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Starting kindergarten is an extremely exciting time for both you and your children, however, it can also be very nerve-wracking! It is a natural for both parents and children to be wary and anxious about this next step.

A great way to support your children as they start school or are starting a new year of school in a new classroom is to read some books together that talk about the transition and all the emotions involved.

Dad’s First Day by Mike Wohnoutka

On the first day of school, Oliver’s dad isn’t quite ready. Suddenly he feels nervous. His tummy hurts, and he would rather stay home. But Oliver isn’t convinced. What if the first day is really fun? What if it’s the start to an exciting year?

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz Schmitt

This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as this young hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of a strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new students ready for liftoff!

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

When Unhei, a young Korean girl, moves to America with her family and arrives at a new school, she begins to wonder if she should also choose a new name. Her classmates suggest Daisy, Miranda, Lex, and more, but nothing seems to fit. Does she need an American name? How will she choose? And what should she do about her Korean name?

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic, touching the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp.

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman & Adam Rex

Chu, the adorable panda with a great big sneeze, is heading off for his first day of school, and he’s nervous. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at school? And will Chu do what he does best? Chu’s First Day of School is a perfect read-aloud story about the universal experience of starting school.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon, and night. And Wemberly worried about one thing most of all: her first day of school. But when she meets a fellow worrywart in her class, Wemberly realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!

The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing

It’s the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can’t fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he’s too excited about going back! The book’s simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child’s fears about the first day of school.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson

The first day of kindergarten is finally here, and Henry can’t wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he’s not so sure he’s ready for kindergarten. But before long Henry discovers that the only thing he’s not ready for is how much fun he’s going to have at school! This gently humorous, encouraging story will give children about to start school an extra boost of confidence.