20 best books on starting school – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Starting school is a milestone moment in every child’s life, filled with excitement and a little bit of nervousness. It’s a time when they embark on a new journey of learning and discovery. To help ease their transition, there’s no better way than with a book on starting school. Whether it’s a heartfelt story about making new friends or a fun-filled adventure in the classroom, these 20 best starting school books will captivate young readers and prepare them for this exciting new chapter.


The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

by Mo Willems

Are you ready for an exciting adventure into the world of education? Look no further than The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems. This captivating book about starting school will have you hooked from the first page.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates

by Ryan T. Higgins

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates is a delightful and hilarious book about starting school that will have both children and adults laughing out loud.

In this charming story, Penelope, a young dinosaur, is excited to start school and make new friends. However, there’s just one small problem – Penelope can’t resist eating her classmates! With a mouthful of sharp teeth, she quickly learns that this behavior doesn’t make her very popular.

As Penelope navigates through the challenges of making friends and fitting in, young readers will learn important lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of treating others with respect. With its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, this book on starting school is perfect for children who may be feeling anxious or unsure about beginning their own educational journey.

Author Ryan T. Higgins masterfully combines humor and heart in this starting school book that will have children giggling and cheering for Penelope as she learns to control her dinosaur impulses and embrace the joy of friendship.

The King of Kindergarten

by Derrick Barnes

The King of Kindergarten is a captivating and heartwarming book that takes young readers on a joyous journey as they embark on their own royal adventure in the kingdom of starting school. This delightful picture book, written by Derrick Barnes, is a perfect companion for little ones who are about to enter the magical world of education.

School’s First Day of School

by Adam Rex

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex is a delightful book about starting school that will captivate both children and adults alike. This charming story takes a unique perspective on the starting school experience by narrating it from the point of view of the school building itself.

Through the eyes of the nervous yet eager school, readers get to witness all the emotions and excitement that come with the first day of school. From the anticipation of meeting new students to the fear of making mistakes, the school experiences it all.

The author, Adam Rex, masterfully weaves together humor and heartwarming moments to create a book on starting school that is both relatable and comforting. Young readers will find solace in knowing that even buildings get anxious on their first day.

The illustrations by Christian Robinson beautifully bring the story to life, capturing the range of emotions experienced by the school and its students. The vibrant colors and expressive characters make this starting school book a visual delight.

Overall, School’s First Day of School is a must-read for anyone who is about to embark on the starting school journey. It offers reassurance, humor, and a fresh perspective on a familiar experience. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a teacher, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson

The Day You Begin is a captivating book on embarking upon a new adventure: the start of school. This enchanting tale by Jacqueline Woodson explores the emotions and experiences that come with beginning a new chapter in life. With its heartfelt narrative and beautiful illustrations, this book about starting school will resonate with readers of all ages.

The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar is an enchanting tale about embarking on a new chapter in life, a captivating book on beginning a journey into the world of education. Yangsook Choi weaves a heartwarming story about a young girl who moves to America and faces the daunting task of starting school. This delightful book about commencing an educational adventure follows the protagonist as she grapples with the decision of whether to keep her Korean name or adopt an American one. With its vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative, The Name Jar is a starting school book that will captivate readers of all ages.

The Kissing Hand

by Audrey Penn

The Kissing Hand is a heartwarming book about starting school that captures the essence of courage, love, and the bond between a parent and child. This enchanting tale, written by Audrey Penn, offers a gentle and comforting approach to those first-day jitters.

Wemberly Worried

by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly Worried is a delightful book about starting school written by Kevin Henkes. It tells the story of a little mouse named Wemberly who is filled with anxiety as she prepares for her first day of school. Wemberly worries about everything, from finding a friend to getting lost in the big school building.

Henkes beautifully captures the essence of starting school and the mixture of excitement and nerves that children often feel. With his signature illustrations and gentle storytelling, he takes young readers on a journey of empathy and understanding.

Through Wemberly’s worries, the book on starting school reassures children that it is normal to feel anxious about new experiences. It teaches them that it’s okay to express their fears and seek comfort from loved ones. Henkes skillfully shows how Wemberly’s worries slowly fade away as she begins to make friends and enjoy her time in school.

With its relatable characters, relatable situations, and timeless themes, Wemberly Worried is a must-read starting school book for children and parents alike. It encourages open conversations about emotions and helps children navigate the challenges of starting school with confidence and resilience.

Llama Llama Misses Mama

by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama Misses Mama is a heartwarming and relatable book about starting school that takes young readers on a journey of emotions as Llama Llama experiences his first day away from his mama. This delightful story, written by Anna Dewdney, captures the anxieties and fears that many children may have when facing the big step of starting school.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

by Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is a groovy book about embarking on a new adventure: starting school! Join Pete the Cat as he struts his stuff and rocks his way through the exciting world of education.

The Berenstain Bears Go to School

by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears Go to School is a heartwarming book about embarking on an exciting new adventure: starting school! Join Brother and Sister Bear as they navigate the ups and downs of their first day at Bear Country School.

If You Take a Mouse to School

by Laura Numeroff

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff is an adorable and exciting book about embarking on a new educational adventure. This delightful story follows a mischievous mouse as he accompanies a young child to school, sparking a series of unexpected and hilarious events. Through colorful illustrations and playful text, this starting school book captures the thrill and anticipation of beginning a new academic journey. As the mouse explores the classroom, he discovers an array of captivating activities, from painting to reading, and even participating in show-and-tell. However, with every new adventure comes a little chaos, as the mouse’s curiosity leads to comical mishaps and humorous surprises. This book on starting school is an entertaining and engaging read that helps young readers embrace the excitement and challenges of their own first day of school. So, if you’re looking for a charming and lively starting school book, If You Take a Mouse to School is the perfect choice to captivate and delight young minds.

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

by Laura Murray

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray is a delightful book about starting school that will have young readers eagerly anticipating their own first day. In this book on starting school, the beloved gingerbread man cookie comes to life and embarks on an exciting adventure through the school building. As he explores every nook and cranny, he encounters various characters and encounters countless learning opportunities.

This starting school book is filled with vibrant illustrations that capture the excitement and energy of a bustling school environment. From the bustling hallways to the colorful classrooms, each page is visually captivating, drawing readers into the story. The text is also engaging, with rhythmic rhymes and clever wordplay that will keep young readers entertained from start to finish.

Throughout the story, the gingerbread man encounters different school supplies, from pencils to books, who join him on his quest. Together, they navigate the school, solving problems and finding their way back to their classroom. This not only teaches children about the layout of a school but also introduces them to the concept of teamwork and problem-solving.

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School is a perfect book about starting school that can help alleviate any anxieties or uncertainties children may have about their own first day. It shows them that school is a place of excitement, friendship, and endless possibilities. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, this book will surely become a favorite for children about to embark on their own school adventures.

David Goes to School

by David Shannon

David Goes to School is an exciting and fun-filled book about starting school that will captivate young readers from beginning to end. Written by David Shannon, this delightful story takes children on a journey as they join David in his adventures at school.

This starting school book brilliantly captures the essence of the first day of school, offering children a relatable and entertaining experience. David, an energetic and mischievous little boy, learns valuable lessons about following rules, listening to his teacher, and making friends.

With vibrant illustrations and a playful narrative, this book on starting school will engage young readers and help alleviate any anxieties they may have about beginning this new chapter in their lives. Shannon’s storytelling effortlessly conveys the joy, challenges, and triumphs of starting school, making it a must-read for children everywhere.

Whether your child is about to embark on their first day of school or simply loves a good story, David Goes to School is an absolute treat. This book about starting school will not only entertain young readers but also provide them with important life lessons that will stay with them long after they finish reading.

The Night Before Kindergarten

by Natasha Wing

The Night Before Kindergarten is a delightful book on starting school that takes young readers on an exciting journey as they prepare for their first day of school. Written by Natasha Wing, this charming story captures the anticipation, excitement, and nervousness that comes with starting school.

Froggy Goes to School

by Jonathan London

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London is a delightful book about starting school that will have young readers hopping with excitement. Join Froggy as he embarks on his first day of school, filled with fun, laughter, and a few unexpected surprises!

Chrysanthemum

by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum is an enchanting book about starting school that will captivate young readers from the very first page. Written by Kevin Henkes, this heartwarming story follows the journey of a little mouse named Chrysanthemum as she navigates the excitement and challenges of her first day at school.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

by Joseph Slate

Are you ready for an exciting adventure as you embark on your educational journey? Well, look no further than Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten! This incredible book on starting school will take you on a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and joy as you prepare for the big day.

First Day Jitters

by Julie Danneberg

Looking for a fantastic book on starting school that will captivate readers from the very first page? Look no further than First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg!

This delightful book about starting school tells the story of Sarah Jane Hartwell, a nervous and anxious character who is dreading her first day at a new school. As the protagonist, Sarah Jane experiences all the common fears and worries that many kids face when embarking on their educational journey.

But here’s the twist: Sarah Jane is not a student, she’s actually the new teacher! Yes, you read that right. This unique perspective adds a refreshing and unexpected twist to the traditional starting school book.

With lively illustrations by Judy Love, First Day Jitters takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they follow Sarah Jane’s journey from apprehension to excitement. Will she overcome her jitters and have a successful first day? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Whether you’re a young student, a teacher, or a parent looking to ease those first day of school jitters, this heartwarming and relatable story is a must-read. So grab a copy of First Day Jitters and join Sarah Jane on her unforgettable journey of starting school!

The Dot

by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is a captivating book on embarking on a creative journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about starting school are a must-read for parents and children alike. Whether your little one is feeling nervous or excited about their first day, these books offer valuable insights, relatable stories, and helpful tips to ease their transition. From classic tales to modern favorites, there is something for everyone on this list. So, grab a book, snuggle up, and get ready to embark on this wonderful journey together!