Best Books to Get Ready for Kindergarten

Kindergarten student reading a book about getting ready for Kindergarten

Neither of my kids have ever had anxiety around school, so I never would have expected to need a list of the best books to get ready for Kindergarten. They both started preschool at 2, and neither ever had any trepidation about entering the classroom. They just ran on in and never looked back. At first, I was slightly offended they wouldn’t miss their mom, but as the weeks went on and a few classmates were still crying at drop off, I realized what a gift it was.

So imagine my surprise when Nolan told me he didn’t want to go to Kindergarten! I know he will love it once he’s there, but it will be a big change for him. To help ease his worries, I’ve rounded up the best books to get ready for Kindergarten.

Using books to ease kindergarten anxiety

Maybe it’s the teacher in me, but I think books are the best way to address behaviors in children. It’s always easier to talk about a problem or worry that someone else is having and give advice to a book character than it is to think about yourself in that position.

Stories give kids a chance to explore a problem and find possible solutions that would work for them without feeling like they are on the spot. There is something comforting in the fact that other people are experiencing the same things we are, even if it’s a fictional character. It give you a chance to try on different solutions to a problem without having to experience any of the consequences first hand.

It is also a great way to start a conversation so that your child feels more open to talking about their feelings or asking questions.