Books for Kindergarten

New experiences can be scary (for both kids and adults), and Kindergarten is a huge transition. Maybe one of the biggest for a family. Even for kids who thrived in a preschool program, transitioning to seven hours a day instead of three or four in a new building with a new drop-off routine you haven’t been able to practice is a lot. Not to mention they’re expected to sit in a room filled with kids they probably haven’t met yet and sit still, raise their hand, and go to lunch earlier than half of us finish our first cup of coffee.

That change in routine can be just as hard for adults as it is for 5-year-olds. As parents, we drop them off for that first day and then spend the rest of the day wondering if they’ve made a friend to sit with at lunch. It doesn’t matter whether we know their backpacks are packed and their school supplies are ready; the worry about how they’ll navigate new experiences is still there. By the end of the day, everyone’s ready for a nap.

This month, instead of pretending the transition to Kindergarten is no big deal, we’re picking up our books. Sure, reading a book together won’t cure all those first-day nerves, but taking the time to connect can help your kids understand that other kids feel the same way too. I hope this list of books for Kindergarten will put you both at ease.

You may also enjoy one of my all-time favorite newsletters from the archives:

Back to School: Positive Routines and Rituals

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July 23, 2024

I’m in disbelief that my oldest child went back to school yesterday. As I scroll through Substack, it seems like most kids just got out for the summer or aren’t even halfway through. As a mom who works full time outside the home, it’s hard to feel like we made the most of our time together. I worry that our one trip to the beach wasn’t enough to satisfy…

These roundups take quite a while to compile, so I’d love it if you’d share this newsletter with a friend who might enjoy it too!

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Calmness by Helen Mortimer — An activity book with ways to feel calm in quiet outdoor spaces. There are 10 sharing tips at the back of the book, as well as a glossary, to help parents and caregivers talk about first experiences and new emotions.

What are Feelings? by Katie Daynes — This thoughtful book explores happiness, sadness, anger, fear and worry in a friendly and approachable way for little children. The lift-the-flap tabs reveal the answers to important questions such as “Why don’t I feel happy all the time?” and “How can I cheer up my friend?”

Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov — The perfect picture book to teach empathy and acceptance of neurodivergent children. The color and movement of the illustrations allow readers to simultaneously sympathize with and admire other approaches to the world.

Starting School: Shine-A-Light: My World by Carren Brown and Stef Murphy — From excitedly packing a backpack and finding a seat on the school bus, to settling in to classes and making new friends, this book follows several children through their first day of school.

First Sticker Book Starting School from Usborne — This delightful sticker book introduces little children to the school day, including the journey to school, taking roll and break time, as well as music, art, and PE class. With lots of stickers to add to every page, children will love interacting with the school environment and learning all about what they can expect when they start school.

All-About Friends: A Friendship Book for Kids by Felicity Brooks — This Q&A book explores the benefits of having friends, looking at different types of friendships, and what happens when friends fall out and make up. It includes helpful notes for grown-ups on talking to children about friendships, dealing with conflicts, and imaginary friends.

Kindergarten Luck by Louise Borden (and illustrated by one of my all-time favorite illustrators, Genevieve Godbout) — A story that starts with finding a penny face up and follows Theodore through a day bursting with the simple joys. It’s a reminder of how much luck is just waiting to be found in the world. Louise is the author of another library favorite: The Last Day of School.

A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper — A charming story about starting kindergarten and telling everyone at home all about it.

Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston — So begins the long list of things Bill absolutely needs for his first day of school. Along with his pillow and some cookies, he also plans on bringing his sandbox, some digging moles, and a moving truck! A touching story of first-day jitters and hopes.

Going to School by Anne Civardi (from Usborne’s First Experiences series (discontinued) — Twins named Percy and Polly Peach get ready for their first day of school, where they make things, sing songs, have milk and cookies, and make new friends. This series shows kids how to deal with new situations and what to expect from them.

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg — This book introduces every aspect of the kindergarten experience through light and funny poems.

Adventures to School: Real-Life Journeys of Students from Around the World by Miranda Paul and Baptiste Paul — Kids around the world get to school in unique ways. Take a peek inside this book and see how they reach their destinations!

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson — When he gets to school, though, he's not so sure he's ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he's going to have at school!

Kindergarten Countdown!: 10 More Sleeps Until School Starts! by Marjorie Blain Parker — A young child happily anticipates the arrival of the first day of kindergarten—the new clothes he’ll wear, the lunch he’ll pack, the bus he’ll ride, the friends he’ll make, and the fun things he’ll do in class. Reassuring and joyful, with rhyme kids will love to read aloud.

If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley — The first hilarious story in the Magnolia Says DON'T! series about a charismatic kid who's got a terrific knack for terrible ideas!

Our local library branch rarely receives new picture book releases, and I love the challenge of perusing the shelves for backlist and out-of-print titles that fit a particular theme. Luckily, they have a great selection of back-to-school-themed books that are perfect for Kindergarten prep. As always, if your library does not have a title you are eyeing, put in a request. They love to hear from patrons, and who knows, your request might be the one that gets it on the shelf!

McDuff Goes to School by Rosemary Wells — When McDuff and his new French-speaking neighbors' dog are enrolled in obedience school, it seems as though McDuff has not learned his lessons.

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët — Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word.

Dinosaur vs School by Bob Shea — Dinosaur is starting preschool today. ROAAAR! There are new friends to meet, dress-up outfits to wear, glitter and googly eyes to paste, musical instruments to play, and snacks to eat. What's not to like? But then... oh, no! It's Dinosaur vs. Clean-up Time! Fortunately, when friends work together, everyone wins!

Charlie Goes to School by Ree Drummond — Charlie the Ranch Dog may be top dog, but he's ready to share his skills--and his responsibilities. Charlie wants to start his own school for the ranch animals. If Suzie, Kitty, and Walter can learn how to lend a paw, he can focus on other important things, like napping!

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes — 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.

A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech — Tillie goes to a fine, fine school where kids learn about dinosaurs, build pyramids, and paint portraits. When her principal decides to call all the students and teachers together for an announcement, no one could have predicted he would say that there will be school on Saturdays! Soon everyone goes to school on Sundays, holidays, and even the summer. He loves school so much that he forgets to give anyone time off!

Miracle Melts Down by Rosemary Wells — “Kindergators” work and play happily in Miss Harmony's class. But Miracle isn't being a good classmate! She's having temper tantrums when things don't go her way. Can the Kindergators find a way to help Miracle control her meltdowns?

It’s Not a School Bus, It’s a Pirate Ship by Mickey Rapkin — The first day of school means the first ride on the school bus. But who will I sit with? What if no one talks to me? Luckily this isn't a school bus, it's a pirate ship! And this crew has one motto: "One for all and all for FUN!"

Born to Read by Judy Sierra —In quick, quirky rhymed couplets, Sierra relates the story of Sam, who starts reading as soon as his eyes open and never, ever stops—even when he plays basketball.

Our Friend Hedgehog: School for Woodland Creatures by Lauren Castillo — A new book that highlights our strengths and weaknesses are what make us unique. It’s a sweet story filled with words of encouragement to help ease those back-to-school anxieties. (digital review copy sent to us by the publisher)

Just for Today by Charlotte Agell — This story is made for every child who worries, or loves someone who worries. Elba and Norris’ friendship offers wisdom, comfort, and gentle humor that reassures young readers that while stories can take unexpected turns, we have the power to create our own happy endings, and good friends can help us stay grounded in whatever comes today. (review copy sent to us by the publisher)

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo — A silly book about a sandwich and a missing teacher on the 1st day of school that’s perfect for fans of Miss Nelson is Missing.

Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry G. Allard — An elementary school classic! The kids in Room 207 take advantage of their teacher's good nature until she disappears and they are faced with a substitute.

We Share This School: A Community Book by Dan Saks — A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children's lives.

Ready for Kindergarten by Bethany V. Freitas — The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating for kids and the grown-ups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement, Ready for Kindergarten is about all the things kids love to do that show they are ready to start school.

The Smart Cookie by Jory John — This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all her other friends in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn there are different ways to be smart?

On the First Day of Kindergarten: A Kindergarten Readiness Book for Kids by Tish Rabe — A play on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” that’s perfect for nervous/excited kids about to go to kindergarten (and their parents!).

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt — The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends. . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class.

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt — Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of this strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!

I’ve linked to Bookshop.org where titles are available. If you purchase using the links above, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Bookshop.org supports Independent Bookstores! It’s a win-win.

Have you read any of these books yet? Better yet, what tips do you have for the OBM community to make the transition to public school a successful one?

Hoping you make the time to read aloud together this school year,

Elsewhere on the Internet: Goodreads / Storygraph / Pinterest

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