Puddle's New School

by Amber Stewart

Summary: Puddle the Duckling starts to have second thoughts about going to duckling school for the first time, but with some encouragement and kindness from his mother, he is able to enjoy his new environment.

This is a cute story that can help prepare children for a first day of preschool. Teachers may read this book aloud on the first day of school and discuss how their school will be similar and different to the duckling’s

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

Follow the Line to School

by Laura Ljungkvist

Summary: Children learn about a typical day at school as they follow simple line drawings through the school yard, up the steps, and into the building.

This book is most appropriate for preparing a child for kindergarten or on the first day of kindergarten. The text asks questions about the detailed illustrations. For example, it asks how many items are on the page or what color is on a paintbrush. For this reason, the book is great for reading one-on-one with a child who is well on his /her way to mastering such concepts as colors and counting.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

by John Grandits

Summary: Before Kyle rides a school bus for the first time, his older brother gives him a list of rules he must follow, but after breaking every single one the first day, Kyle discovers the rule his brother left out. (Catchy summary!)

This is a humorous read for parents to share with children who are having school anxiety. This book is not ideal for reading aloud because of its length and occasional use of crude words.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

by Eric Litwan

Summary: Pete the cat wears his school shoes when visiting the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and more while singing his special song.

I love this book! Though it is not as good as the first, this book is great for introducing what happens in school. The last line is “it’s all good” jut like the first book.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

First Day of School Picture Books

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Otto Goes to School

Otto Goes to School

 by Todd Parr

Summary: After a breakfast of juice, cereal, and a banana split, Otto goes to school for the first time, where he makes new friends and learns how to wag his tail without knocking things over.

This is a cute and humorous picture book. It is short and most appropriate for children entering preschool.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2