Are your kids feeling anxious about the first day? We’ve got you covered with our selection of 17 books about the first day of school that will help your kids feel ready and excited.
These delightful reads soothe those first-day jitters and spark conversations about friendship, kindness, and embracing uniqueness. Why not harness this power to prepare your kids for their first day at school? So, let’s turn those butterflies into first-day adventures!
And remember, for even more reading fun and inspiration, be sure to check out our entire collection of fantastic kids’ books!
First Day of School Book Ideas
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This heartwarming picture book celebrates the magic within classroom walls. Teachers do more than just teach academics; they create a sense of community. In “Our Class is a Family,” kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, where mistakes are okay, and where being a friend matters.
The whimsical illustrations and heartfelt message make this book a must-read for building and strengthening that class bond. As the saying goes, “Family isn’t always your relatives; it’s the ones who accept you for who you are”
Imagine receiving a heartfelt letter from your new teacher. In this book, students get just that. The teacher assures them that beyond academics, she’s there to cheer them on, create a caring environment, and form a special bond.
It’s a read-aloud that sets the tone for the year, making every student feel seen and valued. Plus, there’s a blank space at the end for the teacher’s signature—straight from the heart to the students’ hands.
Feeling nervous about the first day of school? Well, Mrs. Hartwell experiences those familiar first-day-of-school jitters. She’s anxious, doesn’t know anyone, and feels like it’ll be an awful day. But with a bit of encouragement, she heads to class. Surprise twist: Sarah Jane Hartwell is the teacher!
This funny and relatable book captures the excitement and anxiety of starting anew. Perfect for seasoned students and fresh faces alike, it’s a back-to-school staple that reminds us we all get the jitters sometimes.
If you're a fan of Pete the Cat, get ready to meet Pete the Kitty! In "Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool" by James Dean, the cool, blue buddy is ready for a new adventure: preschool! From making new friends to discovering all the fun activities, Pete takes us along on his journey through those first-day feelings.
This book is perfect for little ones gearing up for their preschool adventures. Join Pete as he rocks his first day and shows us how to keep it groovy, even when things feel uncertain!
Want a matching craft? Try out this Pete the Cat Craft.
Who doesn't love Curious George? In this charming tale by H. A. Rey, everyone's favorite mischievous monkey is preparing for his first day of school. But being curious as always, George just can't resist exploring everything around him, from the classroom to the playground. Along the way, he learns important lessons about listening to the teacher and following the rules.
This book is a classic story that captures the excitement and wonder of starting school for the first time. Get ready for a wild ride with George that's sure to bring a smile to your face!
This book takes us to Frederick Douglass Elementary School on its first day. But guess what? The school itself is a little nervous, too! Yes, you heard that right. The school building is a character with feelings and worries about how things will go. Will the kids like it? Will they be friendly? Will they spill juice on the floor? (Oops!)
As the day unfolds, we witness the school’s ups and downs, laughter, and mishaps. And guess who helps clean up the mess? George, the custodian. This tale reminds us that even buildings have feelings and sometimes need a little reassurance.
Chrysanthemum loves her name mainly because it means "golden flower." But when she starts school, some other kids make fun of her long, unusual term.
This book explores how Chrysanthemum deals with feeling different and learning to appreciate her unique name (and maybe even inspire others to enjoy theirs, too!).
Little Critter, the adorable protagonist, is a bit nervous about starting school. There’s a lot to do before he can even hop on the bus: picking out clothes, finding his backpack, packing the perfect lunch, and saying goodbye to Mom.
Lift the flaps in this interactive book to discover the surprises awaiting Little Critter's exciting first day. It’s a tale that captures anticipation and jitters with new beginnings.
This book takes us through the first 12 days of kindergarten with a young girl. Imagine the familiar Christmas carol, but instead of partridges in pear trees, they have school buses, playground slides, and laughter at lunchtime. The protagonist experiences all the typical “firsts” of school: making friends, counting, singing, and even going on a field trip.
The illustrations show diverse students, making it relatable for little ones embarking on their kindergarten adventures.
The night before preschool can be full of jitters, and this book perfectly captures those preschool feels. Join a little one as they prepare for their first day, pack their backpack, pick out the perfect outfit (with a cape, of course!), and even practice their goodbyes. With adorable illustrations and a reassuring message, this book is a great way to calm any first-day jitters.
If you've ever wondered what it's like for a giant red dog to tackle his first day of school, well, wonder no more because Norman Bridwell's "Clifford's First School Day" spills all the beans! Clifford, the big friendly pooch, is all hyped up and nervous about stepping paw into the world of education.
But with Emily Elizabeth by his side, anything's pawsible! From making new friends to learning how not to knock down everything with his wagging tail (oops!), he will take you on a wild ride through his first-day adventures. This tail-waggingly delightful tale will make you want to hug your pup tighter.
After your child finishes reading this book, have them create this Dog Paper Bag Puppet.
Imagine if your first day involved many hilarious mix-ups and misunderstandings—that's the chaos that unfolds in "Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School" by Herman Parish!
This quirky character takes everything too literally, leading to some hilarious situations. From putting literal ants in her pants (yikes!) to drawing actual pictures of her new friends, Amelia Bedelia gives "unique" a whole new meaning. Get ready for giggles galore with this charmingly offbeat story!
Beep, beep! Little Blue Truck and his pal Toad are rolling down the road when they meet a big yellow school bus. They see many furry and feathery friends on board, heading to school. Blue wishes he could be a school bus, too, but he's just a little truck!
Luckily, when one little animal misses the bus, Blue takes a bumpy, adventurous route to get them to school on time. This story reminds us that even though we might not be the biggest or flashiest, we can still be helpful and make a difference!
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” is a delightful children’s book by Mo Willems. In this story, the pigeon faces the prospect of attending school for the first time. The pigeon, who already believes he knows everything, is hesitant and worried. He wonders what school will be like, whether he will like it, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him.
This book beautifully captures the mix of emotions that children experience when facing new situations. With Mo Willems’ signature wit and expressive illustrations, it is a heartwarming and entertaining read for kids.
After your kids have read this fun book, have them make their handprint pigeon craft!
Get ready to wag your tails and roll over with laughter because Stanley the Dog is hitting the books in this adorable tale by Bobby Bones. It's Stanley's first day of school, and boy, he has some nerves!
But with a bit of encouragement from his pals and a lot of heart, Stanley embarks on an adventure that will make readers howl with delight. Filled with charming illustrations and a message about facing fears, this book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt anxious about entering the classroom.
Encourage the kids to make a Dog Headband Craft to match the story.
Meet Rosie, the brand-new student, who’s got her backpack ready and her heart racing. But guess what? She’s got butterflies in her stomach!
The illustrations by Dream Chen are whimsical and capture Rosie’s emotions perfectly.
Add to the fun with this Butterfly Worksheet for a matching activity!
Daniel’s First Day of School is a delightful 8x8 storybook inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It’s Daniel Tiger’s big day: his first day of school! Daniel is bubbling with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Who wouldn’t be? New friends, new adventures, and a whole lot of learning await. But what will school be like?
More Fun Book Ideas
Fun Activities For Kids
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.