Books About Starting Kindergarten

One of the very best ways to prepare kids for Kindergarten is by reading to them.  A lot.

Reading kids books about starting Kindergarten not only helps develop literacy skill it can also help ease anxiety and make them feel more confident about starting school.  Here are some of our favorite books about going to Kindergarten!

(Click on the titles below for an affiliate link to Amazon to learn more or purchase the book.) 

Books about Starting Kindergarten

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by DJ Steinberg

This is a sweet poem with charming illustrations written to help kids get more familiar with and excited about kindergarten. Kids like to read this one again and again.

First Day Jitters (Mrs. Hartwell’s Class Adventures) by Julie Danneberg

This is one of my favorite books about starting school because of the twist at the end. Kids about to start kindergarten will relate to how Sarah Jane Hartwell feels about the first day of school and love the surprise ending!

Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

This book is great for kids who are anxious about going to kindergarten.  The main character, Dexter, is not nervous about starting kindergarten, but his stuffed animal Rufus is. Kids will respond to Rufus’ (and Dexter’s!) discovery that kindergarten does rock.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten  by Joseph Slate

This rhyming story not only goes through the process of starting kindergarten it also reinforces the alphabet–perfect for rising kindergartners!

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing

This rhyming poem eases kids fears by showing you don’t need to worry about going to kindergarten. I skipped this one with my oldest because I didn’t want to give her anything to worry about, but know lots of friends whose kids really loved reading it.

Off To Kindergarten by Tony Johnston

We discovered this one in my daughter’s kindergarten classroom.  The drawing are cheery and inviting and kids can relate to the main character’s need to bring all of his favorite items with him.

Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

Kids often have unwarranted fears about what will happen at school like the main character. New kindergartners will be happy to discover that others feel that same way. This is a good choice for kids who are nervous about starting school.

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell

This is such a sweet story. I think the simple illustrations and realistic situations make it a comforting read for kids, it’s one of my favorites.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson

Starting school can be both exciting and nerve wracking. Kids can get excited and feel confident about going to kindergarten along with Henry the main character.  It’s a fun one to read the night before school starts.

You may also want to read How to Ease Kindergarten Anxiety and First Day of School Books for Kids!

For even more information and ideas about getting kids ready for Kindergarten check out what the other Get Ready for K Through PLAY! hosts are sharing!

• Must Have Resources to Get Ready for K Mess for Less
• Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten from Mama Smiles

And catch up on all the posts in the Get Ready for K Through PLAY! series and follow our Get Ready for K Through PLAY! Pinterest Board for a huge collection of Kindergarten readiness activities!