First Day of School/Kindergarten for Kids (ages 4-6)

Is it time for Kindergarten? Are there nerves about starting school for the first time? Check out these picturebook and early reader recommendations.

Updated August 27, 2024
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The Kissing Hand
Penn, Audrey
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...

Picturebook

Ready for kindergarten
Freitas, Bethany V.
Paper Book
A reassuring and empowering book for all incoming kindergarteners, especially those who wonder: Am I ready You are! The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement,...

Picturebook (topic: kindergarten)

Not yet, Yeti
Freitas, Bethany V.
Paper Book
Yeti learns about the importance of patience and perseverance as he uses growth mindset on his first day of kindergarten. It's Yeti's first day of school and there are so many new things to try! Maybe he can't do everything he wants to do perfectly just yet, but his...

Picturebook (topic: kindergarten)

On the night before kindergarten
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
Beloved author-illustrator Rosemary Wells tells the story of a young cat who goes to bed worrying about what might happen on the first day of school--only to be pleasantly surprised in this engaging and reassuring picture book! On the night before kindergarten, Milo's dreams are...
Picturebook
School's first day of school
Rex, Adam
Paper Book
"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred review A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend...

Picturebook

Welcome to dinosaur school
Cobden, Rose
Paper Book
A Jurassic-themed, rhyming picture book for children starting school! All through the land, little dinos were stirring. They opened their eyes and their brains started whirring. The BIG day is here! they thought in a hurry . . . They...

Picturebook

Amelia Bedelia's first day of school
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
Amelia Bedelia is sure she will love everything about the first day of school. New friends A new teacher Her own desk Music, books, gym, art Recess and lunch Amelia Bedelia can't wait. What could be better ...

Picturebook (topic: grade 1)


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