Even the bravest children at times get nervous when big changes are ahead. With the first day of kindergarten looming over them, it's quite normal for some jitters and anxiety to rear their heads. These adorable "first-day" books are the perfect gift for a kindergartener-to-be to help them get excited for this fantastic new phase of life.
1. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
The melodic rhyme of any "The Night Before" story is a classic bedtime treat. This story follows kids as they get their bags ready and try to get some shut-eye as they are filled with excitement for the next day, the first day of kindergarten!
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2. The Berenstain Bears Go To School by Stan & Jan Berenstain
The Berensteins are back with another fun-filled adventure. This time, all the kids are heading off to school, and Sister Bear is about to go to Kindergarten. She is very nervous but Brother Bear is there with her, every step of the way.
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3. WooHoo! I'm Ready for Kindergarten! by Brenda Li
This is an adorable book that will help kids see what the routine in kindergarten will look like. From the morning routine to lunchtime, making friends, and getting picked up by mom and dad after a fun-filled day.
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4. On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe
Share this book with kids who have school jitters and show them it's not such a scary place after all. The book is adapted from the classic "12 Days of Chritmas" and follows a fun layout.
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5. A Letter From Your Teacher On The First Day of School by Shannon Olsen
This heartwarming book is written from a teacher's perspective and is the perfect way to show kids how much love their teacher has to give. There is no way they will be nervous about meeting their new teacher after hearing this sweet book before bedtime.
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6. The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Venessa Brantley-Newton
Love and kindness are at the order of the day at MJ's kindergarten. Armed with new braids and her mom's sparkly tiara, MJ is ready to have fun at kindergarten and be kind to her new friends.
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7. The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson
Starting a new adventure in kindergarten can be very scary, but through this beautiful book, kids will see how brave they can be and how their uniqueness will be celebrated in their new environment.
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8. Little Critter: First Day of School by Mercer Mayer
The nostalgia-filled Little Critter adventures are perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together. Kids get to lift the flaps to see what Little Critter has prepared for school in a fun, interactive story.
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9. Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters by Julie Anne and Darren Penn
Whether you are on planet earth or a far far away planet, the first day of school seems very scary. But Team Supercrew is here to save the day! Benny the Brave will show Sarah how t be brave and face any challenge head-on.
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10. Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J Steinberg
This clever picture book takes kids on a journey through all the big milestones of kindergarten. It is perfect for the first day but there are also rhymes for the first field trip, the 100th day of school, graduation, and more.
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11. How To Be Kind In Kindergarten by D.J. Steinberg
David J. Steinberg brings another collection of poems that show kids how to be kind in their new environment and teaches them about sharing, being themselves, and helping friends.
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12. Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell
Emily's Teacher says they can bring something to school to help them feel comfortable on their first day. Little did she know that Emily is bringing something, or rather someone, unexpected! The fun adventures of Clifford remains a favorite book for young and old.
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13. I Am Going To Kindergarten! by Andrea Posner-Sanchez
The Little Golden Book collection offers this darling book about all the best parts of kindergarten. Kids will see what a day in the class will look like, what classroom routines they can expect, and learn about all the fun things that await them!
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14. KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya
Leo's class makes a kindness pledge and everyone adds their ideas on how to show kindness. Leo is sad because he doesn't think he knows what that means but at the end of the day we see that Leo already shows a lot of kindness to his classmates.
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15. Our Class Is a Family by Shannon Olsen
When it comes to the first day of school books, few are as heartwarming and inclusive as "Our Class Is a Family". This sweet story shows how the classroom will be a home away from home and a safe place for kids to be themselves.
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16. First Day Farts by Taco Superboom
First-day anxiety is a very real problem for young ones but this funny picture book is the perfect cure. It is a fun story about nerves that will have kids howling from beginning to end.
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17. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
This is the perfect book for children with separation anxiety as it shows them they are not alone but that school is nothing to be scared of. The book can grow with kids and serve as a sweet story to start off every new school year from kindergarten and beyond.
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18. Countdown To Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
Add this to your book list to help nervous kindergarteners get over their anxiety in a heartbeat. The 10-day countdown to the first school day has begun and our hero is finding out all about what kindergarten holds in store.
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19. Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten by Toni Buzzeo
Adventure Annie is a spirited kindergartener that is looking for adventure around every corner. It is a cute book about mischief, kindness, and finding joy.
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20. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
This lovely story is part kindergarten story and part alphabet book. With classic illustrations and a fun rhyming flow, it will have the kids' classroom ready in no time.
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21. Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
Bright and colorful illustrations bring this lovely story to life. Dexter Dugan is scared of what kindergarten will bring but his loving 3rd-grade sister talks him through it all, helping him overcome his biggest fears.
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22. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlo
Henry is very excited about kindergarten but once he arrives, he experiences some early-morning jitters, doubting his abilities. Luckily, he quickly sees that he is more than capable to face school head-on and he is ready to have tons of fun.
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23. Goodbye Preschool, Hello Kindergarten
Max the duckling has to leave his friends and teachers behind on the last day of preschool and get ready for kindergarten. Celebrate this big new milestone with Max and see how he conquers all his nerves and worries like a brave little duckling.
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24. Ethan's First Day at Kindergarten by Karin Aaron & Danny Friedman
Kids might think they don't have superpowers, but imagination is the most powerful of them all! This creative book encourages kindergarteners to think outside the box and be creative when facing their biggest fears.
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25. Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
The new world of kindergarten might seem like something from outer space, but brave young adventurers are ready for liftoff, taking on every challenge that comes their way!
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26. The Best Seat in Kindergarten by Katherine Kenah
On the first day of kindergarten, Sam's class goes on a scavenger hunt to find things for show-and-tell. Sam helps his new friends to find some cool items and they all share together with great excitement.
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27. The Little Book of Kindergarten by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman
This charming book series can be with your child every step of their young lives. The kindergarten edition shows little ones what they can expect from the year ahead of them and how much fun kindergarten will be
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