First day jitters? These books will help! Get your child excited about starting school by reading engaging picture books. Whether your child is beginning preschool or elementary school, you’ll find fun books that will calm their nerves and help them feel ready for the first day of school. These stories are perfect for sparking conversations about what to expect, easing worries, and building excitement for all the new adventures ahead.
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Books for the First Day of Preschool
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney
This sweet story focuses on separation anxiety and adjusting to preschool. As Llama adjusts to being away from his mama, he learns that school can be fun and is reassured that Mama will always come back.
Bye-Bye Time
Written by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
Help your child (and you!) feel more confident about preschool drop-offs with the help of this book. It shows familiar routines and loving words that help kids who feel anxious about saying goodbye.
Maisy Goes to Preschool
Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
This book calms kids’ nerves by showing them what to expect at preschool. It features Maisy enjoying activities like painting, snack time, and playing with friends.
Books for the First Day of Kindergarten
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Written by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Through fun rhymes, this book introduces kids to a kindergarten classroom. Kids love following Miss Bindergarten as she prepares her classroom and meets each of her incoming students.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Written by Eric Litwin, illustrated and created by James Dean
Get kids excited about school with this musical book that includes a song you can download. With his catchy song and positive attitude, Pete shows kids that trying new things (like school!) can be fun.
Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Written by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated Mark Chambers
This rhyming collection of short poems celebrates all the exciting—and sometimes scary—aspects of starting kindergarten. It helps kids feel understood and ready for new adventures ahead.
Books for the First Day of First Grade
The Kissing Hand
Written by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth Harper and Nancy M. Leak
In this classic book, Chester Raccoon feels nervous about starting school. His mother shares a special family secret—a kiss on his hand—to remind him that her love is always with him, even when they’re apart.
First Grade, Here I Come!
Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson
This charming story walks kids through the excitement and little challenges of starting first grade. Reading the book gets kids to feel confident and ready for their new school journey.
First Day Jitters
Written by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love
Kids follow Sarah’s anxious first-day story, only to discover at the end that she’s not actually a kid— she’s the teacher! This surprise helps kids laugh, connect, and see that everyone can feel nervous about new beginnings.
Books for the First Day of Second Grade
Second Grade, Here I Come!
Written by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Laura Wood
This delightful collection of poems captures the humor, wonder, and jitters of starting second grade. Its playful verses help kids feel seen and excited about the new school year ahead.
Our Class is a Family
Written by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sandie Sonke
Through heartfelt storytelling and charming illustrations, this book reassures kids that school is a safe place where they belong. It celebrates the classroom as a caring, inclusive community where every student is valued.
What Should Danny Do? School Day
Written by Adir and Ganit Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler
Get ready to choose your own adventure! This book follows Danny through dilemmas like being on time, dealing with bullies, and showing kindness, letting readers decide how his day unfolds. It’s a great book for re-reading, because different choices change the story!
The first day of school is a big milestone, and reading books can help ease nerves while getting your child excited about the year ahead. Reading together is a simple but powerful way to build confidence and create a sense of connection before the big day. So grab one of these books, cuddle up, and help your child step into their new school year.
