Why it’s important:
 Reading books about school helps children understand what to expect and reduces anxiety about starting kindergarten.

How to do it:
 Choose a book about starting school and read it together. Talk about what happens in the story and connect it to what your child might experience.

What to look for:

• Engages in conversation about school
• Asks questions
• Shows curiosity or excitement

Some books to look for promote social behaviors and starting school: 

• Starting School Anxiety:
  • The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn: A classic about separating from parents.
  • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg: A comforting story about being nervous.
  • Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London: A fun, relatable school story.
  • Olu’s Teacher by Jamel C. Campbell: A reassuring story to help ease worries about starting school.
  • Goodbye Brings Hello by Kim T. Griswell.
• Social Skills and Friendship:
  • Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners by Laurie Keller: Encourages polite behavior.
  • Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney: Teaches sharing.
  • Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim: Helps with adapting to a new social environment.
  • How to Spot a Best Friend by Shannon Anderson.
  • Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler: Navigating friendship dynamics.
  • Mesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival: A story about navigating social situations.
• Emotional Regulation and Behavior:
  • When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… by Molly Bang.
  • What Should Danny Do? by Ganit & Adir Levy: Encourages understanding consequences of actions.
  • The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas.
  • Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes: Learning to manage anger and impulses.
  • Fergal and the Bad Temper by Robert Starling.
  • Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems.