Beginning school is a major milestone and it’s normal for both children and caregivers to have mixed emotions. Reading stories about what to expect and talking encouragingly with little ones can help prepare them for new experiences. All titles are recommended for ages 3–6.
Compiled by:
Children's Services Staff
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Buz)
Even though there are rules to follow, a little girl who loves adventure has an exciting first day of kindergarten.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Fry)
Young children can have lots of anxiety, especially when faced with something new, such as starting school. Luckily, Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are here to relieve those first-time jitters! This picture book answers common questions to ease your little one's worries.
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Ash)
20 young students—some eager, some nervous, and some grumpy—prepare for their first day of kindergarten.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Woo)
Beautiful illustrations and lyrical poetry tell the experience of four children who overcome feeling different by finding courage and sharing their own unique stories with each other.
(Juvenile Picture Book Nonfiction - Ej 372.1244 Bar)
This book explains what to expect on the first day of school, including getting ready, transportation, being apart from parents, class activities, playing, lunch, making new friends, and returning home.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Kar)
Suggested for those with school anxiety, this story provides children with coping skills in the form of an invisible backpack. What invisible tools would you carry in your backpack?
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pen)
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mcq)
Join Lola as she prepares for her first day of school. Readers get a glimpse of preschool as Lola enjoys fun activities with new friends.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ber)
Worried about all that could go wrong, Mae does not want to start school. Join her as she discovers that everyone can be nervous about starting school—but will it be enough for her to start her day?
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cou)
Join Maisy and her friends for a busy day at preschool! Experience many school activities, including painting, music, storytime, and more.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Yum)
A five-year-old boy, ready and eager on his first day at "the big kids' school," must calm his very worried mother.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Arn)
It’s the first day of school—but where is the teacher? Join the kids in room 2B as they try and solve this comical mystery.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wil)
The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pre)
A young pirate and his crew embark on a grand adventure when they board the bus for the first day of first grade.
Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Fre
Follow a diverse cast of soon-to-be kindergartners as they get ready for their first day of school.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Rex)
It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)
Vivid illustrations celebrate the ways in which teachers encourage creativity and future success in every student.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sie)
Rhyming text with rebuses follows a group of animals through their first day of school.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej He)
A mouse named Wemberly, who worries about everything, finds that she has a whole list of things to worry about when she faces the first day of nursery school.