Best Books for Kindergarteners: Read-Alouds for the First Year of School
Books for children starting school: stories about first days and friendship, early readers and classics to share. Every book here is in the Tori catalog, and each line says why it fits.
Adventures, discoveries and big ideas
1990Oh, the Places You’ll Go!Dr. Seuss
Children’s Books · HopefulA cheerful guide to the big adventures and bumpy roads that are ahead.
1991ChrysanthemumKevin HenkesChildren’s Books · WarmA mouse who loves her name learns to love it again at school.
2010Pete the Cat: I Love My White ShoesEric LitwinChildren’s Books · HopefulPete walks along in his white shoes, and nothing can spoil his good mood.
1989Mouse PaintEllen Stoll WalshChildren’s Books · LightThree white mice find red, yellow and blue paint and start mixing.
1930The Little Engine That CouldWatty PiperChildren’s Books · HopefulA small blue engine tries to pull a big train over the mountain.
1947Stone SoupMarcia BrownChildren’s Books · WarmHungry soldiers make soup from a stone and the whole village joins in.
Calm, cozy and heartfelt reads
1993The Kissing HandAudrey PennChildren’s Books · WarmA little raccoon gets a kiss in his hand to take to his first day of school.
2000Wemberly WorriedKevin HenkesChildren’s Books · WarmA little mouse who worries about everything faces her first day of school.
1978The Berenstain Bears Go to SchoolStan BerenstainChildren’s Books · WarmSister Bear is nervous about her first day at school, and the other cubs are too.
- 1992The Rainbow FishMarcus PfisterChildren’s Books · Warm
A beautiful fish with shimmering scales learns the joy of sharing.
1970Frog and Toad Are FriendsArnold LobelChildren’s Books · WarmFive gentle stories about two friends who look out for each other.
2000How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?Jane YolenChildren’s Books · WarmHuge dinosaurs show how not to go to bed, and then how to do it nicely.
1972Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayJudith ViorstChildren’s Books · LightEverything goes wrong for Alexander, from gum in his hair to lima beans for dinner.
- 1985The Polar ExpressChris Van AllsburgChildren’s Books · Hopeful
A boy boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Playful and funny reads
1999David Goes to SchoolDavid ShannonChildren’s Books · LightDavid’s classroom day is full of the rules he forgets.
2007Elephant & Piggie: Today I Will Fly!Mo WillemsChildren’s Books · LightPiggie is determined to fly, and her best friend Gerald worries.
1977Miss Nelson Is Missing!Harry AllardChildren’s Books · LightThe kind teacher disappears and a very strict substitute takes her place.
- 1964FortunatelyRemy CharlipChildren’s Books · Light
Fortunately, something good happens. Unfortunately, something bad does. Then both again.