The Best Books About Starting Kindergarten

Teaching Tips

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for both children and their families! While many children can’t wait for the first day of school, it’s also completely normal to wonder what kindergarten will be like. Reading books about starting kindergarten is one of my biggest suggestions to help children feel excited, confident, and ready for this new adventure.

As a kindergarten teacher, I found that these stories did so much more than simply introduce students to school. They led to wonderful conversations, answered questions children were sometimes afraid to ask, and helped students realize that many of their classmates were feeling the exact same way. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for kindergarten or a teacher planning your first week of school, these books are a wonderful way to help children know what to expect.

Why I Love Reading Books About Starting Kindergarten

As with many transitions or big moments in life, a read aloud is such a helpful way for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to begin a conversation about what’s happening. It’s common for kids to have questions, such as:

What will kindergarten be like?
How will I make new friends?
What if I miss my family?
What if I feel nervous or scared?
Will I know what to do?

The best kindergarten books help answer those questions in a reassuring, age-appropriate way. They open the door to meaningful conversations about making friends, following classroom routines, trying new things, and building confidence for the first day of school. Best of all, they remind children that it’s okay to have mixed emotions. Starting kindergarten can be both exciting and a little scary at the same time.

There are so many wonderful books about starting kindergarten, each with its own message and purpose. To help you find the perfect read-aloud, I’ve organized my favorites into categories based on the topics they cover.

Books About the First Day of Kindergarten

Mae’s First Day of School by: Kate Berube

Mae is scared about starting school and climbs a tree to avoid it. With some encouragement from her mom and new friends, she discovers that school can be fun.

The Night Before Kindergarten by: Natasha Wing

This story follows a group of children as they prepare for their first day of kindergarten, capturing their excitement and anxieties.

First Day of School by: Mercer Mayer

Little Critter is anxious about his first day of school, but he finds out it’s not as scary as he thought and makes new friends.

On the First Day of Kindergarten by: Tish Rabe

This charming, rhyming book walks children through the first twelve days of kindergarten, celebrating new experiences and the fun of learning.

Books About Making Friends in Kindergarten

Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Everyday by: Vera Ahiyya

This book highlights the importance of kindness in kindergarten through various scenarios, showing how small acts can make a big difference.

All Are Welcome by: Alexandra Penfold

This book celebrates diversity and inclusion, showing children from different backgrounds coming together to learn and play in a welcoming school.

How to Be Kind in Kindergarten by: DJ Steinberg

This collection of poems provides young readers with practical and easy-to-understand tips on how to be kind and considerate in kindergarten.

Let’s Be Friends/ Seamos Amigos by: René Colato Laínez

This bilingual book celebrates friendship and cultural diversity, showing how children can form meaningful connections despite language barriers.

Books That Help with Kindergarten Jitters

First Day Jitters by: Julie Danneberg

Sarah is nervous about starting a new school and doesn’t want to go. However, there’s a surprising twist that reveals that even teachers get the first-day jitters.

The Kissing Hand by: Audrey Penn

Chester Raccoon is nervous about going to school, but his mother gives him a kiss on his hand to remind him that her love is always with him. This one is a classic for teachers to read on the first day of kindergarten!

Lena’s Shoes are Nervous by: Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina

Lena is excited about school, but her shoes are nervous. By talking to her shoes, she learns that being brave means facing your fears.

Wemberly Worried by: Kevin Henkes

Wemberly, a mouse who worries about everything, finds that she’s not alone in her fears at school and makes a new friend.

Dad’s First Day by: Mike Wohnoutka

Oliver is ready for his first day of kindergarten, but his dad is not. This sweet and humorous story showcases the roles reversing as Oliver reassures his anxious dad.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by: Annie Silvestro

Rosie is nervous about starting school, but when she starts making new friends, the butterflies in her stomach turn into excitement.

I Love You All Day Long by: Francesca Rusackas

Owen the piglet is worried about being apart from his mom, but she reassures him that her love is with him all day long, even while he’s at school.

Funny Books About Starting Kindergarten

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by: Mo Willems

The beloved Pigeon faces the inevitable: school! This humorous book addresses common fears with a light-hearted touch that children will love.

David Goes to School by: David Shannon

David’s antics and mischief in school highlight important lessons about following rules and being respectful in a humorous and relatable way.

Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! by: Christina Geist

A playful story where kids tell the grown-ups that school is just for them, highlighting the fun and excitement of the school day from a child’s perspective.

Books About Getting into a Routine

I’m Your Bus by: Marilyn Singer

This cheerful, rhyming story follows a friendly school bus as it picks up children for school, highlighting the excitement and routine of riding the bus.

Hello School by: Priscilla Burris

This colorful and engaging book introduces young children to the various activities and friendly faces they will encounter on their first day of school.

This is How We Get Ready by: DK

This informative book guides children through the daily routines of getting ready for school, making the process fun and easy to understand.

Books that Celebrate Kindergarten

Kindergarten Here I Come by: D.J. Steinberg

This book is a collection of cheerful poems that capture the excitement, nervousness, and new experiences of starting kindergarten.

Planet Kindergarten by: Sue Ganz-Schmitt

A boy imagines his first day of kindergarten as an exciting space mission, turning a potentially scary day into a magical adventure.

books about kindergarten for preschoolers

The Queen of Kindergarten by: Derrick Barnes

MJ starts kindergarten feeling like royalty, complete with a crown, and learns about leadership and kindness on her first day.

The King of Kindergarten by: Derrick Barnes

A young boy sets off for his first day of kindergarten with confidence, ready to take on his new role as “king” of the classroom.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by: Joseph Slate

Miss Bindergarten prepares her classroom for a new group of students, introducing each one alphabetically as they get ready for the first day.

Off to Kindergarten by: Tony Johnston

A boy excitedly prepares for his first day of kindergarten, packing way too much stuff, but learns what he really needs is already within him.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by: Nancy Carlson

Henry is both excited and nervous about starting kindergarten, but he soon discovers how much he loves it.

Kindergarten Rocks by: Katie Davis

Dexter is excited about starting kindergarten, but his stuffed dog, Rufus, is a little nervous. Through Dexter’s enthusiasm and experiences, Rufus learns that kindergarten rocks!

I’m Going to Kindergarten! by: Andrea Posner-Sanchez

This brightly illustrated book follows a young girl as she prepares for and experiences her first day of kindergarten, highlighting all the new and exciting activities she encounters.

Helping Children Feel Ready for Kindergarten

Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone, and the right picture book can help children feel more confident about what’s ahead. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for the first day or a teacher planning your back-to-school read-alouds, I hope these books about starting kindergarten help make the transition a little smoother and a lot more exciting!