Embarking on the adventure of kindergarten is a monumental step for little learners, filled with new experiences and discoveries. One of the best ways to prepare children for this exciting new chapter is through reading. Books serve as wonderful tools to ease anxieties, spark enthusiasm, and ignite the imaginations of young minds.
Books for Kindergarten
In this blog post, we explore a curated selection of engaging books for kindergarten that are perfect for getting your child excited about school. These books not only entertain but also educate, helping to smooth the transition for both kids and parents.
1. The King of Kindergarten, by Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes’ “The King of Kindergarten” begins with a confident young boy ready to take on his first day of school with a royal flair. Dressed in his best and fueled by a hearty breakfast of pancakes, he faces the new experiences of kindergarten with boundless enthusiasm and a positive spirit. His adventures throughout the day lead to stories of triumph that he eagerly shares with his parents, embodying the excitement and joy that new beginnings bring. This book is a delightful introduction to school life, offering a boost of confidence to children stepping into their own new realms.
2. Kindergarten, Here I Come!, by D.J. Steinberg
D.J. Steinberg’s “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” serves as a cheerful ode to the kindergarten year, capturing the milestones and moments that define this exciting phase in a child’s life. From the nervous first day to the celebratory hundredth day, Steinberg uses playful poems to depict each new experience. The book’s engaging rhymes and charming illustrations invite young readers to embrace the kindergarten journey with humor and joy, making it an excellent resource for children transitioning into school life.
3. The Queen of Kindergarten, by Derrick Barnes
In “The Queen of Kindergarten,” Derrick Barnes tells the story of MJ, a little girl with a tiara not just for show but as a symbol of her inner royalty. On her first day of kindergarten, she’s not only prepared but poised to shine with kindness, friendliness, and soccer skills. Like its companion book, this story is perfect for instilling confidence in young readers, celebrating the individual strengths they bring to their educational journey. MJ’s story encourages children to embrace their unique contributions to the classroom, ensuring they feel like royalty in their new kingdom of learning.
4. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, by Joseph Slate
“Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten” by Joseph Slate offers a peek behind the curtain at the flurry of activity that goes into preparing for the first day of kindergarten. Through a series of charming rhymes, readers meet Miss Bindergarten as she gets her classroom ready for her new students. Each child, from Adam Krupp to Brenda Heath, is introduced in turn, creating a tapestry of personalities that will fill the lively classroom. This book perfectly captures the excitement and communal spirit of starting school, making it a beloved read for children and educators alike.
5. Planet Kindergarten, by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Sue Ganz-Schmitt’s “Planet Kindergarten” rockets readers into a cosmic adventure, likening the first day of kindergarten to an interstellar mission. With a young explorer as the protagonist, children are invited to brave the unknown of this “new planet” with courage and curiosity. The narrative blends the thrill of space exploration with the real-life challenges and excitements of kindergarten, providing a fun and engaging metaphor that encourages children to approach school with an adventurer’s spirit.
6. Off to Kindergarten, by Tony Johnston
Tony Johnston’s “Off to Kindergarten” captures the blend of excitement and apprehension that marks the start of school. Through a humorous tale of a boy who wants to bring everything from his teddy bear to a moving truck to school, Johnston and illustrator Melissa Sweet craft a story that is both endearing and entertaining. This story not only addresses the common fears children have about leaving home for school but does so in a way that reassures and delights, making it an ideal read for those preparing for their own big day.
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7. The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt
Drew Daywalt’s “The Day the Crayons Quit” explores the whimsical revolt of Duncan’s crayons, each voicing their grievances through letters. Blue Crayon is tired of coloring water, Black Crayon no longer wants to just outline, and Yellow and Orange are in a heated debate over which is the true color of the sun. The story is a hilarious and imaginative take on conflict resolution and creativity, encouraging children to consider the feelings of others, even inanimate objects, with Daywalt’s playful text and Jeffers’ vivid illustrations adding layers of enjoyment.
8. Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten, by Marc Brown
Marc Brown’s “Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten” tackles the common fears and anxieties children face as they prepare for school. Monkey is overwhelmed with worries, from not having the right crayon color to not making new friends. His family supports him step-by-step, easing his fears with each gesture of love and preparation. This story is a heartfelt reminder of the power of family support in overcoming new challenges, making it a reassuring read for any child feeling hesitant about starting kindergarten.
9. The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson’s “The Day You Begin” addresses the poignant moments of feeling different and the courage it takes to step into a new space where no one knows you. Woodson’s lyrical prose, combined with Rafael López’s expressive illustrations, captures the vulnerability and eventual empowerment of sharing your unique story. This book resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider, emphasizing the beauty and bravery of beginning despite fears, and the joy of finding common ground with others.
10. Our Class is a Family, by Shannon Olsen
Shannon Olsen’s “Our Class is a Family” is a touching portrayal of the classroom as a nurturing space where children can feel safe and loved. The story emphasizes the role of teachers in creating a community that feels like a home away from home, where children are encouraged to be themselves, make mistakes, and support each other. The colorful illustrations by Sandie Sonke enhance the book’s warm message, making it an essential read to foster kindness and a sense of belonging in every classroom.
11. Together We Ride, by Valerie Bolling
Valerie Bolling’s “Together We Ride” captures the exhilarating experience of learning to ride a bike through the eyes of a young girl and her supportive father. This story is filled with moments of fear, anticipation, and triumph, beautifully illustrated to depict the freedom and joy that come with mastering this new skill. It’s an uplifting tale that celebrates the special bond between parents and children, making it a perfect read for families enjoying or remembering this significant milestone.
12. School’s First Day of School, by Adam Rex
“School’s First Day of School” by Adam Rex personifies Frederick Douglass Elementary, who is experiencing its own set of first-day jitters as it prepares to welcome students for the first time. The school’s apprehensions mirror those of the children, making for a unique perspective on the common anxieties associated with new beginnings. With charming illustrations by Christian Robinson, this story turns a typical narrative on its head, offering both humor and comfort to anyone nervous about starting something new.
13. Llama Llama Loves to Read, by Anna Dewdney
In “Llama Llama Loves to Read,” Anna Dewdney presents the familiar character of Llama Llama embarking on the new adventure of learning to read. During his school day, Llama Llama is nurtured by a caring teacher who introduces him and his classmates to letters, storytime, and even a library visit. By the book’s end, Llama Llama is not only recognizing words but is also eager to demonstrate his new skills to Mama Llama. This story beautifully captures the exciting developmental milestone of reading, making it an encouraging book for young readers and their proud parents.
14. Click, Clack, Peep!, by Doreen Cronin
“Click, Clack, Peep!” by Doreen Cronin adds another humorous chapter to the beloved Click, Clack series. This time, Farmer Brown faces the challenge of a noisy, sleep-resistant duckling whose endless energy keeps the entire barnyard awake. The story delivers laughter and light-hearted mischief, showcasing Cronin’s knack for delightful farmyard chaos. It’s a charming tale that explores the trials of bedtime and the unexpected ways that peace can finally be restored, often with a little help from unexpected places.
15. If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!, by Elise Parsley
Elise Parsley’s “If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!” is a hilarious cautionary tale about taking a teacher’s instructions a bit too literally. Magnolia brings an alligator to her school’s show-and-tell, leading to all sorts of uproarious trouble. This imaginative and lively book is perfect for sparking discussions on school rules and the importance of understanding instructions, all while keeping young readers giggling at Magnolia’s wild classroom escapade.
16. Monsters Love School, by Mike Austin
Mike Austin’s “Monsters Love School” is a vibrant and energetic celebration of school life through the eyes of lovable monsters. As these colorful characters experience their first day at Monster School, they dive into activities like reading, writing, and monster history. Austin’s dynamic illustrations and enthusiastic text make this a joyful read that highlights the excitement of learning and the fun of school, encouraging young readers to look forward to their own educational adventures.
17. Grumpy Monkey, by Suzanne Lang
“Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang tells the story of Jim the chimpanzee, who wakes up in a bad mood and finds it hard to shake off, despite his friends’ best efforts. This book addresses emotional literacy with humor and understanding, acknowledging that everyone can have a grumpy day. Lang’s narrative reassures children that it’s okay to feel their feelings without pressure to pretend everything is fine, providing a gentle reminder about the importance of accepting our emotions.
18. Swashby and the Sea, by Beth Ferry
Beth Ferry’s “Swashby and the Sea” introduces Captain Swashby, a reclusive old sailor who loves his peaceful life by the sea. His tranquility is disrupted by new neighbors, a lively little girl and her granny, who bring noise and disruption to his quiet existence. Through a series of misinterpreted messages written in the sand, Swashby slowly learns the value of friendship and community. This touching story beautifully illustrates how sometimes, the things we resist most can bring us the greatest joy.
19. The Fort, by Laura Perdew
Laura Perdew’s “The Fort” is a lively tale of two imaginative children who use the same fort for different adventurous play— one as a castle, the other as a pirate ship. Their initial rivalry turns into collaboration, showing the power of sharing and teamwork. With dynamic illustrations and a witty narrative, this book celebrates the creativity of children and the unexpected friendships that can develop through play.
20. Hi, Fly Guy!, by Tedd Arnold
“Hi, Fly Guy!” by Tedd Arnold is the first in a series about an unusual friendship between a boy named Buzz and a smart fly he names Fly Guy. This humorous and endearing story showcases their blossoming friendship as Fly Guy proves his intelligence in surprising ways, particularly at an Amazing Pet Show. Arnold’s engaging narrative and quirky illustrations create a captivating read that highlights the value of friendship in its many forms.
Related: 20 Great Animal Books for Kids
Final thoughts
From learning to read with Llama Llama to navigating school jitters with colorful monsters, these books provide a comforting bridge for children as they step into the world of kindergarten. Sharing these stories with your child can help foster a love of reading and learning that will support them throughout their educational journey. Whether at bedtime or on a lazy afternoon, these books are sure to enrich your child’s pre-kindergarten experience, making the first day of school something to look forward to with excitement and confidence.
