Children's books, from children's picture books to children's chapter books, can help to reassure children about starting school or going to a new school. Young children who are starting preschool or kindergarten will find these picture books appealing. In addition, there are several picture books and chapter books for older children who are worried about starting school in a new grade or school.
Is your little one apprehensive about going to preschool or kindergarten? Introduce her to Lola, the star of this picture book by Lauren Child. Lola is sure she is "too absolutely small for school," but her older brother Charlie patiently convinces her otherwise by presenting a series of imaginative and funny reasons she needs to go to school. Not only is the story fun, but Child's mixed media illustrations are a delight, vibrant and highly entertaining. (Candlewick, 2004. ISBN: 0763624039)
This delightful picture book is about a busy day of fun and learning for the 20 four- year-olds who attend the school. The story follows all 20 through their preparations for school, to a day at Little School, to their return home. This book is perfect for the child who is starting preschool, nursery school, or daycare and wants to know exactly what to expect. The book was written and illustrated in watercolor, pencils, and ink by Beth Norling. (Kane/Miller, 2003. ISBN: 1929132425)
This is an excellent book for the child who is worried about changing schools. The author is Julie Danneberg and the colorful and comic illustrations in ink and watercolor are by Judy Love. It’s the first day of school and Sarah Jane Hartwell does not want to go. She will be going to a new school and she is scared. This is a funny book, with a surprise ending that will cause the reader to laugh out loud and then go back and read the entire story again. (Charlesbridge, 2000. ISBN: 158089061X)
This picture book was written by Dianne Blomberg and has engaging watercolor illustrations by George Ulrich. It was published under the auspices of the American Psychological Association and was written specifically to help parents prepare children for kindergarten or first grade. In addition to the story about Sam and his experiences on the first day of school, there are two sections of information for parents. (Magination Press, 1999. ISBN: 1557985626)
Many children find comfort in routine, in knowing what to expect. This picture book is filled with color photographs of active children in kindergarten classrooms. Rather than showing one classroom or just a few activities, the book shows a wide range of kindergarten activities in a variety of settings. The book was written by James Howe and illustrated by Betsy Imershein. You and your child will enjoy talking about the photographs together. (HarperTrophy, updated 1995. ISBN: 0688143873)
Anne Rockwell’s exuberant childlike paintings create a positive mood in this story of a little boy’s spring visit to kindergarten to meet the teacher and see where he will be going to school in the fall. When Tim first sees the classroom, he is intimidated by its size, but by the time he finishes visiting all of the activity centers and enjoying cookies with the teacher, Tim has decided that the classroom is just the right size. (Walker & Company, 2001. ISBN: 0802787452)
Brother Bear is looking forward to returning to school, but Sister Bear is fearful about starting school. She and her mother visit her classroom and meet her teacher before school starts, which helps. On the first day of school, Sister Bear is delighted to see friends on the school bus, but she is still worried. At school, she is a little scared at first but enjoys painting, playing, and stories. By day's end, she is glad to be in kindergarten. (Publisher: Random House, 1978. ISBN: 0394837363)
This picture book by Marisabina Russo is a good choice for kids worried about advancing a grade. Ben worries about what his second grade teacher will be like, about the bus ride, about whether anyone will remember him, and much more. The situation is not helped by his older sister who keeps teasing him and increasing his fears. However, on the first day of school Ben finds that his fears were groundless. (Greenwillow Books, 1994. ISBN: 0688046010)
It’s hard to move to another community and start a new grade in a room full of strangers. That’s Gabrielle’s situation in this 51-page chapter book by Bonnie Graves. Second grader Gabrielle is so anxious to fit in that she tries to be like everyone else, but the girls she thought were her new friends call her a “copycat” and make fun of her. The problem is solved when Gabrielle decides to be herself rather than just like everyone else. (Hyperion Books for Children, 1998. ISBN: 0786811668)
This 103-page chapter book is by Elisa Carbon. Sarah is mad at her parents for making her move. She is not eager to start fifth grade. Things get worse when she inadvertently makes an enemy, although she also makes a friend her own age. Sarah has to adjust to a new school and a bully at the same time. She makes some unwise decisions trying to get revenge on the bully, but some words of wisdom from her brother help her to make better decisions. (Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. ISBN: 0679886397)
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