Preparing for Kindergarten can be so emotional for everyone involved. You’re probably wondering how these past few years went so fast, while your little cutie is wondering what the H-E-double-hockey-sticks kindergarten is. Luckily, there are several kindergarten books out there that can make this transition a little easier on everyone.
In addition to books that can help your kiddo prepare for the big first day of school, there are also incredible books available that you’ll want your little student to explore. From classic kindergarten tales to newer age-appropriate books with progressive themes, there’s a kindergarten-level book for just about any topic you may want to discuss with your child. Check out our top picks and read on!
1. Kindergarten Rocks! Book
ROCK YOUR FIRST DAY
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Dexter is a kindergarten pro — after all, his big sister Jessie told him everything he needs to know. While he’s not nervous or scared at all, his stuffed dog, Rufus, is. Kindergarten Rocks! is a great book for easing kids into the school transition. Plus, it truly comes Scary Mommy-approved:
“My son and I read this book every day for a couple of weeks before he started kindergarten. It then became a tradition to read it the night before each new school year started, even last year for 5th grade!” – Melissa Weingarten, Scary Mommy Team.
2. Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale
AN IMMIGRATION STORY
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This allegorical picture book by Duncan Tonatiuh follows the story of a young rabbit named Pancho as he eagerly waits for his Papa Rabbit to come back home. Papa left his family two yers ago to find work in the great carrot and lettuce fields to earn money.
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale is the perfect bedtime story to share with kindergarteners. The book discusses themes of immigration and family, which in today’s day and age, have never been more relevant. Tonatiuh’s work seeks to bring light back into the lives of any immigrant that has faced hardship or struggle while trying to make life better for themselves and their families by illegally crossing the border.
3. The Night Before Kindergarten Book
GREAT FOR KINDERGARTEN PREP
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Do you have a nervous kindergartener who’s prepping for their first day? Author Natasha Wing reimagines the classic Christmas story ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, keeping all the integrity and rhyming scheme of the original long-form poem. Except this version is for kids going into kindergarten!
With sweet lines like, “Twas the night before kindergarten/and as they prepared/ kids were excited/and a little bit scared,” this book will prep your kids mentally for their first day. Make a game of it by reading the book after packing school supplies, picking out their first-day outfit, and packing their lunch.
4. First Little Readers’ Parent Pack
20+ TITLES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE
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Learning how to read can be intimidating, but this large parent pack contains over 20+ titles that you and your little one can practice reading together. This big collection features motivating storybooks that fit perfectly in Guided Reading Level A. Each of the books included is in full color and every page features one line of simple, repetitive text. Kids will learn to read with ease and confidence in no time and parents will appreciate the included guide of tips for parents. (Yeah, we need it!)
5. Clifford Goes to Kindergarten Book
BIG, RED, AND PERFECT FOR KINDERGARTEN
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How lucky is Emily Elizabeth to have someone like Clifford the Big Red Dog to start kindergarten with? Read along as Clifford helps make Emily Elizabeth’s kindergarten transition a little easier. Sure, the teacher said Emily Elizabeth could bring something from home to make her feel better — but we’re pretty sure the teacher wasn’t banking on something as big and red as Clifford! Clifford is one of the most comforting, timeless characters in the kindergartener space.
6. Dear Girl,
A LOVE LETTER TO THE GIRL IN YOUR LIFE
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Dear Girl, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal is a love letter to the five-year-old girl in your life. Each page empowers her, reminds her how amazing she is in all ways, and inspires her. It’s the perfect gift for any occasion, really, but it will be extra meaningful to read as the little gal in your life prepares to go to kindergarten for the first time.
7. It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
LET’S ALL BE OURSELVES
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Teach your kids the importance of being themselves from a young age with this book about gender identity by Theresa Thorn. It Feels Good To Be Yourself takes a straight-forward approach to gender: Some people are boys, some people are girls, some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.
Thorn seeks to give children a full understanding of what gender identity is with child-friendly language, vibrant art, and an overall welcoming vibe that approaches this important topic with kindness and sensitivity.
8. Polly Pear
MEET POLLY!
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Read alongside your child as you both experience Polly Pear’s journey of moving to a new town and trying to make new friends. It encourages children to overcome their fears and be brave despite nervousness or anxiety, especially as it related to navigating social circles at school.
9. Franny’s Father Is a Feminist!
IT’S SIMPLE, REALLY…
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The tag line for Franny’s Father Is a Feminist is pretty straight-forward. Franny’s father knows girls can do whatever boys can and he’s dedicated to empowering Franny and making her feel strong, powerful, and capable. For parents who want to explain feminism to their children and show them that men (and dads!) can be feminists, too, buck gender norms with this book from Rhona Leet.
10. Jamie Is Jamie
I AM WHO I AM
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Jamie wants to play with all the cool toys at school — regardless of if they’re “boy toys” or “girl toys.” This confuses the other children at school who aren’t sure if Jamie is a boy or a girl. Jamie Is Jamie by Afsaneh Moradian shows kids that it’s OK to play your own way, whatever way that may be. The entertaining story delicately approaches topics, like gender identity and expression, in ways that children can easily digest. It provides a safe space for kids who want to play regardless of the impositions of gender roles. The book also includes a special section of tips for teachers, parents, and caregivers.
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Our mom experts only recommend picks they really love. We may earn a commission on purchases made through links from our site, but if we love it, we know you’ll love it. And we Scary Mommies gotta stick together.
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