Want to ease some of your child’s first-day-of-school butterflies? Cozy up together and read a story that will give them a better understanding of what’s ahead. The books we’re suggesting don’t gloss over the fact that kids may feel apprehensive about starting school – they address it head-on with patience, positivity, and humor.
Here is our list of recommended reading before the first day:
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems
Published just last year, this is a must-read in the hilarious Pigeon series. The Pigeon has attitude and personality to burn, but he isn’t on board with the whole going-to-school thing. He vents his concerns with his usual dramatic flair… until he realizes that there is a bus involved.
Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish (Author), Lynne Avril (Illustrator)
Iconic Amelia Bedelia goes on her first day of school. Her classic misadventures show your kids that despite our mistakes, we can still form friendships, learn lessons, and that through it all Mrs. Edwards, Amelia’s teacher offers gentle guidance and an open heart.
David Goes to School by David Shannon
David is not the “sit still and listen” type, to say the least. His outlandish antics are a clear lesson in “what not to do” – which, of course, is wildly entertaining to kids. Author/illustrator David Shannon paints a vivid picture (literally) of David’s over-the-top behavior and the resulting chaos.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
In this story, an adorable llama preschooler feels sad after saying goodbye to his mother. Luckily, his kind-hearted zebra teacher says it’s okay to feel this way, and reminds him that Llama Mama will return at the end of the day. This book’s simple phrasing and rhymes make it equally suitable for kids heading to daycare or kindergarten.
Dad’s First Day by Mike Wohnoutka
This heartwarming book turns the tables on the usual “first day” jitters – it’s the dad who’s having them, not the son. Be prepared laugh out loud… and to see a little bit of yourself in the mournful face of Oliver’s father.
Time for School, Mouse by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
Remember the mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? He’s busy assembling his gear and supplies for school, which results in a needle-in-a-haystack search for some missing homework. This book is a quick read, with short sentences and cute illustrations.
Mya’s First Day Of School: A Story About The Joy Of Learning, Friendships, And Fun Adventures. By Francis Davis
Mya loves to learn and explore, and she loves to meet new friends! Will she love school? And meet friends? This lovely book follows Mya as she discovers what it’s like to be a preschooler.
My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
Yoon likes the way her name looks when written in Korean, but she now faces the task of learning to write it in English, at her new American school. Reluctant to do this, she experiments with using different English words as her name. Yoon’s honesty in the story shows kids that it’s normal to feel uncomfortable in new situations.
How to Be Confident in Kindergarten: A Book for Your Backpack David J. Steinberg, illus. by Ruth Hammond
This book takes your child on a journey through the school day and put a spotlight the importance of persistence in transforming uncertainty into assurance, showing how kids can grow their confidence with each new activity.
As the first day of school draws near, try looking through one of these books (or another family favorite) with your child. If you don’t have access to a print copy, search your local library’s website for eBooks, or do an online search with the book title and the words “read aloud.” Many teachers (and even some kids!) have created YouTube videos with expressive readings of these well-known classics.
