Unbelievably, my oldest daughter is going into kindergarten this year.<\/p>\n
Like every parent, I swear she isn\u2019t old enough \u2014 wasn\u2019t she just a baby a few weeks ago?<\/p>\n
She\u2019s really excited, but I also recognize she doesn\u2019t have a great feel for what school actually is like. So of course I\u2019ve turned to picture books to help explain what she should expect from kindergarten.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re helping your child prepare for preschool or kindergarten, these books are great for helping you talk about what to look forward to and answering questions they may have about all the fun and learning that\u2019s ahead.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593324103 Hello Preschool!<\/i> by Priscilla Burris <\/p>\n
This adorable board book introduces the tiniest readers to a preschool class. From meeting the teacher and making new friends to finding a cubby and participating in circle time, this book will familiarize rising preschoolers with the ins and outs of the classroom.<\/p>\n
9780593484623 KINDergarten<\/i> by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Joey Chou <\/p>\n
There are many ways to show kindness, and this kindergarten class tries to do as many as possible. Even though Leo is nervous for his first day of school, he quickly learns that small acts of kindness add up and get noticed. It\u2019s a beautiful book to calm first-day jitters and encourage young readers to be kind.<\/p>\n
9780593226940 How to Be Kind in Kindergarten<\/i> by D.J. Steinberg, illustrated by Ruth Hammond <\/p>\n
How to Be Kind in Kindergarten<\/i> is an adorable handbook for little kids that teaches them how to show kindness to others. From taking turns on the swings to sharing toys, these sweet, simple tips offer guidance to all new kindergarteners. <\/p>\n
RELATED: Books About Kindness for Kids Ages 3 \u2013 5<\/a><\/p>\n 9781368046459 The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!<\/i> by Mo Willems <\/p>\n Another hit in the beloved Pigeon series by Mo Willems! The lovable and expressive Pigeon’s resistance to the idea of school provides a relatable and amusing perspective for young readers, making it a perfect read-aloud for easing first-day-of-school jitters. <\/p>\n 9781536231465 Olu\u2019s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool<\/i> by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mba <\/p>\n Despite his parents\u2019 reassurances, Olu feels nervous about meeting his new preschool teacher. However, when he arrives at school, Olu discovers that his teacher is friendly, plays the guitar, and reads stories to the class. Best of all, Olu\u2019s teacher looks like him!<\/p>\n 9781524770846 Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can\u2019t Go to School!<\/i> by Christina Geist, illustrated by Tim Bower <\/p>\n In this charming tale of role reversal, Buddy and his sister Lady are ready for school \u2014 and so are the grown-ups! Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and even the dog are all excited for a fun-filled day of storytime, science experiments, and games. Too bad grown-ups can’t go to school. Only kids and teachers! <\/p>\n 9781524771744 Open the Preschool Door <\/i> by Christopher Santoro <\/p>\n Help your child discover the wonders of preschool with this lift-the-flap board book. Each flap reveals something kids find at school, like a teacher, cubbies, the bathroom, a playground, and more. <\/p>\n 9780593435496 Complete Kindergarten Math Workbook<\/i> by Naoya Imanishi, MEd, illustrated by Gareth Williams <\/p>\n 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\u2019s math skills, all while having fun in the process. This excellent resource is a great way to help build your child\u2019s confidence in math! And don’t forget to pick up the companion title, Addition and Subtraction Kindergarten Math Workbook<\/a>!<\/p>\n 9780823454235 Let’s Be Friends \/ Seamos Amigos<\/i> by Ren\u00e9 Colato La\u00ednez, illustrated by Nomar Perez <\/p>\n In this charming bilingual picture book, two new kindergarten friends realize they have much in common, from their names to their interests. Follow their first year in school in this perfect story for young readers interested in learning to read in English and Spanish, as well as bilingual-speaking families!<\/p>\n RELATED: Caring, Sharing, and Growing: Books To Show Kids How To Be a Friend<\/a><\/p>\n 9781524790523 Preschool, Here I Come!<\/i> by David J Steinberg, illustrated by John Joven <\/p>\n The latest book in the Here I Come!<\/i> series<\/a> celebrates all of the firsts that preschool holds \u2014 from saying goodbye to your parents to learning how to mix colors. Author D.J. Steinberg carefully crafts silly rhymes that your preschooler is sure to enjoy. And for older children, Steinberg has the perfect guide for them too with Kindergarten, Here I Come!<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n 9780593809983 Getting Ready for Kindergarten <\/i> by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia <\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n 9780744039474 This Is How We Get Ready<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n Getting ready for school can be a lot of work! You have to brush your teeth, tie your shoelaces, navigate the holes of a sweater, and more. Luckily, DK has a complete guide to teaching preschoolers all of the skills they need to get ready and make it to school on time. And once they\u2019ve mastered the morning routine, DK\u2019s This Is How We Make Friends<\/i><\/a> is the perfect follow-up to prepare.<\/p>\n 9780140562736 Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten<\/i> by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff <\/p>\n This fun rhyming book follows Miss Bindergarten as she sets up her classroom for the 26 new students she will have in her kindergarten class this year. This book is an excellent introduction for young children on what to expect from kindergarten and a fun book for practicing the alphabet. <\/p>\n 9781984830524 Rosie Goes to Preschool<\/i> by Karen Katz <\/p>\n If your child isn\u2019t interested in an adult telling them how school will be, this book is perfect. Rosie, a preschooler herself, offers a little tour of the preschool and the day\u2019s routine in a way that is sweet and informative. <\/p>\n 9780593433850 I’m Going to Kindergarten!<\/i> by Andrea Posner-Sanchez, illustrated by Joanie Stone <\/p>\n When you\u2019re prepping your child for their first day of school, you can\u2019t go wrong with a Little Golden Book<\/a>. Readers follow an energetic little girl through her first day of kindergarten as she explores the classroom and makes new friends.<\/p>\n RELATED: 4 Ways To Stress Less About Kindergarten Readiness<\/a><\/p>\n 9781524766603 The Twelve Days of Preschool<\/i> by Jenna Lettice, illustrated by Colleen Madden <\/p>\n Little ones can take comfort in knowing what to expect from preschool with this delightful picture book. In the familiar tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” kids count all the new toys they get to play with in school, as well as the importance of sharing them. <\/p>\n 9781524740740 The King of Kindergarten<\/i> by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton <\/p>\n 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 \u201ca big yellow carriage\u201d to \u201ca 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<\/i><\/a>, too!<\/p>\n 9780440417996 The Name Jar<\/i> by Yangsook Choi <\/p>\n As if school wasn\u2019t scary enough, Unhei has just moved to the U.S. from Korea and is worried no one will be able to pronounce her name. So on the first day, she explains to her classmates that she\u2019ll be choosing a new name that week. But can she find a name that fits her better than her own? <\/p>\n 9780593305669 Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!<\/i> by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Erin Kraan <\/p>\n Tiny worry warts will love this endearing and soothing story about a tortoise afraid of showing up late on the first day of school. As all the other (faster) animals dash past her, her worries grow larger. But when she meets her teacher on the way to school, Little Tortoise learns she\u2019s not the only slowpoke around.<\/p>\n 9780448454511 The Night Before Preschool<\/i> by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer <\/p>\n