Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center offers this short list of children’s books about the kindergarten transition. Educators and families can read the books together with children to help them understand the transition process and increase comfort with their new learning setting.

Recommended Reading

ou can share the following videos with children and families:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, read by Dr. Bergeron
• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, read by Amanda Bryans

The list below includes other recommended books:

A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper

Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

David Goes to School by David Shannon

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson

Preparate, kindergarten! Allavoy! by Nancy Carlson

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube

Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolf

Download a PDF of the suggested book list.

Find more resources in Head Start’s online Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC).

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center | Selected Children’s Books About Kindergarten, https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/selected-childrens-books-about-kindergarten | public domain. Last updated September 26, 2023. Last reviewed May 2026.