I’m Going to School!

Starting school for the first time is fun and exciting, but it can also make kids and parents nervous about being away from each other or meeting new people.  These books are great (sometimes silly) way to work through some of those fears and get back to being excited!

I’m Not Ready! By Jonathan Allen
It’s the first day of preschool, and Mama’s in a hurry: “Please, Baby Owl, we have to go!” But Baby Owl will do almost ANYTHING to stay at home–even put his toys away! Can Mama convince Baby Owl that school will be fun?

Ready, Set, Kindergarten! By Paula Ayer
Preparing for kindergarten is a huge step for young children. This encouraging tale of a little girl’s experience touches on the many milestones towards this big goal. The girl can count out plates when she helps Dad set the table. She can call out letters when she walks down the street with Mom. She can even help her stuffies say sorry after they fight. And with a little help from Mom, Dad, her cat, and faithful stuffed mouse, she’s now ready for her new adventure … kindergarten!

Monkey: Not Ready for Kindergarten by Marc Brown
Kindergarten is a week away, and Monkey is NOT ready. What if he gets on the wrong bus? What if he doesn’t make new friends? Fortunately his family is here to help and reassure him!

Lena’s Shoes are Nervous by Keith Calabrese
Today is a big day! Today, Lena starts kindergarten. She is very excited. But there’s just one problem…
Lena’s shoes are nervous.
Lena doesn’t want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can’t go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?

I am too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child
Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it’s up to ever-patient big brother Charlie to persuade Lola that school is worthwhile — and that her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, will be welcome, too.

Click, Clack, Quack to School! By Doreen Cronin
They can stand in line (sort of), use indoor voices (perhaps), and are capable of sharing (rumor has it), so the Click Clack critters are ready for school…but is school ready for them?

First Day by Dandi Daley Mackall
The first day of school means new shoes, fresh crayons, and a fancy lunch box. It also means leaving Mom and Dad behind, a notion that’s likely to rattle even the most eager new student–and this little girl is no exception. Her classroom seems overwhelming, and the older kids are awfully big. But she soon realizes that a friendly teacher and some new pals can help even the most reticent student move past the jitters and into the fun!
Perfect for any child starting school, Dandi Daley Mackall’s simple rhyming text and Tiphanie Beeke’s cheerful illustrations will reassure children–and parents–who are nervous about a first day.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?
The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.

It’s the First Day of Kindergarten, Chlow Zoe! By Jane Smith
Chloe Zoe is starting kindergarten! Full days of school for a full week. Chloe Zoe has a new backpack and matching lunch box and is so excited to see her best friends Mary Margaret and George. On the first day of school, Chloe Zoe discovers Mary Margaret is in a different kindergarten class. Will kindergarten be any fun without her best friend?

Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! By Hyewon Yum
It’s a child’s first day of kindergarten, but who is worried about all the new people and the different things he’ll meet–the child? No! The mother. In a refreshing reversal of roles, the child takes it upon himself to comfort and reassure his mother that everything will be fine, she’ll get used to him going to big-kid school, and yes, he is ready for the first day of kindergarten.

Kindergarten Rocks! By Katie Davis
Dexter already knows everything there is to know about kindergarten. His big sister, Jessie, told him all about it. So Dexter is not scared. Not even a little bit. But his stuffed dog, Rufus, is scared. Actually, he’s terrified. But Dexter–er, Rufus–has nothing to fear: As he’ll soon find out, kindergarten rocks!

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? By Audrey Vernick
Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He’s smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?)