The First Day and Beyond: 7 Books About Kindergarten for Kids

I’ve sent two kids off to kindergarten and it broke my heart both times. They looked so small and uncertain on those first few days of school. However, it didn’t take long before they were jumping out of the car and walking confidently through the school’s front doors without looking back. Soon, they were telling me about their teacher, their new friends, and all the fun stuff they did at school.

Kindergarten can be intimidating for kids (and their parents) in the days leading up to it and during the first few weeks. Here are seven books to help you both get ready for the big day.

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten

by Candice Ransom, illustrated by Christine Grove

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Amanda knows how her first day of kindergarten should go, but her expectations are thwarted at every turn. Bright, fresh illustrations fill the pages of this adorable book about disappointment, friendship, and kindness.

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The Night Before Kindergarten

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Julie Durrell

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There's a lot to do on the night before kindergarten such as picking out school supplies and choosing your first day outfit. This fun story about preparing for the first day of school was inspired by the famous Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore.

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Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten

by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Amy Wummer

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Annie's thirst for adventure tends to get her in trouble, but when two kindergarten classmates go missing, the teacher relies on Annie to save the day. A fun story for kids that have tons of energy and like to be over-prepared for any situation.

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Junie B. Jones Complete Kindergarten Collection

by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

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This set of seventeen short chapter books is full of Junie B.'s backwards logic and laugh-out-loud moments, set in a kindergarten classroom. They're great for growing readers that want stories they can relate to and laugh with.

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Kindergarten, Here I Come!

by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Mark Chambers

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This is one of the cutest books about kindergarten! It follows the entire year — from the first day through the last, highlighting the friendships, fun, and memorable moments kids experience along the way.

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Miss Bindergarten Has a Wild Day in Kindergarten

by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff

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Most days in kindergarten are rowdy, but today is particularly crazy. With loads of creativity and chances to learn, Miss Bindergarten and her crew of kindergarten students must get their wild and disastrous classroom back in order.

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The 12 Days of Kindergarten

by Jenna Lettice, illustrated by Colleen Madden

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Following the familiar countdown tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," this book celebrates the first twelve days of kindergarten. Warm and comforting, it shows kids what to expect during their first days at school.

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