Those books you ordered to teach your kid to read before he was out of diapers and the cram sessions you’ve been stressing about for months all fade from memory when the first tears and worries about starting kindergarten set in. Whether your child’s the one who is all worked up or you are, here are 20 field-tested books to soothe worries, build confidence, laugh a little, and plan for the big first month.
Reading with your child will not only set them up for academic success early on, it creates invaluable quality time for you and your child. As your child’s biggest role model, spending time together and showing how important reading is are two life lessons they will not forget.
Books are great ways to explore different worlds and help kids to dream bigger. When we experience new things, like going to kindergarten for the first time, escaping into a creative place can help process the upcoming changes. It can also bring you closer together if you may be sad about your little kiddo growing up.
'The Kissing Hand'
'Our Class Is a Family'
Kids spend so much time in school that it really does become a home away from home. In this heartfelt message, class community is highlighted and students will learn how important friends are, that school should be a safe space, and that it is OK to make mistakes. Over the school year, the class can become a family for sure!
To buy: [Our Class Is a Family](https://amzn.to/3Ocn0I1), $11
'Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten'
Animal children and their teacher prepare for the first day of class in this rhyming, alphabetical book written by Joseph Slate. The tone is light, and kids will smile at the characters’ funny names. Focusing on positive preparations like stocking toys and finding both shoes, this book is a complement to more sentimental, involved stories.
To buy: Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, $9
'Kindergarten ROCKS!'
When Dexter Dugan and his stuffed dog Rufus get scared to start kindergarten, his 3rd grade sister Jessie helps him make a list of everything “they” are scared about (from getting lost to potty problems) to assure them that this grade really does rock. Written by Katie Davis, this is a great sibling-to-sibling gift or inspiration to create your own worry list in the days before school starts.
To buy: Kindergarten ROCKS!, $8
'Off to Kindergarten!'
In this rhyming book by Tony Johnston, little boy Bill gathers together everything he thinks he will need from a master list he’s created for the first day of kindergarten. Use this book to encourage your little ones to make their own master list, and then help pack a lunch and stock a backpack with supplies (and maybe a stuffed bear or four) so they will feel ready to go, too.
To buy: Off to Kindergarten!, $17
'I Like Me!'
Every kid (and most adults) should read this book by Nancy Carlson. One little girl pig happily shares a list of attributes about herself, from the way she looks (round tummy and curly tail), to how she enjoys herself (drawing, exercising), to how she handles her own mistakes (try and try again). While this story isn’t kindergarten-centered, it’s a fabulous esteem-booster and reminder that every child sitting has likable qualities to share.
To buy: I Like Me!, $8
'The Day You Begin'
Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider can confirm that it is not a good feeling, and the first day of school can feel like this a lot. In this story, readers will learn how to be brave and overcome the fear of being different from everyone else and find common ground with others. And, as moms, we sometimes need these lessons just as much as our kids. This book is also available in Spanish, titled El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres!
To buy: [The Day You Begin](https://amzn.to/3AQAGFU), $15
