The first day of school is almost here, and whether your little one is starting kindergarten, first grade, or preschool, it’s an exciting and sometimes scary time. The best way to calm those first-day jitters is through books. Here’s a list of the best first-day-of-school books. These picture books are perfect for young readers and will soon be family favorites. Let’s get started!
New Friends and First Day Jitters
The first day of school is a mix of excitement and nerves. “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg is a great book that shows how even teachers can be nervous about the first day. It has a funny twist at the end that everyone will love.
Head back to school with the bestselling picture book classic! The perennial classroom read-aloud favorite for students and teachers, reminding us we all get the jitters sometimes.
A perfect new school year pick for kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who are feeling nervous or anxious about starting their first day.
Another sweet book is “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. Chester Raccoon is scared to leave his mom, but she gives him a kiss on his hand to keep him brave. It’s a comforting story for young kids who are a little anxious.
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.
Classic Favorites
Some books never get old. “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff shows the teacher and students getting ready for the first day. It’s a fun way to learn about what happens in the classroom.
This rhyming book is the perfect way to practice the alphabet and to introduce young children to kindergarten.
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle isn’t just for the first day of school. It’s a great book for getting kids excited about learning, and the rhythmic text is perfect for young readers.
New School Year, New Books
Each new school year brings new adventures. “Mae’s First Day of School” by Kate Berube is about a little girl named Mae who is nervous about her first day. She decides not to go, but after meeting a new friend and a kind teacher, she realizes school is fun.
Author/illustrator Kate Berube’s Mae’s First Day of School is “a reassuring, gently amusing picture book for children anticipating (or remembering) their first day of school” (Booklist)—featuring bonus tear-out lunchbox notes.
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins is about Penelope Rex, a little dinosaur who has to learn not to eat her classmates. It’s a funny and heartwarming story about making friends and learning classroom rules.
It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious!
Memorable Characters and Important Lessons
Books with memorable characters stick with kids. “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López is about feeling different and finding the courage to share your story. It’s perfect for kids who are worried about fitting in.
National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.
“The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton is about a boy who starts kindergarten with confidence. It’s a great way to show a positive attitude about school.
A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.
Don’t forget to check out “The Queen of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten.
Sweet Stories for the First Week of School
The first week of school is full of new things and emotions. “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney is a sweet book about separation anxiety and adjusting to a new classroom. It’s a comforting read for kids.
Another great book for the first week is “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson. This story is told from the school building’s perspective and shows that the school can be a welcoming place.
Fun Things and Great Ideas for the Classroom Reading Corner
Teachers, these books are great for your classroom reading corner. “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School” by Laura Murray and Mike Lowery is a fun story that will keep kids engaged and excited about school.
“If You Take a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond follows a mouse on his first day of school and is filled with fun scenarios.
Great Books for Different Grade Levels
Different grades have different needs. “First Grade Jitters” by Robert Quackenbush is a fun follow-up to “First Day Jitters” and is about the new challenges of moving up a grade.
For preschoolers, “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin is fantastic. Pete the Cat’s cool attitude shows kids that school can be a fun adventure.
Sweet Book Recommendations for Young Readers
Picture books are perfect for younger readers. “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems is a funny story about a Pigeon who has lots of excuses for why he shouldn’t have to go to school. It’s a fun way to talk about first-day jitters.
“Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes is about a little girl with a unique name who learns to love it. It’s a sweet story with an important lesson about self-acceptance.
Best First Day of School Books
Here’s a list of some of the best first-day-of-school books for your child’s reading list. These books have memorable characters, important lessons, and heartwarming stories:
- “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg
- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
- “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff
- “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- “Mae’s First Day of School” by Kate Berube
- “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins
- “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
- “The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
- “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
- “School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson
- “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School” by Laura Murray and Mike Lowery
- “If You Take a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
- “First Grade Jitters” by Robert Quackenbush
- “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems
- “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes
These books are a great way to start conversations with your kids about their feelings and expectations for the new school year. They offer valuable lessons, laughs, and sweet stories that make the first day of school a great day for your little ones.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A list of the best first-day-of-school books for young readers. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, first grade, or preschool, these books are a great way to help them prepare for their new adventure. Reading together is fun and a perfect way to address any anxieties and answer questions your little one might have about starting school.
So, find a cozy spot, snuggle up with your little ones, and dive into these wonderful books. It’s the perfect way to ensure they start their school year with confidence, excitement, and a love for reading. Happy reading, and here’s to a fantastic first day of school!