Reading bedtime stories together is one of parenthood’s greatest joys. Reading can also help ease children as they transition into “firsts,” like their first day at preschool. Happily, some books were written with these very things in mind. Here are some recommendations for reading as your preschooler makes their initial foray into scholastics.
Randi Garber, a retired New Jersey first grade teacher tells Parentology, “Reading opens doors to the world. You can stay in one place and travel the world by reading.” Her recommendation of the Timothy Goes to School collection by author/illustrator Rosemary Wells transports kids to the classroom. “This book series covers the experiences and feelings of children in kindergarten. They learn how to behave in school, and the benefits that come from having a positive attitude while learning.”
Garber also recommends Rise and Shine, Mariko-Chan! by Yoshiharu Tsuchida and Chiyoko Tomioka. Originally published in Japan, this book shows young children that getting ready for school every morning is done all over the world. Told from four-year-old Mariko’s POV, Rise and Shine, Mariko-Chan! talks about morning routines that provide safety and comfort to young children.
Books that both address your child’s questions, first day jitters, and make them laugh out loud are what Scholastic Books Field Sales Representative Justine Billotto recommends.
“The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins, and Off To Kindergarten by Tony Johnston are good choices for soothing fears and laughing along with characters.”
Billotto suggests, “Instill a love of reading by reading to your child every day. Let her pick her favorite to read again and again.”
Drawing preschoolers into stories that will reflect their own life transitions is something Katie Carella M.Ed., executive editor of Scholastic’s Trade Division, advises. “As you’re reading with your child, I’d encourage asking questions about what’s happening in the artwork in addition to the text,” she says. “Children’s first reading experiences consist of reading pictures in order to gain information, so at this age they often feel confident analyzing that part of the story.”
Carella’s picks for preschoolers books about first school experiences: Hello, Hedgehog: Do You Like My Bike? by Norm Feuti, Unicorn and Yeti: Sparkly New Friends by Heather Ayris Burnell and Hazel Quintanilla, A Crabby Book: Hello, Crabby by Jonathan Fenske and Princess Truly: I Am a Super Girl! by Kelly Greenawalt and Amariah Rauscher.
Here are some other books that can help your child navigate all the exciting new feelings and lessons that come along with starting school. Their lessons are thought-provoking for adults, too.
- Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak — Iconic illustrations with a wildly imaginative story. This book enforces that no matter where adventures take you, whether real or imagined, Where The Wild Things Are there’s a sense of security in knowing one’s family will always be there for them. Even if they misbehave.
- Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Erik Litwin and James Dean – This story teaches resilience and adaptation for when things don’t quite go your way. There’s a simple sing-along, fun shouting along with color recognition directives and important lessons.
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister – This beautifully illustrated book teaches little ones about the good feelings that come with giving away things you love to bring joy to others. The takeaway lesson here is there’s no value in having beautiful things without having friends to share them with.
- The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin is a great introduction to the excitement of a “page-turner.” The takeaway lesson: many times the fears we have turn out not to be scary at all. Part of this interactive book’s fun — having kids beg parents to turn or not turn the page.
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss – Sam I Am must venture outside his comfort zone. This is a classic story to reference for kids to try new foods and be open to the many new things they’ll encounter at school. The rhythm is hypnotic as kids star to memorize the words before they learn to read. Try it, try it, you will see…
First Day of School Book, Preschool – Sources
More “Back to School” stories from Parentology
Randi Garber, retired elementary school teacher, NJ Public Schools
Justine Billotto, Scholastic Books
Katie Carella, M.Ed. Scholastic Books
Amazon Reading List