Best Children's Picture Books About Starting 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) Read my review of I Am Too Absolutely Small for School.

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) Read my review of Little School.

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) Read my review of First Day Jitters.

First Grade Stinks! is an entertaining picture book that can help to ease a child's transition from kindergarten to first grade. In her amusing picture book First Grade Stinks!, author Mary Ann Rodman tells the story of Haley and her first day in first grade. With unexpected sympathy and explanations from her first grade teacher about why so much is different from kindergarten, Haley stops thinking, "First grade stinks!" and begins to think, "First grade is great!" (Peachtree Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 9781561453771) Read my review of First Grade Stinks!

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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) Read my review of Sam and Gram and the First Day of School.

Despite the similarities in titles, First Grade Jitters is very different from First Day Jitters. In this picture book, a boy named Aidan shares his fears about starting first grade and tells how his friends helped him to feel better about starting school. This newly illustrated edition of Robert Quackenbush's book has appealing artwork by Yan Nascimbene.  (Harper, An Imprint of HarperCollins, 1982, 2010. ISBN: 9780060776329) Read my review of First Grade Jitters.

Garmann's Summer is unlike the many books about starting school that provide information and reassurance.  Instead, this picture book focuses on six-year-old Garmann's fears about starting school and what he learns about life, death and fear from his parents and his elderly aunts.  By the end of summer, Garmann is still scared about school, but he has come to realize that everyone has things that frighten then.  Garmann's Summer was written and illustrated by Stian Hole and originally published in Norway.  The mixed media collages are unusual and sometimes unsettling, effectively reflecting Garmann's feelings.  This book will resonate with certain 5-7 year olds. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN: 9780802853394)