Preschool is full of exciting firsts for both you and your child! Along with all the excitement, it’s completely normal for little ones to have questions, big feelings, or even a few worries about this new adventure. Talking about what to expect, practicing new routines, and giving your child space to share their feelings can help make that first day feel a little less overwhelming. We hope these books help spark those conversations and leave you and your child feeling excited, confident, and ready for preschool. Be sure to check out some additional blog posts with great resources down below and my storefront with back to school books for kids of all ages!
Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins
This series is one of my all time favorites for preschool aged kids. This book follows Maisy as she explores her new classroom, meets friends, eats snack etc. With vibrant illustrations, simple text and fun characters this is the perfect book for getting your child familiar with what to expect on their first day of preschool!
Stanley’s School by William Bee
This book follows Stanley and his friends as they go to school and participate in lots of fun activities! This is another great book that uses a familiar character to introduce your child to the routines of school, new friendships that will come and the excitement of all they will learn at school.
Alfie at Nursery School by Shirley Hughes
This sweet book follows Alfie as he spends his first day at nursery school. Although Alfie is feeling a bit unsure at first, he becomes more comfortable as he meets new friends, does fun things and learns the routines at his new school. This is a great book for sparking discussion about what your child’s first day might look like and how they are feeling about it.
Don’t Want to Go by Shirley Hughes
This sweet story follows a child who feels the common feelings of worry when they don’t want to leave their parents to go to school. Once they are there, they discover that school and spending time with friends and teachers can be fun! This is the perfect book for any child that is dealing with or worried about the separation that comes with the start of school.
Great Big Schoolhouse by Richard Scarry
Who better to prepare your child for the start of preschool than the familiar characters from Richard Scarry? With its usual vibrant and fun illustrations, the world of Richard Scarry will give your little one a glimpse into school routines, what types of things they will learn at school and classroom expectations. This is one they will want to look at over and over again!
Can I Play Too? by Samantha Cotterill
This is a simple yet impactful book about children who are learning to consider their friends’ feelings – something your child will work on in Preschool! When two children are playing with trains and an argument ensues, they work through the issue with the help of a teacher. This is a wonderful book for talking about the big feelings that can come with sharing and learning how to work through them.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This is an adorable story about a boy and his pet elephant who are excluded from a Pet Club. Feeling left out, they then meet a girl and her pet skunk or were also excluded from the Club. Together they create their own club where everyone is welcome. This story invites children to think about kindness, inclusion and friendship, which will surely be themes that come up at school!
Looking for more posts about starting Preschool? We know you will love:
1.) Bridging the Separation at the Start of School
2.) 5 Tips to Prep for the Start of Preschool.
3.) Back to School Books for Kids of All Ages
…and if you want more book suggestions sent to your inbox every month, you will love Beloved Books, my monthly love letter to all kids ages 0-12.
Written by Kathleen Koester and Becca Thiemann
