Starting first grade is a big milestone, and for many kids, it’s filled with excitement, curiosity, and maybe even a few nerves. Will they make new friends? What if school is hard? And—gulp—what if they miss home?
The best way to prepare and comfort them? Reading together! The right books can help kids feel more confident, introduce them to new ideas, and even make learning fun. Below are seven must-read books to help kindergarteners get excited (instead of nervous) about starting first grade.
1. The Pigeon Has to Go to School! – Mo Willems
Pigeon does not think he needs school. He already knows everything! But deep down, there’s a little bit of worry hiding behind all his excuses. What if school is too hard? What if he doesn’t fit in? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? With his usual dramatic and hilarious personality, Pigeon goes through all the emotions kids might feel before their first day.
This book is a fantastic way to talk about school anxiety in a way that feels silly rather than stressful. The simple text, big expressions, and playful storytelling make it a great read-aloud, and kids will love Pigeon’s over-the-top reactions. By the end, they’ll see that even Pigeon is willing to give school a try—and maybe they will be too!
2. The Night Before First Grade – Natasha Wing
Penny has been looking forward to first grade all summer, especially because she’ll get to sit next to her best friend. But when she arrives, she finds out they aren’t in the same class. At first, she’s disappointed, but as the day goes on, she starts making new friends and realizing that first grade is full of surprises—in a good way!
Told in a fun, rhyming style similar to The Night Before Christmas, this book is great for kids who are worried about the unexpected changes that can come with a new school year. It reassures them that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, they can still have a great time and make new friends along the way.
3. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex is ready for her first day of school, but there’s just one small problem—her classmates are children, and she keeps trying to eat them! She quickly realizes that if she wants to make friends, she has to learn how to treat others with kindness. Her journey from struggling to fit in to finally understanding how to be a good friend is both hilarious and heartwarming.
This book is perfect for teaching social skills and empathy in a fun, lighthearted way. The silly but meaningful storyline keeps kids engaged, while the message about respecting others and making friends is easy for them to understand. With big, expressive illustrations and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a great read for helping kids learn how to navigate friendships at school.
4. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
The letters of the alphabet are on a wild adventure, racing up a coconut tree—until there are too many and they all come tumbling down! With a catchy, rhythmic text and bold, colorful illustrations, this book makes learning letters an exciting experience.
The sing-song flow of the words makes it easy for kids to follow along and memorize, which helps with early reading skills. It’s a fun way to introduce letters, patterns, and even a little bit of storytelling structure in a way that feels more like a game than a lesson. Parents and teachers love this book because it gets kids actively participating, whether they’re chanting along or pointing to the letters as they appear.
5. The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn
Chester Raccoon is nervous about his first day of school, but his mother has a special trick to help him feel loved, even when they’re apart. She kisses his palm and tells him that whenever he feels lonely, he can press his hand to his cheek and feel her love. With that little bit of comfort, Chester gains the confidence to face his new adventure.
This is one of the best books for easing separation anxiety, especially for kids who might be struggling with the idea of being away from home. The sweet and gentle storytelling makes it a great bedtime read, and many parents have started their own “kissing hand” tradition after reading this book. It’s a beautiful way to remind kids that they’re never truly alone, even when they’re at school.
6. If You Take a Mouse to School – Laura Numeroff
In this playful, cause-and-effect story, a curious little mouse joins a boy for his first day of school—and, of course, chaos follows! He needs a lunchbox, which reminds him that he needs a sandwich, which leads to another request, and before long, things spiral into a hilarious adventure.
This book is great for introducing kids to sequencing and prediction in a fun way. The familiar pattern of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie books makes it an engaging read, and kids will love seeing how one small request turns into a whole school day full of surprises. It’s a lighthearted look at the school experience, perfect for kids who might be feeling unsure about what to expect.
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