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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Breathe like a bear : first day of school worries
Willey, Kira
Paper Book
A companion picture book to Breathe Like a Bear that helps kids feel calm and ready to meet new classmates! Bear can't wait to go to her first day of school. But she and a few of her friends are also feeling a little anxious. Luckily, Owl has the perfect words for them all...

Non-fiction picturebook

The Kissing Hand.
Penn, Audrey, 1947-
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

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)

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

It's your first day of school, Busy Bus! [online electronic book]
Shaffer, Jody Jensen.
Ebook
It's the first day of school! But is Busy Bus ready? Find out in this darling picture book that showcases the excitement and worries little ones experience as they prepare for their first day. Today is the very first day of school! Busy Bus is excited, but he also has some first...

Picturebook

Llama Llama back to school
Dewdney, Anna
CD

Picturebook

Fall Is for Beginnings
Larocca, Rajani/ Alwar, Abhi (ILT)
From Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca and critically acclaimed illustrator Abhi Alwar, an authentic celebration of friendship and finding your place in this back-to-school picture book, the follow-up to the beloved Summer Is for Cousins Ravi can't...

Picturebook

The little bear
Killen, Nicola
Paper Book
From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes an adorable back to school story about a bear cub soothing a little girl's fears, tenderly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die cut pages. The end of summer can be a bittersweet time, and...

Picturebook

Tiny T. Rex and the first-day oopsies
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
It's Tiny T. Rex's first day of school! In this new addition to the bestselling series, Tiny is certain he's ready for anything at his BIG new school--but learns that even the best-prepared dinosaur will still meet some "oopsies" along the way!  

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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