The First Day and Beyond: Books About Kindergarten for Kids
by Dena McMurdie
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 some books to help you both get ready for the big day.
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Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Available from: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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Kitty vs. Kindergarten
Available from:Kitty loves his routine, but a surprise visit to his boy’s kindergarten class turns his beloved schedule upside down. With some help from his boy and the teacher, Kitty soon realizes that trying new things is fun, especially when you can return to your schedule afterwards.
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Getting Ready for Kindergarten
Available from:A young girl prepares for her first day of kindergarten with her parents. They pack a lunch and supplies into her backpack, take a picture, and kiss her when she gets on the bus. At school, the girl finds a friendly teacher, new friends, and fun activities to do. This charming picture book will help children feel more confident about their first day of kindergarten!
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Narwhal vs. Kindergarten
Available from:What kid doesn't love a good story starring the mystical, magical narwhal? Hugo is off to his first day of kindergarten, but despite his best efforts to fit in, his horn keeps getting in the way. As the day goes on, he sees his classmates are having a hard time as well. Kids who worry they won't fit in will relate to this laugh-out-loud story about working together to create caring and inclusive classroom communities.
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The King of Kindergarten
Available from:This fun and sweet book features a little boy who can't wait to start school after his mother tells him he'll be the King of Kindergarten. From riding in “a big yellow carriage” to “a grand fortress" to taking a "royal rest" at naptime, the boy's refreshing and joyous approach to the first day of school offers plenty of encouragement for reluctant incoming kindergarteners. Check out the companion book, The Queen of Kindergarten, too!
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Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten
Available from: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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Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten
Available from:There is a lot to learn in kindergarten, and sometimes that can feel stressful, especially if you're not learning at the same rate as your classmates. That's exactly how Mason feels when it comes to learning to tie her shoes, the letter sounds, and painting the perfect flower. Thankfully, her teacher comes up with a way to remind her that they all learn and grow in different ways and at different rates. Look How Much I've Grown in KINDergarten is the perfect book to help establish a growth mindset in the classroom.
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I Love Kindergarten!: Art
Available from:If you loved Kindergarten, Here I Come! then you’ll want to read this book by the same author. Kindergarten classes and art go hand in hand, and readers follow along as a class makes several projects. Short poems take readers through every aspect of kindergarten art projects, from choosing supplies to displaying their creations.
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Miss Bindergarten Has a Wild Day in Kindergarten
Available from: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 Night Before Kindergarten
Available from: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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Complete Kindergarten Math Workbook
Available from:Who knew learning math could be this fun? This official Brightly book is filled with games, activities, challenges, and puzzles, all designed to strengthen your little one’s math skills, all while having fun in the process. This excellent resource is a great way to help build your child’s confidence in math! And don't forget to pick up the companion title, Addition and Subtraction Kindergarten Math Workbook!
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Junie B. Jones Complete Kindergarten Collection
Available from: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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The 12 Days of Kindergarten
Available from: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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You might also like:
- 10 Things You Can Do To Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
- Best Learning Workbooks for Pre-K and Elementary Students
- Caring, Sharing, and Growing: Books To Show Kids How To Be a Friend
- Books About Kindness for Kids Ages 3 – 5
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.