Is your little one starting kindergarten? While you’re working on your kindergarten readiness skills, it is also important to get our sweet child mentally prepared for the changes that kindergarten brings. Here are some great books to read together about the first days of school (to keep those first day jitters away) and books about starting kindergarten.
Best books to get ready for kindergarten
First Day of Groot! is the perfect story to help little learners get excited about first-time experiences. With Groot!
Kindergarten, Here I Come! – This adorable picture book celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Poems and rhyme share all that kindergarten is about. Includes a sheet of stickers!
On the first day of kindergarten, there’s so much to do! – This engaging adaptation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a kindergarten classroom.
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come – This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to enter kindergarten an extra boost of confidence.
The Night Before Kindergarten – 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. Enjoy this colorful take on the classic Christmas poem.
Be Big! tells the tale of sweet Beatrice, a little girl in a blue tutu who is afraid of being her unique self in the brand new world of first grade. Set against a gorgeously-illustrated backdrop, this story will encourage little ones to face their fears and be brave, be bold, and be big. I know this one is about First Grade and not Kindergarten, but the concepts are the same. We loved reading this one.
Clifford Goes to Kindergarten – Join Clifford as he spends the day with Emily Elizabeth in kindergarten! We love Clifford and his antics!
Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: The First Day of School – An entertaining story of the wonder and excitement of going to kindergarten. Join big sister Banaica as she recalls The First Day of School in Mr. Shipman’s classroom.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten – This rhyming, brightly illustrated book is the perfect way to practice the alphabet and to introduce young children to kindergarten.
First Day Jitters – Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. We can all relate to that and our kiddos might be feeling something similar (especially changing from a daycare or preschool setting to a new elementary school).
Ellie the Elephant Makes New Friends at School – Is your little one nervous about going to school for the first time?
Follow Ellie the Elephant’s friendship day.
Kindergarten Rocks! – Dexter already knows everything there is to know about kindergarten. His big sister, Jessie, told him all about it. So Dexter is not scared. Not even a little bit. But his stuffed dog, Rufus, is scared. Actually, he’s terrified. But Dexter–er, Rufus–has nothing to fear: As he’ll soon find out, kindergarten rocks!
Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! – Pirate Emma is about to start kindergarten! But Emma’s not so sure she’s ready for a new captain and crew. Funny story about Pirate Emma who heads back to the preschool ship to see if she can stir up a mutiny against kindergarten!
Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten – Clover Kitty does NOT want to go to kittygarten! Although she might like a friend to play with, kittygarten feels overwhelming for a sensory-sensitive kitty like Clover. And when she arrives, it is exactly as she fears: her classroom is too loud, the lights are too bright, and everyone comes too close. So Clover throws a fit…and decides to quit kittygarten. But when a classmate comes to check on her, she begins to reconsider. Maybe it’s time for Clover to give kittygarten another chance.…
Henry’s Show and Tell – Terrified of show-and-tell, Henry, an extremely shy kindergartner, finds a way to overcome his fear of public speaking with the help of a creative and compassionate teacher.
Pete the Cat is back—and this time he’s rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, 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.
Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School – because you can’t have just one Pete the Cat book! Pete the Cat can’t decide what to wear to school!
Bear’s Big Day – Bear’s Big Day
Countdown to Kindergarten – it’s just ten days before kindergarten, and this little girl has heard all there is to know–from a first grader–about what it’s going to be like. Enjoy this lighthearted take on pre-kindergarten anxiety.
The Best Seat in Kindergarten – Beginning readers will love this warm introduction to all the excitement and uncertainty of starting kindergarten.
There are more ideas on my Amazon List here. What books are you adding to your starting kindergarten collection? Share some fun titles with us!
Tunie Munson-Benson says
This book fits so perfectly with all these other timeless classics, Laura, and at the same time reflects an expanded awareness today of how sensory issues impact children and their level of acceptance and success in school.
Sierra says
These are great suggestions Julie! I got Kindergarten Here I Come for my daughter’s 5th birthday this past June, and she loves it! Even though I will say I am sadden every time we read it because kindergarten just won’t be the same :(.