10 Books to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Last summer as I was getting my little one ready to start Kindergarten, I gathered books and read him several to help him prepare for what school would be like.  He had been in preschool but never in an all-day program.  He transitioned fantastically and we had a wonderful year. :) 

Here are ten great books to help your little one transition into 'big kid' school!

1. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten

In this picture book, readers watch the Kindergarten teacher, Miss Bindergarten, and each student as they get ready for school.  Each animal-student starts with a different letter of the alphabet.

2. First Day Jitters

Not specific to Kindergarten but great at talking about fears and 'jitters' with a super surprise twist at the end that kids love.  This is probably my favorite back-to-school book!  I first read it while inside a Barnes & Noble and went running to show it to my husband.  

3. Clifford Goes to Kindergarten

Clifford books have been around for ages and it's because they are so timeless and well-written!  I managed to get this as a hard back for $5 at Kohl's last summer during one of their Kohl's Cares campaigns (you know how they always have $5 items by the cash register?).  I also snagged a $5 plush Clifford and gave it and the book to my new Kindergartener.  

4. The Night Before Kindergarten

Rhyming text reminiscent of "Twas the night before Christmas," tells this story of children in town getting ready for Kindergarten. They worry about if they will still get to play and what their teacher will be like.  "The Night Before Kindergarten" does a great job at vocalizing things your little one may subconsciously be fearing.

5. Kindergarten Rocks!

Dexter Dugan is starting Kindergarten and he's not scared but his stuffed dog is!  Luckily his older sister, a 3rd grader, has been to Kindergarten and can tell him all about it.  "Kindergarten Rocks" is under $10 on Amazon.

6.  Planet Kindergarten

This book is newer, it just came out in 2016, and has a clever space theme.  I love the bold illustrations!

7.  How Do Dinosaurs Go To School

All of the "How Do Dinosaurs...." books are great.  They all focus on social development and appropriate behaviors.  Plus, what kid doesn't love dinosaurs?!

8. On The First Day of Kindergarten

Tish Rabe authored this cute read-aloud book. It's set up similar to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" because the story goes "On the first day of Kindergarten....On the second day of Kindergarten..." and so on.

9. Tom Goes to Kindergarten

Tom, the panda, heads off to kindergarten along with his mom and dad. The parents are so cute as they enjoy playing in the classroom too and are sad when they have to leave.  A word of caution though---if your child's school doesn't let parents into the classroom on the first day (and many don't) this book may make your child think you'll get to come back with them.  Know your school's policy so you can talk about it with your child if you choose to read this book.

10.  We Share Everything

Amanda and Jeremiah are kindergarteners who have to learn to share.  This book will be especially good for incoming kindergarteners who have little experience in being around other children or who are prone to arguing with others. "We Share Everything" is available right now on Amazon for under $8.  Robert Munsch is a popular author so if you don't want to purchase your own copy, your local library more than likely has a copy you can check out!
  

Be sure to pin this post so you can find it when you head to the library or bookstore!