Essential Books Every PreK Library Needs

The perfect first day book—and for any other day students need a little extra love and support—this heartwarming story reassures children that even when they're apart, the love between a parent and a child is everywhere. 

Emily Elizabeth is nervous about starting kindergarten, so her teacher says she can bring in something from home—but she didn't expect a giant dog! This story is just right for easing those first day anxieties.

Frog does not want to sit on a log! But Cat tells him that's where he belongs. Doing his best to find an alternative place to sit, Frog asks Cat a whole lot of questions. For every answer Cat has, Frog has another question, until he finds out what dogs sit on!

The lyrical text in this sweet poem captures the many moods of all children, reassuring them of their parents' affection and approval. Just right for the first days of school and all year long.

The silly, funny, fantastic story of a boy who didn't wash his hands and the crazy consequences that ensue as he spreads a bit of grossness around.

A silly story about one winter night when a house full of animals is awakened by a knock at the front door—from a duck! A funny, tender book ideal for reading aloud.

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for the first day of school. Now she's swallowing items to make the very best of her first day back. With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of the classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page. A fun story for the first day of school!

Mistakes can be tough for young children. Bestselling author Todd Parr shows kids how to embrace life's happy accidents and even learn from them in this straightforward, vibrantly illustrated story.

In plain language, parents of a brightly colored rockfish share lessons about how to swim joyfully through life.

Melvin throws a fit whenever he doesn't get what he wants. Apparently this is tolerated at home and he always gets his way, but at school the rule is "You get what you get if you don't throw a fit." Melvin learns to control his behavior at school pretty quickly and when he spills the beans at home, his parents take on a new philosophy as well.

This informational text is a great way to share with your class that people come in lots of shades and colors, even in the same family. Vibrant photos and short text engage readers both individually and in groups.

With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

It's Pete the Cat's first day of school and he's rocking his brand new shoes from the library all the way to the playground. Bright, colorful illustrations and fun, silly text make Pete the perfect choice for classroom read-alouds on the first day and throughout the year.

All the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? A bright, lively way to introduce the youngest readers to letters.

This companion to the Caldecott Honor Book No, David! brings readers back for a wild, unruly romp through the school day. Young students will relate to David's high energy and penchant for trouble.

Biscuit wants to go to school. He wants to go to class, have a snack in the cafeteria, and hear a story in the library. Most of all, Biscuit wants to meet the teacher! But dogs aren't allowed in school. What will happen when the teacher discovers Biscuit?

Laugh along as hilarious robots making goofy noises teach young students all the letters from A to Z.

This inclusive picture book rejoices in the specialness of each person's beauty and ability.

When a generous boy shares a cookie with a hungry mouse, it is the beginning of a chain of events that keeps the boy busy all day long, and might keep him busy for days to come. 

It's a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy... What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost in the jungle? What if it rains?!

It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night either. He's so excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe childhood fears about the first day of school.

Illustrations of workers in a busy town help children understand the valuable role of each worker in the community!

Easy-to-follow rhyming text, expressive illustrations, and familiar classroom scenes will help you get your students ready and excited for kindergarten!

The bus driver is leaving for a little while and has one simple request: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! This simply (but delightfully) illustrated story puts kids in the driver's seat, letting them decide the difference between right and wrong.

Strengthen students' memories and enhance their visual stimulation with this classic search-and-find filled with tiny animals.