Hurray for your family on a successful season! Summer vacation is just about over, but excitement is still in the air! Unfortunately, so is nervousness, separation anxiety, and tons of questions for your little one who's going off to Kindergarten this fall.
The experts say that one of the most successful ways to approach this big milestone and help ease the first day jitters is to read picture books -- specially ones that tell about all the fun things the BIG FIRST DAY has in store --- meeting new friends and a new teacher, getting acquainted in a new classroom, visiting a lunchroom, and more.
See our list below for some of the best "Getting ready for Kindergarten" and "First Day of School" books on the market!
Penelope's First Day of School by Sarah Barry
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This is a brand new book for 2024 (published April 2024) - The main character, Penelope, is a panda, and you can follow her adventures from the moment she wakes, filled with excitement and anticipation, to her heart-warming encounters with new friends like Baldwin the bear, Gio the Giraffe, Timmy the Tiger, and more. It's a story that resonates with the joys and challenges of starting something new.
Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Normal Bridwell
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Join Clifford as he spends the day with Emily Elizabeth in Kindergarten! Emily Elizabeth is starting kindergarten and she's a little nervous. Good thing that the teacher sent a note home that says each child can bring something from home to make the transition a little easier. But the teacher didn't bet on a child bringing something -- or someone -- as big as Clifford! This is a perfect book for Clifford fans!
The Best Seat in Kindergarten by Katharine Kenah
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On the first day of kindergarten, everyone is new at school—including Sam. Kids attending school for the first time will relate to Sam's worries and be reassured by how well his day goes. This book is a "My First I Can Read" book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers.
Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
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Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to Rosie’s surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too. Sweet book with cute illustrations.
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
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Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
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MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too!
Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes by James Dean
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Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes as he discovers the library, the lunch room, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song...because it’s all good.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
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It's the first day of kindergarten, and the kindergarten teacher, Miss Bindergarten, is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive. Now the fun can begin!
Kindergarten, Here I Come by D.J. Steinberg
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Book includes a sheet of stickers. This adorable picture book full of fun poems celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it's the first-day-of-school jitters or the hundredth-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced with a light and funny poem--not to mention charming illustrations.
Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish
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Amelia Bedelia goes to school and mixes up just about everything in this bright and funny picture book about the childhood of the iconic character. Amelia Bedelia is sure that she will absolutely love school—after all, what's not to love? But after hopping on the bus "just like a bunny" (hurry up, sweetie!), confusing her name tag with a game (we are not playing tag), and gluing herself to her seat (oh, dear), Amelia Bedelia discovers that what she takes for granted is not always the way the world works. Still, friendships are formed, lessons are learned, and projects are completed, and through it all Amelia Bedelia's teacher, Mrs. Edwards, offers gentle guidance and an open heart.
On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe
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Perfect for nervous or excited kids about to go to kindergarten (and their parents)! This engaging adaptation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a kindergarten classroom.
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
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It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all--saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Christmas poem.
My First day of Kindergarten by Louise Martin
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An encouraging back-to-school picture book for kids, this book helps your child prepare for the first day of school with this sweet story that tells them they are "kindergarten-ready." Filled with love and affirmations, this encouraging story will remind your little one that they are brave, kind, and ready for school. And no matter the distance, the people they love (Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa/Aunt/Uncle) are always in their heart.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
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Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again? Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest first-day-of-school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
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If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack, too. The famous mouse from If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back for his first day of school.
Woohoo! I'm Ready for Kindergarten! by Brenda Li
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Come join Brian on his first day of school! Kids will see that a kindergarten day includes meeting new friends, being kind, taking turns at play centers, having snacks, reading and lots of learning. There will also be nature walks, scavenger hunts, phonics, math, science experiments and more!
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
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This is one of the best books for the beginning of the year. School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease the little raccoon's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
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Froggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun. This is a great book for the beginning of the school year!
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems
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Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!
Curious George's First Day of School by H.A. Rey
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It’s the first day of school, and George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper. George is just the right monkey for the job—that is, until he starts to make his usual mischief. Your little monkey will enjoy giggling at George's back-to-school mischief, as well as the satisfying happy ending.
I'm Going to Crush Kindergarten by Sonica Ellis
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The story follows Max, a young boy who is ready to start kindergarten. As we follow his journey, kids will get a peek into what kindergarten is like, making it feel less scary and more like a friendly place to learn and play.
I'm Going to Kindergarten by Andrea Posner-Sanchez
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Going to kindergarten is so much fun! This Little Golden Book follows a happy little girl on her first day of school. She and her new classmates play a game to get to know each other, explore the classroom (there's an art station and a class pet!), learn to raise their hand before speaking, practice standing in line without getting all "giggly and wiggly," enjoy story time, and lots more. This is the perfect book to share with your future kindergartener!
Mae's First Day of School by Kate Berube
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As Mae’s first day of school approaches, she decides she IS. NOT. GOING. School is scary! What if the other kids don’t like her? Or what if she’s the only one who doesn’t know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae’s anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?
I hope you enjoy the list above and that it's helpful to your child as he/she begins the new year! The whole family can enjoy these books during your little one's entire first week of school, or longer, if necessary. If you have some favorite first day of school books that aren't on the list, please feel send us a message via our online form and tell us about them. WoodlandsMommy.com wishes you a successful new school year!
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