Time for 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 8, 2025
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My first day of preschool
Martin, Louise (Children's fiction writer)
Paper Book
Prepare your child for preschool with this adorable picture book that celebrates the bond between little one and grown-up! Help your child prepare for the first day of school with this sweet story that tells them they are "preschool-ready." Filled with love and affirmations, this...

Picturebook (topic: preschool)

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)

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

First day, hooray!
Sobel, June
Paper Book
A back-to-school picture book about the importance of acknowledging your feelings and using them as tools for navigating new experiences. Inspired by the way teachers talk about emotional literacy with young children, this is the ideal book for any kid facing a big milestone, from...

Picturebook

Llama Llama back to school
Duncan, Reed
Paper Book
A Netflix Original series From bestselling author and storyteller Anna Dewdney comes a back-to-school story featuring the beloved Llama Llama! Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn't ready for...

Picturebook

My name
Kelkar, Supriya
Paper Book
My Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name. Your name means you're different Your name means you're you When an Indian American boy...

Picturebook

New
Mata, Nina
Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata's first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of "new." In the big city, everything feels new. ...

Picturebook


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