5 Books to Read to Your Child Before the First Day of Preschool

Starting preschool is an exciting milestone in a young child's life: New possibilities await, and plenty of feelings surround the anticipation of the new experience. Give your child a boost of confidence for the big year ahead with read-aloud stories! The right ones can dramatically help them prepare to set off for preschool. 

Use their favorite characters to help them adjust to a fun new school environment with greater ease. As they learn about kindness, how to get along with others, and how to make new friends, their favorite books will guide them and make them feel understood during these new experiences. 

Here are some great, parent-approved titles to start with:

1. The Caring Me I Want to Be by Mary DiPalermo 

Your child will be meeting so many new people — classmates, friends, and teachers in their new classroom. Just in time for this new season, share timeless lessons about practicing kindness and care for others with The Caring Me I Want to Be. Using small, everyday examples of kindness, kids will learn how to practice empathy and help make their classroom — and the world — a better place for everyone. 

2. Princess Truly #7: I Am Curious by Kelly Greenawalt

In preschool, little ones will learn about exploring the world through their curiosity, and Princess Truly is just the person to show them what a wonderful thing that is! Little readers will spark their own curiosity as they join Princess Truly as she visits the museum, where she learns about dinosaurs and butterflies, solves a mystery, and even takes a trip to the moon on a rocket ship with her loyal pug, Sir Noodles. Curiosity will be a great trait for kids to take into their classroom and relationships.  

3. Clifford: Puppy Preschool by Shelby Curran and Norman Bridwell

Have this book on hand the night before the first day of preschool and beyond. It's a comfort for kids to share their preschool experience with Clifford, a beloved character. As Clifford starts his own preschool to help his pals learn to share and become a good friend, he'll also help readers internalize the same messages. It's a perfectly loveable way to capture some of the challenges and lessons of this school year. 

4. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

One of the most valuable lessons kids will learn early in preschool is to embrace their own uniqueness and talents. When Gerald the giraffe wants to join in on the Jungle Dance, he's told, "Giraffes can't dance!" After all, his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long and even his knees buckle. But when Gerald meets an optimistic cricket who believes in him, Gerald learns to dance to his own unique tune.  

5. The Hugasaurus by Rachel Bright

Your child will be learning the ins and outs of friendship when they go to preschool. This adorable book addresses how to handle feelings of frustration and settle squabbles with kindness as they learn to play and forge friendships with their new classmates.

Get ready for your child to go back to school with our guide — it's full of recommended books (like these beginner-level books), teacher tips, homework help, and more resources for a successful school year. Plus, explore books by grade level. 

Shop more preschool books below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store, where you can get free shipping on book-only orders over $25.