Starting a new school year, whether it’s a child’s very first day or a return after a long break, can bring a mix of emotions. Children might feel excited, curious, nervous—or a wild mix of all three at once! One of the best ways to help your child prepare is by sharing stories that reflect these big feelings. These books offer gentle introductions to school routines, model friendship and inclusion, and help children name and talk about their feelings.

As you read, take time to ask questions, talk about what your child might see or do at school, and invite them to share how they’re feeling. Get them involved in preparing for school. Ask them to help pack their backpack, choose their first day outfit, or pick out a lunch item. Giving children a sense of responsibility helps build confidence and makes the transition feel exciting and empowering.

This collection of books supports emotional readiness, encourages conversation, and helps set the stage for a positive start to the school year!

Rosie Goes to Preschool

Written & Illustrated by Karen Katz

Rosie knows all about preschool and is here to guide children through a full day preschool routine—from drop-off to pick-up and everything in between! Rosie introduces children to her cubby, circle time, lunch, nap time and more. Helpful “Rosie Tips” throughout the book offer simple guidance to ease first-day nerves and get kids excited for their preschool adventure.

Age level: 0 – 3

Talking Tip: Ask your child, “What do you think your day will be like at preschool?” or “Which part of Rosie’s day are you most excited to try?”

Talking about the preschool routine and rhythm of the day, like circle time, lunch time, or nap time, can help children feel more prepared and confident. You can also practice simple steps together to build routines before their first day.

I Am Ready for School!

Written by Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Sara Gillingham

This short and sweet board book helps prepare little ones for their first day of school with simple, rhyming text and bright illustrations. A welcoming teacher, fun activities, and new friends show that school is a place to learn, grow, and feel at home.

Age level: 0 – 3

Talking Tip: While reading, point to the pictures and name familiar classroom objects like backpacks, blocks, books, and the paint easel. Talk about what the children are doing during the day, such as playing, reading, or painting.

Ask your child:
“What do you think you will see in your classroom?”
“What are you most excited to do at school?”
“What do we need to take with us on the first day?”

These simple conversations help build vocabulary, encourage curiosity, and support your child’s confidence as they get ready for school.

First Day Hooray! A Book of School Day Feelings

Written by  June Sobel
Illustrated by Nabila Adani

A group of children experience all the emotions that come with the first day of school like happy, sad, angry, worried, excited, and brave. With rhyming text and colorful illustrations, the story names each feeling, offers simple descriptions, and some ways to respond. This book supports emotional literacy and encourages children to recognize and talk about their feelings, making it a perfect read for anyone starting school or facing a big change.

Age level: 3 – 6

Talking Tip: Ask your child about what feelings they might have on the first day of school.  Look at the pictures together and talk about what each feeling looks like and invite your child to point out a feeling from the story they’ve felt before and ask, “Can you tell me about a time you felt that way?”

Naming and discussing emotions helps children connect to their own experiences and feel more confident navigating new situations and experiences.

The King of Kindergarten

Written by Derrick Barnes
Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

A young boy gets ready for his first day of school as Mom declares he’ll be the King of Kindergarten! From getting dressed and eating pancakes to riding the big yellow bus, making friends, and learning new things, he embraces each moment with joy, enthusiasm and confidence.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Ask, “How do you feel about starting school?” “What are you most excited or curious about on your first day?”

Share a memory from your own first day of school and compare feelings. Were you nervous or excited? Talking about it can help your child feel more prepared and confident for their big day.

Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome

Written by Kat Zhang
Illustrated by Charlene Chua

When a new student named Lin joins Amy’s class, she wants to help him feel welcome but isn’t sure how. She asks him questions and invites him to play, but Lin is quiet, shy, and doesn’t speak much. After learning more about Lin’s language, Amy realizes that kindness, curiosity, and small gestures can go a long way in building friendship and helping someone feel included.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Invite your child to think about how Lin might have felt on his first day at a new school. Encourage your child to come up with simple ways to include others, such as saying hello, asking someone to play, or learning a word in their language. These small acts help build empathy and show the importance of making everyone feel like they belong.

Scarecited on the First Day of School

Written by Alliah L. Agostini
Illustrated by Lala Watkins

Afua is scared and excited about her first day of school, she’s scarecited! Throughout the day, she invents fun new words to describe her mixed emotions, like shurious (shy and curious) and sadbarrassed (sad and embarrassed). When her teacher mispronounces her name, Afua finds the courage to speak up and ends the day feeling prelieved (proud and relieved). This playful story helps children explore complex emotions and encourages meaningful conversations about feelings.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Ask your child, “Have you ever felt more than one feeling at the same time, like Afua?” Talk about how it’s okay to feel scared, excited, curious, or nervous all at once, especially when starting something new.  Try making up your own feeling words by blending two feelings into one new word, like nervecited for nervous and excited or surpappy for surprised and happy. This playful activity helps children name and understand their emotions in a creative, engaging way.