If you are looking for books that celebrate the huge milestone of a child starting Kindergarten, I have you covered. Below is a list of the Best Books for Starting Kindergarten. They make great gifts for kids as well as classroom teachers to help in this time of big transition.
The stories shared below will help you talk to your children about their most pressing questions: What kindergarten will be like? What if I’m scared? How will I make new friends? What if I miss my grownups? Will I be ok? Use these great stories to help kids work through their complex feelings with ease.
Best Books for Starting Kindergarten
KINDERGARTEN
Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a picture book about a class that creates a kindness pledge to ensure that their class is the kindest it can possibly be.
It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day.
As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they’d like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all.
A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves—and offer inspiration—to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives.
KINDERGARTEN Written by Vera Ahiyya Illustrated by Joey Chou Published by Randomhouse Publishing
SUPER GOAT GIRL
A graphic picture book about a shy new kid in superhero school, who's not like any of the others, and has to figure out how not to feel so super-strange
On Super Goat Girl's first day at her new school, she's met with stares. Laserbeam Lass, Robo Kid, and Noodle Boy don't know what to make of her—after all, what kind of a super has no swagger, and not even a cape? At recess, while the others have fun writing with lasers, doing lightning-fast math, and being super stretchy, Super Goat Girl doubts she can measure up. But when an army of evil aliens appears and ties up their teacher, Miss Damsel, it’s Super Goat Girl to the rescue—the only one who can chomp through the impossibly strong rope. She's sure she'll fit in now, but the other kids just seem confused—is chewing even a superpower? So maybe she's still not the right kind of super. At lunch, she gets another chance to prove herself when a giant gorilla crashes into the cafeteria and her supersonic bleat scares him away. But is being loud a superpower?
Then the biggest test comes when the other kids accidentally create a black hole and Miss Damsel is sucked inside. This time when Super Goat Girl helps them save the day with her bravery and quick thinking, they begin to appreciate her. After all, almost every day calls for some superpowers—and they now realize that by sticking together, they’ll have the best chance of taking on anything that comes their way.
SUPER GOAT GIRL Written by Tracy Baptiste Illustrated by Dapo Adeola Published by Nancy Paulsen Books
BIG KIDS
A vibrant and relatable picture book about first-day-of-school nerves that encourages young readers to celebrate new experiences and the big buddies they're sure to make along the way.
It's the first day of school and everywhere our small hero looks there are big kids! Big kids are shouting, playing, and high-fiving each other. Big kids are crowding the halls and hanging out on the playground. It all feels a bit overwhelming. And since it's Buddy Day, the big kids are pairing off with little kids. But maybe having a big buddy won't be so bad–he shows him where to find his classroom and where to hang his coat. He even uses his big kid arms to reach the chocolate pudding! Maybe big kids aren't so scary after all?
With K. L. Going's insightful text and Reggie Brown's energetic art, this perfect back-to-school read shines humor and empathy on that intimidating feeling every kid experiences starting at a new school!
BIG KIDS Written by K.L. Going Illustrated by Reggie Brown Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
ON OUR WAY WITH MR. JAY
Cheer for the district’s most intrepid school bus driver as he races to get everybody to school before the bell rings!
A school is an entire community of its own, but many of its members never get celebrated. This book, the hero is the school bus driver! The first staff member kids see in the morning and the last they say goodbye to, the bus driver has a crucial part to play—and Mr. Jay is up to the challenge.
With the clock ticking all the while, Mr. Jay picks up kids from all over town—out in the country, up a hill, in the busy city, always piloting his bus with jaunty rhymes and a can-do attitude. Along the route, he’s called upon to settle stomachs, clean up pony poo, and fix a diorama. He avoids a stampede, settles down an intruding dog, and even fights off hostile swans! But will he get the kids to school on time?
Chelsea Lin Wallace and Thyra Heder deliver a rollicking, high-energy ride with On Our Way with Mr. Jay, the first in a series of books about school heroes. Whether eager for the start of school, nervous about new experiences, or fond of their own beloved driver, kids will be giggling and cheering their way through this irrepressible, fun-filled read-aloud.
ON OUR WAY WITH MR. JAY Written by Chelsea Lin Wallace Illustrated by Thyra Heder Published by Neal Porter Books
LENA'S SHOES ARE NERVOUS
In the tradition of School's First Day of School, debut author Keith Calabrese and Pura Belpré Award winner Juana Medina share a sweet, universal story about a clever little girl whose shoes are nervous about the first day of school.Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there's just one problem…Lena's shoes are nervous. Lena doesn't want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can't go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?
LENA'S SHOES ARE NERVOUS: A First Day of School Dilemma Written by Keith Calabrese and Illustrated by Juana Medina, Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
MAE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
As Mae's first day of school approaches she decides she IS. NOT. GOING. School is scary! What if the other kids don't like her? Or what if she's the only one who doesn't know how to write? Or what if she misses her mom? Mae's anxiety only builds as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl. Will making new friends show her that they can conquer their fears together?
MAE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Written and Illustrated by Kate Berube, Published by Harry N. Abrams
PLANET KINDERGARTEN
This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of this strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!
PLANET KINDERGARTEN Written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and Illustrated by Shane Prigmore, Published by Chronicle Books
TWINDERGARTEN
It’s the night before the twins are starting kindergarten, and they have the just-about-to-start-school jitters. After all, they will be in different classrooms! What will kindergarten be like when they’re not together all day? But Dax and Zoe will learn that kindergarten is full of new surprises and adventures, and being apart for a short while isn’t so bad.
TWINDERGARTEN by Nikki Ehrlich, Illustrated by Zoey Abbott Wagner, Published by HarperCollins
THE QUEEN OF KINDERGARTEN
MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Like The King of Kindergarten, this is the perfect book to reinforce back-to-school excitement and build confidence in the newest students.
THE QUEEN OF KINDERGARTEN by Derrick Barnes and Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Published by Penguin Random House
Need more picture book recommendations? Check out my list of
10 Multicultural Picture Books About Back to School.
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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