Starting School Stories

Stories and informational books to help ease any fears a child may have about starting school and to help everyone look forward to this special day.


Compiled by:
Children's Services Staff
Adventure Annie Goes to Kindergarten

Toni Buzzeo
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Buz)

Even though there are rules to follow, a little girl who loves adventure has an exciting first day of kindergarten. Recommended for ages 3-6.


The Class

Boni Ashburn
(Juvenile Picture Books – Ej Ash)

Twenty young students, some eager, some nervous, some grumpy, prepare for their very first day of kindergarten. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Countdown to Kindergarten

Alison McGhee
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mcg)

Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler cannot tie her shoes by herself and fears the worst. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Don't Be Silly, Mrs. Millie!

Judy Cox
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Co)

A teacher makes her students laugh when she mixes up words, saying "goats" instead of "coats" and "poodles" when she means "puddles." Recommended for ages 3-6.


First Day of School

Nicola Barber
(Juvenile Picture Book Nonfiction - Ej 372.1244 Bar)

This book explains what to expect on the first day of school, including getting ready, transportation, being apart from parents, class activities, playing, lunch, getting to know people, and returning home. Recommended for ages 3–6.


Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School

Ian Whybrow
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Why)

On Harry's first day at his new school he is not sure whether or not to bring his bucket of dinosaurs, but in the end the dinosaurs help him make a friend. Recommended for ages 3-6.


I Am Not Going to School Today!

Robie H. Harris
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ha)

A little boy decides to skip his very first day of school. Recommended for ages 3-6.


I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

Lauren Child
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ch)

When Lola is worried about starting school, her older brother Charlie reassures her. Recommended for ages 3-6.


The Kissing Hand

Audrey Penn
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pen)

When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Lena's Shoes Are Nervous: A First-Day-of-School Dilemma

Keith Calabrese
Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cal

Lena is excited about starting kindergarten but her favorite shoes are not. With the help of her father and a very special headband, she convinces the shoes—and herself—to be brave. Recommended for ages 3–6.


Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come!

Nancy L. Carlson
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ca)

Even though Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten, he is not sure about staying once he first gets there. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Maisy Goes to Preschool

Lucy Cousins
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cou)

"Join Maisy and her friends for a busy day at preschool! Experience many school activities: painting, music, story time, and more!" Recommended for ages 3-6.


Mom, It's My First Day of Kindergarten!

Hyewon Yum
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Yum)

A five-year-old boy, ready and eager on his first day at "the big kids' school," must calm his very worried mother. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Ollie's School Day: A Yes-and-No Book

Stephanie Calmenson
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cal)

This book asks the reader a series of yes or no questions as Ollie gets dressed, spends a day at school, and returns home. Recommended for ages 3–6.


Otto Goes to School

Todd Parr
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pa)

After a breakfast of juice, cereal, and a banana split, Otto goes to school for the first time, where he makes new friends and learns how to wag his tail without knocking things over. Recommended for ages 3-6.


A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

James Preller
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Pre)

A young pirate and his crew embark on a grand adventure when they board the bus for the first day of first grade. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Planet Kindergarten

Sue Ganz-Schmitt
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Gan)

A young child imagines going to kindergarten as a journey to another planet. Recommended for ages 3–6.


School's First Day of School

Adam Rex
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Rex)

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. Recommended for ages 3-6.


We [Love] Our School: A Read-Together Rebus Story

Judy Sierra
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sie)

Rhyming text with rebuses follows a group of animals through their first day of school. Recommended for ages 3-6.


Wemberly Worried

Kevin Henkes
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej He)

A mouse named Wemberly, who worries about everything, finds that she has a whole list of things to worry about when she faces the first day of nursery school. Recommended for ages 3-6.