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Best Children's Picture Books About Starting School

Kids' Books About Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade

By , About.com Guide

Children's picture 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 kids' books about starting school appealing. In addition, there are several books for children who are worried about starting first grade. Keep scrolling down to read about 11 different picture books about the beginning of school.

1. I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

cover art - picture bookCandlewick Press

Young children worried about starting preschool or kindergarten will be reassured when you read the picture book I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child to them. Lola is sure she is "too absolutely small for school," but Charlie, her older brother, humorously and patiently convinces she's not. Charlie give Lola all kinds of funny reasons that stretch the imagination that she needs to go to school. Child's mixed media artwork definitely adds to the fun. (Candlewick, 2004. ISBN: 9780763628871) Read my review of I Am Too Absolutely Small for School.

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2. First Grade Jitters

Cover art of children's picture book First Grade JittersHarperCollins

Despite the similarities in titles, First Grade Jitters is very different from First Day Jitters (see listing below). 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.

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3. Little School

Cover Art - Little SchoolKane/Miller

Little School is an enjoyable picture book about 20 preschoolers and the fun they have during a busy day at their 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.

4. First Day Jitters

Cover Art - First Day JittersCharlesbridge

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.

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5. First Grade Stinks!

First Grade Stinks! - Cover Art of Children's Picture BookPeachtree Publishers

Are you looking for a children's book that can make your child's transition from kindergarten to first grade a little easier? 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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6. Sam and Gram and the First Day of School

Sam and Gram and the First Day of School - Kids' Book Cover ArtPriceGrabber

This picture book was written by Dianne Blomberg and has engaging watercolor illustrations by George Ulrich. The American Psychological Association published Sam and Gram and the First Day of School under its auspices. The book 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.

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7. The Bully Blockers Club

Cover art of The Bully Blockers Club picture book for kidsAlbert Whitman & Co.
Lotty Raccoon's first day of school is unhappy because of Grant Grizzly, a bully. With the help of advice from her sister and brother, Lotty begins to look for ways to stop the bullying. Even after her parents and teacher first get involved, the bullying continues. A chance remark by Lotty's little brother gives her an idea that changes everything for the better. (Albert Whitman and Company, 2004. ISBN: 9780807509197) Read my review of The Bully Blockers Club.
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8. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Cover art for Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School ShoesHarperCollins
Pete the Cat has four bright red high top shoes, a backpack, a lunch box and a red guitar. The laid back groovy blue cat is ready for school and nothing bothers him: not his first trip to somewhere new (the school library), not the loud and busy lunchroom, not the playground overrun with children and not all of the different classroom activities. "Does Pete worry? Goodness no!" In fact, Pete just goes along singing his song and calmly accepting whatever happens. This is a good book for kids 4 and up who need some reassurance about coping with school life. You can download the free companion Pete the Cat song from the publisher's Web site. For more about Pete the Cat, see my review of one of the other books about Pete the Cat: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. (HarperCollins, 2011. ISBN: 9780061910241)
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9. Garmann's Summer

Cover art of children's picture book Garmann's Summer by Stian HoleEerdmans Books for Young Readers

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)

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10. When You Go to Kindergarten

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. (HarperCollins, updated 1995. ISBN: 9780688143879)

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11. The Berenstain Bears Go to School

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)

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How to Prepare Your Child for the First Day of School

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