My son is starting PreK soon. He (and I) seem to have some mild anxiety about it. So off to the library we went. I mentioned to the librarian that I wanted to read books to help him (and me) get ready. She was on top of it and made for sure we left with a decent stack. Thank you Pioneer Library System!
We have since been incorporating these books into our reading routine. My son has been very receptive, and it has seemed to help. So I am excited to share these titles in case they might be useful to someone else.
Books for Starting Kindergarten
The librarian sent us home with several books specific to starting Kindergarten. When reading these, since my son is going into PreK, I read Pre-Kindergarten or PreK out loud in place of Kindergarten. We are also lucky enough to know who his teacher will be next year. So any time there was a teacher’s name, I changed it to his teachers’s name.
- Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
- Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
- Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! by Hyewon Yum
- Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell
- Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis
Books for Starting School (not specific to any level)
While my son enjoyed all of these, I think it’s worth noting that The Kissing Hand became an instant classic in our house. It resonated with my son AND my 3 year old daughter. When Chester raccoon was nervous to start school, Mama raccoon kissed his left hand. That way anytime Chester was away from her, feeling scared, or missing home he could put his hand to his cheek. He would always be able to have and feel his mother’s kiss with him wherever he went. Let’s just say that my babies’ palms will have kisses on them for a long time to come.
The Biscuit series became a favorite with my son over the summer. It’s apart of the I CAN READ books, beginning level reader books published by Harper Collins. Biscuit is a mischievous dog who finds adventures whoever he goes. It’s written in short, simple sentences that my son can read. It was good fortune that when he finished his summer reading program chart one of the prize books he could choose from to keep was Biscuit Goes to School.
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- I Love School! by Philemon Sturges
- Biscuit Goes to School by Aylssa Satin Capucilli
- Going to School by Anne Civardi – This is an Usborne book we already owned.
I hope one of these books is as useful to you as it has been to us. Here’s to a wonderful school year!!!
BigAndPinkyToes 
Love kids books Lacey (you should seethe bookcase in our family room!) and these look great– I used to read Miss Bindergarten when I taught kindergarten years ago. And it looks like Going to School has Stephen Cartwright illustrations –my favorite! And– don’t you love libraries and helpful librarians??! At our little local library they’ll even buy a new book that I request, if they think it would be popular. (and I get to check it our first!). OK, so I’m hoping all goes well for your little guy when he launches into school– I remember dropping our boys off early on and just wishing I could go sit in the back of the room to watch how they were getting along!! It’s a whole new exciting adventure!! (sorry I went on so long– but books and school are close to my heart!). Hugs Lacey– here’s to new school day ahead!! xox
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Stephen Cartwright did illustration Going to School. Good eye.
Yes, I have been SO impressed with our library system. It’s a resource we are going to use and take full advantage of for many years to come. And Rhonda, what a good idea to see if they’ll order books for you.
My husband and I have said many times we wish there was a camera we could watch him in the class room on. Not to be controlling or that we don’t trust the teacher, but we are just THAT curious!
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Me too Lacey– just would be fun to see that little part of their world as they branch out! Loved this post! xox
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Exactly
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