will come back. Llama has a great day and learns "He loves Mama and school, too!"

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This is a sweet book about the first day of school. Birdie can't sleep the night before because she is nervous and doesn't know what to expect. Her mom reassures Birdie by giving her a locket with a picture of her mom and dog, telling her they will always be with her. Birdie goes to school and realizes it is actually fun! She felt smart and proud and couldn't sleep, this time because she couldn't wait for her second day of school! This book will reassure children that school is fun and a good experience.

Kelly R:  A little boy tackles his first day of kindergarten with gusto, from the moment he wakes up in the morning. This upbeat and funny book about kindergarten encourages kids to start school with a positive and confident attitude.

Sarah Calamita:  Super cute book about school!

Janssen Bradshaw:  That first day of school is always a mix of nerves and excitement, especially for kindergarteners, because there are so many unknowns. This sweet book about a school bus preparing for the first day is a nice way to address those feelings as they embark on this new adventure. There's reassurance that there will be someone to help you every step of the way - in the case of the school bus, his bus driver is there for him, while for your child it will be a new teacher or a parent or sibling.