“At night, in your bed, there is much in your head. About teachers and school, music, art, friends, and rules. A whole world to explore: science, reading, and more. Now you’re BIG! You’re in school! And it really is cool!”
– Kindergarten Is Cool! by Linda Elovitz Marshall
It’s official – our daughter has started kindergarten! And even though she attended preschool and pre-k the past couple of years…she was still feeling a bit nervous about the change in schools, classmates, and teachers. In all honesty…I think we were all feeling a bit nervous. π So, in order to help calm her nerves a little bit, and give her a better idea of what to expect during the upcoming year, I decided to grab a selection of Kindergarten/Back-to-School Books from our local library. Reading these stories everyday turned out to be a fun way for all of us to celebrate the start of elementary school!
Even Mo Willem’s infamous pigeon was worried about starting school, as he acknowledged, “The unknown stresses me out, dude!” I think that the unknown stresses all of us out. We want to know what lies ahead, so that we can feel prepared (whether or not we actually are prepared). But I’m happy to say, that after reading through these fantastic books, our little nugget felt so much more confident and comfortable on her first day of school!
Kindergarten/Back-to-School Books
- Kindergarten Is Cool! by Linda Elovitz Marshall
- This cute and colorful story will have every child saying, “Wow! Kindergarten is so cool!” I mean, just look at how much fun all of the children are having…playing with blocks, conducting science experiments, singing songs, listening to stories, jumping rope, and hanging from the monkey bars!
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
- We have become slightly obsessed with books by Mo Willems this past year – we love Gerald and Piggie…and we can’t get enough of that silly pigeon. So, when this brand new installment released last month, we just knew that we needed to get our hands on a copy. And it could not be more appropriate for back-to-school season! Pigeon is a bit nervous about going to school. What if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like pigeons? What if there’s math? What will the other birds think of him? The unknown totally stresses pigeon out…and I think that we can all relate. But he gets past all of his worries… and when he finds out how he’s actually going to get to school (i.e. the bus)…well, he just can’t wait! π
- Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
- This fun, rhythmic story will introduce your little ones to the wonders of kindergarten. From story time, lunch, show-and-tell, and recess…to field trips, making friends, class pets, and class parties. It’s all hidden in the pages of this book!
- Kindergarten Countdown by Anna Jane Hays
- Does kindergarten start today?!? This adorable story follows a young girl who is eagerly awaiting the start of school. “I’ll be ready. I’ll be smart. I will get a running start. I’ll say thank you, I’ll say please. I will say my ABCs!”
- Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston
- When we start kindergarten, we don’t really know what to expect…what will happen…or the things that we might need to bring. We get nervous and anxious. Bill is no different. In anticipation of his first day, Bill starts packing up all of the things that he thinks he might need – like his teddy bear, chair, pillow, and cookies. Next on his list is his backhoe, robot, and sandbox. When he looks at the giant pile of stuff on his front lawn, he decides that he will need to hire a moving truck to take him to school. π But before the moving truck arrives, his mom reassures him that his teacher will have absolutely everything that he needs. “I leave my piles of stuff at home. I sing out ‘Doodle-eeeee!’ I’m off to kindergarten now. And all I take is – ME!”
- K is for Kindergarten by Erin Dealey
- This cute, rhythmic book will guide your little one through all of the ins-and-outs of kindergarten – from A to Z! New teachers, new rules, new desks, and new tools…kindergarten is a magical place where you will learn new things and meet lots of new faces. Each letter of the alphabet also includes a Kindergarten Countdown and a Kinder Challenge – fun activities that will keep your kiddo entertained and engaged the whole year through.
- Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
- We love all of Todd Parr’s books! And this particular one is perfect for the start of the school year – a colorful reminder that each and every one of our unique quirks and characteristics are what makes us all so special. It’s important that we stay true to ourselves…and that we feel comfortable and confident in our own skin. “It doesn’t matter what color you are, where you are from, or who’s in your family. Everyone needs to be loved. Always love yourself and be who you are!”
- The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
- Mr. Fish was eager for his first day of school…but after rushing in, he lost his way. He tried joining various classrooms, but left each one feeling overwhelmed, insecure, and discouraged. He didn’t know how to write his name, draw a rhombus, or do long division. And just when he was ready to call it quits and head home, he heard a soft voice calling him toward the door for “Brand New Fish.” He had finally found his classroom – a safe place where he could learn and grow, and master all sorts of new skills!
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
- It’s nice to go to a school where everyone is welcomed with open arms. And this book does a beautiful job of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and kindness. In this story, readers will get an up-close look at a school where the students come from all walks of life…children from different ethnicities and cultures; children with different religious beliefs and celebrations; children with different abilities. Every single student is celebrated! This heartwarming story lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in school!
The move to kindergarten is a big one for our youngsters – it involves a lot of change. But our daughter has handled the transition like a champ! She’s excited to go to school every single day…and she always returns with so much enthusiasm! Her giant smiles actually calm my nerves, because let’s be honest…the move to kindergarten is a difficult one for us parents too. π Yes, I cried the first day that I dropped her off, and watched her walk confidently into her classroom. I’m so used to having her by my side two days out of the work week, and her absence has left our house feeling awfully quiet. But the quiet doesn’t last long…as each afternoon she comes bounding through the door with tales about her day! I’m immensely proud of my kindergarten girl, and I can’t wait to witness the many great things that she will achieve this year!
Do your kiddos have a favorite back-to-school book? Feel free to share your family favorites in the comments below!
