Books are a great way to help your little ones prepare for kindergarten. When my girls were little, and they finished preschool, we spent some of our summer months reading books about kindergarten. It helped them to get excited about going and also gave them an idea of what to expect.
If your child has any particular concerns, you can usually find these within a kindergarten book (like riding the bus or finding their teacher at school), or you can try looking for a bus about that specific thing.
Other books, like The Kissing Hand, can help provide kids with coping mechanisms for when they miss their parents.
Here’s a list of books that help children prepare for starting kindergarten. These books address common themes like first-day jitters, meeting new friends, following rules, and getting excited about learning, all while making the transition smoother and fun.
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- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
A heartwarming story that reassures children about being away from their parents, The Kissing Hand helps ease separation anxiety with a story about love and connection that will stay with them throughout the school day. - “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” by D.J. Steinberg
This fun, rhyming book highlights all the things kids will experience in kindergarten, from making friends to learning new things, while getting them excited for their new adventure. - “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” by Joseph Slate
Follow Miss Bindergarten and her class of animal students as they prepare for the first day of kindergarten. This book introduces children to the concept of preparing for school in a lighthearted way. - “The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing
A playful twist on The Night Before Christmas, this book follows a group of children getting ready for their first day of kindergarten. It’s a great way to show kids how exciting the first day can be. - “Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come!” by Nancy Carlson
This book follows a little mouse named Henry as he gets ready for kindergarten. It’s a gentle introduction to what a typical day at kindergarten might look like, helping ease first-day fears. - “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex
Told from the perspective of the school itself, this story gives a unique twist on first-day jitters by showing that even the school building is a little nervous about the new kids. It’s funny and reassuring for kids feeling anxious. - “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems
Part of the beloved Pigeon series, this book is a humorous take on a pigeon who doesn’t want to go to school. It’s relatable for children who may feel nervous, but it helps turn anxiety into excitement. - “I Am Too Absolutely Small for School” by Lauren Child
This book features Lola, who is nervous about going to school, while her brother Charlie reassures her. It’s a charming and relatable story about the worries and excitement of starting school. - “Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten” by Toni Buzzeo
Adventure-loving Annie is ready to take on kindergarten in her own way. This energetic story shows that school can be an exciting adventure, encouraging kids to embrace new experiences. - “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg
This story offers a surprising twist as readers find out who is really nervous about the first day of school. It helps kids understand that everyone feels a bit nervous on their first day—even the teachers. - “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin
This book follows Pete the Cat as he explores school in his cool red shoes. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to different areas of the school and new activities, all while easing first-day nerves. - “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
In this story, Llama Llama feels anxious about being away from his mom on the first day of school. It reassures kids that although saying goodbye can be tough, the fun they’ll have at school will help them feel better. - “Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly is a little mouse who worries about everything, especially her first day of school. This book helps children who tend to feel nervous, showing them that everything will be okay. - “My First Day of School” by Michelle Medlock Adams
A faith-based book that helps children prepare for school by focusing on God’s love and care, making it a comforting choice for families looking to incorporate faith into the transition. - “A Place Called Kindergarten” by Jessica Harper
This charming book shows how farm animals react when a little boy leaves for school, introducing the idea that everyone grows and learns—both at school and at home.
These books are great for easing the transition into kindergarten by addressing common fears, introducing routines, and making the experience exciting and approachable for young children.
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