It felt like only yesterday I was a parent looking for first day of school story ideas at the library to read to my child! She and I were both so nervous, even though I had taught kindergarten myself. I wished I had a "just right" list- one that would tell me what each story was about to make sure I picked out the perfect book.
Likely, you're here because you've thought about this moment often, and it's for good reason! This essential year will start kids on their educational path that in many ways, shapes the rest of their lives. So it's normal to feel overwhelmed by what this day represents.
One of the best ways to help kids feel safe and understood in this transition is by reading a first day of school story together. These books can ease anxiety, spark conversation, and create a sense of familiarity with what to expect. Below, I’ve rounded up some wonderful first day of school stories that are perfect for kindergarteners—with a short synopsis of each one to help you find the right fit. The "just right" list I'd wished for...made for you.
Whether you're a parent looking to prepare your child or a teacher looking for a perfect first day read aloud, you're in the right place.
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Synopsis: Little raccoon Chester is nervous about going to school, so his mom shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love wherever he goes. This touching story is perfect for easing separation anxiety and helping kids feel connected to home.
Synopsis: Sarah Jane is reluctant to get out of bed on her first day at a new school. With a fun twist at the end, readers discover that the nervous new student isn't a student at all—she’s the teacher! This book helps normalize those first-day jitters.
Synopsis: Wemberly is a little mouse who worries about everything—especially the first day of school. When she meets a friend just like her, she learns that school isn’t so scary after all. This story is great for children who tend to overthink new experiences.
Synopsis: Follow Miss Bindergarten, a clever teacher, as she gets her classroom ready for 26 new animal students—each with a name starting with a different letter of the alphabet. This colorful, rhyming book introduces the idea of classroom structure in a fun, friendly way.
Synopsis: Pete the Cat explores his school with confidence and cool shoes. From the library to the lunchroom, he shows that everything is "all good." This upbeat story encourages kids to embrace new places with curiosity and confidence.
I read this to my TK students on the first day of school and then took them on a school tour/scavenger hunt so they could go to all the places that Pete went to on his first day. The sing-songy refrain in the book helps even the shyest kindergartners read aloud with you, "I'm rockin', in my school shoes! Im rockin', in my school shoes!"
Synopsis: Leo is super worried he isn't ready for kindergarten. Then his new teacher sends him a letter about the KIND in kindergarten. When he arrives at school, his teacher says they're going to write a kindness pledge. They gather ideas while touring the school, and his teacher introduces him to friends who also share examples of kindness.
This new (2022) favorite first day of school story for kindergarten really impressed me with its character diversity and originality in focusing on sharing kindness as a focus of kindergarten readiness.
Synopsis: Told from the point of view of the school building itself, this unique story shows that even the school is nervous about the first day. A creative and gentle way to explore first-day anxiety for kids who might be a little nervous but don't want to say it. Also, I love that this story includes the janitor as a care-taking parental figure for the school. That's a special touch! Many kids love it just for the janitor!
Synopsis: Mae is convinced she’s not going to school. But when she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl, she realizes she’s not the only one with fears—and that school might not be so bad after all.
Synopsis: Rosie feels "butterflies" in her stomach about starting school—but they magically fly away as her nerves settle. A charming metaphor that helps kids visualize their anxiety leaving them.
Synopsis: In this role-reversing story, a confident child reassures his nervous mom. Bright illustrations show both sides of the back-to-school experience with heart and humor.
Synopsis: A collection of short, upbeat poems that walk readers through kindergarten milestones—from saying goodbye to parents to field trips to the 100th day. One thing to note is that this book includes a nap time in the kindergarten day! Old school, haha!
I read this book often to my kids before their first day of kindergarten because it's extra silly and they love the rhyming. It includes a lot of detail about the whole year, not just the first day.
Synopsis: This short but powerful kindergarten first day read aloud can be read for any grade really! The premise is that a family can include those you cherish the most, even if they're not necessarily related to you. Kids spend SO many hours at school... They make memories, share, and grow connections with our school family! Your classroom becomes a special place, like a home, where you can make mistakes, have big wins, and develop friendships and grow.
My daughter's first grade teacher read this to her class on the first day of school and continued to refer to back to it throughout the year. The idea that you are LOVED and an essential part of your classroom gives kids immense confidence and a feeling of belonging. This book also does a great job of including diversity and differently abled students in the illustrations.
Reading stories about the first day of kindergarten can:
Pair a book with a calming bedtime routine or read it together over breakfast to create a positive atmosphere around the big day.
Curious about starting kindergarten as a parent? Check out my post on Kindergarten Readiness and/or this one if you are asked to sign up for a Kindergarten Assessment during summer.
The first day of school is the beginning of many new adventures. With a comforting first day of school story, you can help your child walk into kindergarten with a smile, a backpack, and a heart full of courage.
Sometimes kids just jump right in and that is totally great. Other times, it may take time to feel comfortable in a new environment. In these cases, ask your child's teacher about using a transitional object like a stuffy to help them transition from the car to the classroom. I've had students who really needed to hold my hand in line -even in first grade. It's okay to advocate for your child and ask your teacher to help you make their transition a smooth one. Don't be shy! We are all on the same team.
If you have a book you think should be added to this list of first day of school story ideas for kindergarten, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected] or via Pinterest.
