Helpful First Day of School Books for Kindergarten and Preschool

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen

Mr. Fish can’t figure out where to go, he can’t figure out how to write and he can’t figure out how to draw. He doesn’t think he belongs or is smart enough so his frown comes out as he thinks he wouldn’t ever get it right.

Finally, his teacher come out to find him and she tells him he IS smart, he WILL get it, he DOES belong.

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool and he is overwhelmed with feelings. He is trying to get used to the new toys and new surroundings but he just misses his mama.

Soon he learns that it’s OK to love mama and have fun at school too.

Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

In my house, Maisy was a much loved character. If your child is starting preschool at ages 2 or 3, this is the perfect book for you.

Maisy’s easy sentences, bright colors, and brevity make it perfect for younger kiddos to learn the concept of school.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worries all the time, but she is especially worried about school. This story tackles the difficult topic of children with anxiety.

This was particularly helpful for my oldest child who has some anxiety in day-to-day situations but a lot of anxiety in new situations. He could relate to Wemberly and her feelings which opened a nice discussion for us.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

Using the letters of the alphabet, we meet each kid in the class as they get ready for school.

We see Miss Bindergarten get ready for school by cleaning, organizing, and decorating her classroom.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

After his parents call him the King of Kindergarten, a young boy experiences his first day of school in his new “kingdom.”

Sharing, learning, and the joy of making new friends are all explored in his sweet tale.

The Berenstain Bears Go To School  by Stan Berenstain

The beloved Berenstain Bears are back at it and tackling a new issue as only they can. Sister Bear is off to school for the first time.

I like that this story tackles the bus ride too – that can be very nerve-racking for some children.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

This hysterical story is all about a young dinosaur who has trouble making friends because she can’t stop eating them!

It’s silly and funny especially a goldfish take a bite out of her little dinosaur finger. A little taste of her own medicine helps her learn her lesson.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

This clever tale is written about School as he witnesses children and teachers using his facilities for the very first time.

He is a little nervous as some say they don’t want to be there, but he starts to learn what the children learn and laugh at the jokes they tell. 

David Goes to School by David Shannon

Back with his antics, David shows all the things your little one should NOT do at school.

From cutting the lunch line, to not listening, this book is great for first timers to learn what the expectations are at school.

Try asking your little one if they know what David should be doing in each situation instead!

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School by Jane Yolen

In true dinosaur fashion, this story teaches the rights and wrongs of good behavior at school. This is especially good for boys who are prone to acting up.

While Wemberly Worried was best for my oldest, this one was made for my youngest. 😉

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems

The Pigeon is back at it again with this hilarious story about why Pigeon doesn’t want to go to school.

He knows everything already, right? So why exactly does he have to go?

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Little Racoon is heading off to school for the first time but is worried that he won’t feel comfortable in his new surroundings.

Mrs. Racoon teaches him about the kissing hand so that he can have a piece of home in his heart wherever he goes. This is a must-read in my opinion.