Those books you ordered to teach your kid to read before he was out of diapers and the cram sessions you’ve been stressing about for months all fade from memory when the first tears and worries about starting kindergarten set in. Whether your child’s the one who is all worked up or you are, here are 20 field-tested books to soothe worries, build confidence, laugh a little, and plan for the big first month.
Reading with your child will not only set them up for academic success early on, it creates invaluable quality time for you and your child. As your child’s biggest role model, spending time together and showing how important reading is are two life lessons they will not forget.
Books are great ways to explore different worlds and help kids to dream bigger. When we experience new things, like going to kindergarten for the first time, escaping into a creative place can help process the upcoming changes. It can also bring you closer together if you may be sad about your little kiddo growing up.
'The Kissing Hand'
Chester Raccoon is full of doubt about school and wants to stay at home with his mom. She offers him a kiss in the palm of his hand so that he can press it to his cheek when he’s lonely or sad for when they are apart. Read the book by Audrey Penn, and do your own version of the “kissing hand” to soothe drop-off jitters for everyone in the family.
To buy: The Kissing Hand, $9
'David Goes to School'
The David series, based on author David Shannon’s autobiographical experiences, follow a hilarious, lovable, rule-breaking boy. In this book, David is off to school, where he hears the word “no” often and finds lots of places to make trouble. Guaranteed to make you and your little one laugh, this story is a fabulous distraction from worries.
To buy: David Goes to School, $8
'Our Class Is a Family'
Kids spend so much time in school that it really does become a home away from home. In this heartfelt message, class community is highlighted and students will learn how important friends are, that school should be a safe space, and that it is OK to make mistakes. Over the school year, the class can become a family for sure!
To buy: [Our Class Is a Family](https://amzn.to/3Ocn0I1), $11
'Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten'
Animal children and their teacher prepare for the first day of class in this rhyming, alphabetical book written by Joseph Slate. The tone is light, and kids will smile at the characters’ funny names. Focusing on positive preparations like stocking toys and finding both shoes, this book is a complement to more sentimental, involved stories.
To buy: Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, $9
'Kindergarten ROCKS!'
When Dexter Dugan and his stuffed dog Rufus get scared to start kindergarten, his 3rd grade sister Jessie helps him make a list of everything “they” are scared about (from getting lost to potty problems) to assure them that this grade really does rock. Written by Katie Davis, this is a great sibling-to-sibling gift or inspiration to create your own worry list in the days before school starts.
To buy: Kindergarten ROCKS!, $8
'Off to Kindergarten!'
In this rhyming book by Tony Johnston, little boy Bill gathers together everything he thinks he will need from a master list he’s created for the first day of kindergarten. Use this book to encourage your little ones to make their own master list, and then help pack a lunch and stock a backpack with supplies (and maybe a stuffed bear or four) so they will feel ready to go, too.
To buy: Off to Kindergarten!, $17
'I Like Me!'
Every kid (and most adults) should read this book by Nancy Carlson. One little girl pig happily shares a list of attributes about herself, from the way she looks (round tummy and curly tail), to how she enjoys herself (drawing, exercising), to how she handles her own mistakes (try and try again). While this story isn’t kindergarten-centered, it’s a fabulous esteem-booster and reminder that every child sitting has likable qualities to share.
To buy: I Like Me!, $8
'The Day You Begin'
Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider can confirm that it is not a good feeling, and the first day of school can feel like this a lot. In this story, readers will learn how to be brave and overcome the fear of being different from everyone else and find common ground with others. And, as moms, we sometimes need these lessons just as much as our kids. This book is also available in Spanish, titled El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres!
To buy: [The Day You Begin](https://amzn.to/3AQAGFU), $15
'The Twelve Days of Kindergarten'
No calling birds or ladies dancing here, but this counting book by Deborah Lee Rose of the first 12 days of kindergarten features a quirky teacher and students with expressive faces who spill crayons, cling to stuffed animals and beam with pride over finger paints. It’s sweet — and very real— to see children portrayed as both excited and anxious. And they are all just fine at the end of those days.
To buy: The Twelve Days of Kindergarten, $5
'All Are Welcome'
This book takes readers through a regular day of school, one where every child has a place. How magical is it to attend a school where all backgrounds learn from each other and then shape our bigger world? You and your child can start by reading how this school works, by Alexandra Penfold.
To buy: [All Are Welcome](https://amzn.to/3j4yy2K), $10
'Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!'
Henry the mouse can’t wait to learn the alphabet and meet the other students. But while he gets ready, his mother gently reminds him that preparing means all kinds of things — from tying shoes to eating breakfast — which helps when his confidence wanes. This book by Nancy Carlson is great for kids who are ambivalent about school or for confident children who have a change of heart.
To buy: Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!, $7
'Chrysanthemum'
Sweet illustrations accompany a story about a tiny mouse who’s very proud to be named Chrysanthemum — until she’s teased about it by kids at school. Fortunately, she finds common ground in a teacher with an similarly unusual name. This Kevin Henkes book teaches lessons about bullying and respecting friends as the year progresses, but is best before school starts if your child’s name is unique or hard to pronounce.
To buy: Chrysanthemum, $7
'The King of Kindergarten'
For the first year of scary kindergarten, kids should be their own hero — at least that is what the hero of this story is doing in this supercute story. He gets himself ready for the day and finds out that he ends up so proud of himself, a great lesson to learn indeed. This book is a New York Times bestseller by Derrick Barnes for a reason.
To buy: [The King of Kindergarten](https://amzn.to/3cbbmjt), $11
'I Love You All Day Long'
Owen opens the book with an important question many kids might be thinking, even if they don’t ask it aloud: Do I have to go today, Mommy? His mother responds firmly and lovingly, explaining that love is strong enough to last when they are together and apart. The book, by Francesca Rusackas, may read young for some 5-year-olds, making a good starter story or an introduction during preschool years.
To buy: I Love You All Day Long, $7
'I Am Enough'
If there is just one message you want your child to learn when going into this new phase of life, this is the one. I Am Enough is a beautiful tale of taking the journey to loving who you are and being kind to others. It’s never to early to start learning the skill of believing in yourself.
To buy: I Am Enough, $10
'A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School'
This picture book is written from the point of view of the teacher to give students a special message. That bond between the teacher and child is a special one, especially in the early years. This heartwarming story sets the stage for a productive school year in a fun, encouraging, and caring environment.
To buy: __A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School__, $12
'What Do You Do With an Idea'
Parents of inquisitive children are forever fielding questions about how things work and why they work. This story is about a brilliant idea of a child whose confidence grows as the idea grows. Watching your own idea turn into something real is an amazing experience, and you and your child can walk through the process as you read this book.
To buy: [What Do You Do With an Idea](https://amzn.to/3yHpYP3), $9
'Time for School, Mouse!'
Little ones who are already fans of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie will love this spirited book where Mouse gets ready to go to school — in comical fashion, of course!
To buy: [Time for School, Mouse!](https://amzn.to/3o3DBDs), $8
'Think Big Little One"
Sometimes it is nice to let someone else repeat what you’ve already said. This book explains through amazing illustrations how little dreamers should follow their biggest dreams, just like these 18 women creators. Including inventors, artists, and scientists, this is inspiration for your littlest visionaries.
To buy: [Think Big Little One](https://amzn.to/3ATBLwu), $8
'The Day the Crayons Quit'
In school, coloring can be a big deal. Duncan just wants to color, but for some reason his crayons all quit for the day and want to be more than just what they seem on the outside. With deeper lessons and a laugh-inducing plot, this book is perfect for distracting your child if they are worried.
To buy: [The Day the Crayons Quit](https://amzn.to/3RzDjS7), $9
