It’s back-to-school time and I like to help prep my kids by reading books. These children’s books are great to read before starting kindergarten but some are perfect for any young children! These picture books showcase the fun activities you do at school plus a few address coping skills if your child is experiencing any anxiety about starting school.

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On the First Day of Kindergarten

We always enjoy the books in this series based on “The 12 Days of Christmas”. This book is full of positive themes about attending kindergarten such as making friends, singing songs, going on field trips, etc.

Butterflies on the First Day of School

In this story, Rosie picks out her first backpack and seems excited to start school but the night before her first day she can’t sleep. Her parents explain it’s because she has butterflies in her tummy. Butterflies build up when she gets nervous about something. Luckily, the butterflies escape her body when something goes well during her day. Rosie gets less nervous when she makes a friend on the bus and school ends up being fun.

Llama Llama Back to School

Llama Llama books are a staple in our household. In this book, Llama had a lot of fun throughout the summer but now it’s time to go back to school. He needs to go school supply shopping, be on time, stand in line at school, and share with his classmates.

Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective

My girls both LOVED this book and would even cheer the repetitive phrase aloud “Worry, worry, go away! There’s no time for you today.”. Hattie helps her friends with worries throughout the day using different strategies. There are worries about the first day of school, the teacher calling on him, and which bus is his. At the end of the book, it thoroughly explains the coping tools used in the book.

KINDergarten

Leo is worried about starting kindergarten. He receives a letter from his teacher about kindergarten. The letter explains that kindergarten is where kindness matters every day. Together the class brainstorms what to add to their kindness pledge (raising hands, taking turns, saying sorry, etc). The students give examples of how Leo showed kindness throughout his whole day at school.

If I Built a School

We love this author! This book has such fun illustrations and rhymes. A boy imagines what his school would look like if he got to design it. For example, there are hover desks and a science lab growing genetically modified creatures. It’s very fantastical and imaginative.

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

This story portrays getting ready for school, meeting the teacher, recess, nap time, as well as typical events throughout the year such as the 100 days of school celebration.

Twindergarten

Twins Dax and Zoe are about to start school in different classrooms. They experience back-to-school jitters, meet their teachers, and make new friends but still miss each other throughout the school day. Luckily, the twins get to be together at recess. They realize kindergarten is going to be awesome for them both.

Looking for more book recommendations? Take a look at these wonderful Books About Fall!