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Quick answer: The best children’s books about starting kindergarten ease first-day nerves and show kids what school is really like. Favorites include The Kissing Hand, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, The King of Kindergarten, Llama Llama Misses Mama, Wemberly Worried and The Night Before Kindergarten.
Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone. For many five-year-olds it’s the first time they spend a full day away from home, follow a classroom schedule and make friends without a parent nearby. Excitement and worry often show up together, sometimes in the same breath. Reading books about kindergarten in the weeks before school starts gives children a picture of what to expect: the cubbies, the circle time, the lunch line and the goodbye at the door. It also opens easy conversations about feelings. Here are 15 books we recommend, from comforting classics to joyful new favorites.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Kissing Hand | Audrey Penn | Separation anxiety |
| Llama Llama Misses Mama | Anna Dewdney | Missing a parent |
| Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten | Joseph Slate | Learning the alphabet and routines |
| The Night Before Kindergarten | Natasha Wing | Night-before jitters |
| Kindergarten, Here I Come! | D.J. Steinberg | A year of fun poems |
| The King of Kindergarten | Derrick Barnes | Confidence boost |
| The Queen of Kindergarten | Derrick Barnes | Kindness and confidence |
| Wemberly Worried | Kevin Henkes | Worriers |
| Chrysanthemum | Kevin Henkes | Teasing and self-esteem |
| Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes | Eric Litwin | Upbeat read-aloud |
| The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! | Mo Willems | Laughs and big feelings |
| School’s First Day of School | Adam Rex | A fresh point of view |
| First Day Jitters | Julie Danneberg | A surprise ending |
| Kindergarten Rocks! | Katie Davis | Big sibling advice |
| All Are Welcome | Alexandra Penfold | Belonging and diversity |
1. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school, so his mother kisses his palm and tells him the kiss will travel with him all day. Many families copy the ritual at drop-off. It remains the most loved first-day book for a reason.
2. Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
On his first day, Llama Llama feels lonely and sad until he discovers that school is full of fun and new friends. The bouncy rhyme and honest feelings make it reassuring for children who cry at goodbye.
3. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
As 26 animal students from A to Z get ready for school, their teacher Miss Bindergarten prepares the classroom. It doubles as an alphabet book and shows kids that teachers get ready for them too.
4. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
Written in the rhythm of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” this book follows children preparing for the big day, picking outfits, packing backpacks and saying goodbye. It’s a perfect read for the very last night before school.
5. Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
Short, funny poems cover the whole kindergarten year, from the first day and the 100th day to field trips and losing a tooth. Kids get a sense of everything fun waiting ahead.
6. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
A young boy marches into his first day like royalty, greeting classmates, learning and sharing with pride. Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s joyful illustrations make this a powerful confidence builder for new students.
7. The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
MJ Malone puts on her tiara and heads to school ready to rule with kindness: helping friends, sharing and including everyone. It’s a sweet companion to The King of Kindergarten.
8. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly the mouse worries about everything, and starting school is the biggest worry of all. Meeting another shy classmate helps her relax. Anxious kids feel seen in Wemberly’s long list of fears.
9. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name until classmates tease her on the first day. A beloved music teacher helps her feel proud again. It’s a gentle way to talk about kindness and being different at school.
10. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin
Pete explores the library, lunchroom and playground, singing all the way. The repetitive song invites kids to join in and shows that new places can be fun.
11. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
The Pigeon has lots of reasons not to go to school: What if he doesn’t know everything? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? Kids laugh at his dramatic protests while recognizing their own worries.
12. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
A brand-new school building is nervous about its very first day with students. This clever twist helps kids see that everyone, even a school, feels jittery about new beginnings.
13. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Sarah Jane Hartwell hides under the covers, refusing to go to her new school. The surprise ending reveals who she really is, and it always gets a laugh. Kids learn that grown-ups get nervous too.
14. Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
Dexter says he isn’t scared of kindergarten, but his stuffed dog Rufus sure is. His big sister helps him discover the fun parts of the day. It’s honest, funny and great for younger siblings.
15. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
This rhyming celebration shows a diverse school where every child belongs. It’s a warm reminder that kindergarten is a place for everyone, and it’s a favorite first-week read in many classrooms.
Tips for a Smooth Kindergarten Start
- Visit the school first. Walk the halls, find the classroom and play on the playground.
- Practice routines. Try opening lunch containers, zipping a backpack and using the bathroom independently.
- Shift bedtime early. Start the school sleep schedule one to two weeks ahead.
- Create a goodbye ritual. A special hug or a Kissing Hand moment keeps drop-off short and sweet.
- Ask specific questions. “What made you laugh today?” works better than “How was school?”
Looking for next steps? See our picks for books for 5 year old boys and social emotional books for elementary school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book to read before the first day of kindergarten?
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is the classic choice. The Night Before Kindergarten is perfect for the final night, and The King of Kindergarten builds excitement.
How can I help my child with kindergarten anxiety?
Read books like Wemberly Worried, visit the school ahead of time, practice routines and keep goodbyes short and loving.
When should I start reading kindergarten books?
Begin two to four weeks before school starts so your child has time to hear the stories several times and ask questions.