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Going to Kindergarten

Check out our booklist for Going to School for Children & Parents!

GOING TO KINDERGARTEN

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz

Although some of the things her older sister taught her at home seem a little unusual at school, other lessons help make Annabelle's first day in kindergarten a success.

Benjamin Bigfoot by Mary Serfozo

Because he feels big when he wears his father's shoes, Benjamin wants to wear them when he begins kindergarten. Will he be able to manage his big shoes in school?

Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Sister Bear, nervous about entering kindergarten, overcomes her fears when she discovers that school is really fun.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum is excited about school until the kids make fun of her name. Will school ever get better?

Cleversticks by Bernard Ashley

Ling-Sung is frustrated because everyone in his class seems to be good at something except him. Then one day he discovers an unexpected talent…

Enrico Starts School by Charlotte Middleton

When Enrico starts school, he is not sure how to make friends. He tries several strategies then decides to take his brother 's advice and just be himself.

First Day by Dandi Daley Mackall

Told in poetic rhyme with some humor, a little girl experiences her first day of school.

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London

Froggy hops through his first day of school with lots of enthusiasm! He even teaches the principal to swim.

I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child

Lola's parents tell her that she is nearly big enough for school, but Lola is not convinced. When her brother Charlie points out some of the advantages of learning numbers and letters and words, she decides to give it a try. After all, how would you give treats to eleven elephants if you can only count to ten?

Jessica by Kevin Henkes

Ruthie does everything with her imaginary friend Jessica. Then on her first day at kindergarten, she meets a real girl with the same name

I'm Telling You, Dex, Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

Dexter's dog Rufus is a tiny bit worried about Kindergarten. Big sister Jessie tells Dexter and Rufus that they will love it—and it turns out that they do!

Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten by Jutta Langreuter and Vera Sobat

Little Bear likes the teacher, other children, and activities on his first day at kindergarten, but he does not want his mother to leave.

Look out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson

Even though Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten, he is not sure about staying once he first gets there.

Mama, Don't Go! by Rosemary Wells

Yoko loves kindergarten, but she doesn't want her mother to leave—until her new friend helps her realize that “mothers always come back.”

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

Introduces the letters of the alphabet as Miss Bindergarten and her students get ready for kindergarten.

Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston

In this upbeat rhyming story, a young boy tries to pack all the things he imagines he'll need for school--such as cookies for himself and his new friends, books to read while they have a snack, his easel and paints—until his mother assures him that his teacher will have everything he will need.

Off to School, Baby Duck! by Amy Hest

Baby Duck has all her supplies, but is nervous about school. The teacher introduces herself and Grandpa asks the important questions—“Are you mean? Do you sing songs in this school?” Finally, Baby Duck feels brave enough to go in.

Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-off by Ann Martin

Five-year-old Olivia's new neighbor Rachel is in her kindergarten class, and they must overcome feelings of jealousy and competitiveness to be friends.

Timothy Goes to School by Rosemary Wells

Timothy learns about being accepted and making friends during the first week of his first year at school.

Tom Goes to Kindergarten by Margaret Wild

Tom is excited to start Kindergarten—until it's time for his parents to say good-bye. When his teacher tells them that they can stay for the day, they reluctantly agree. The next day, Tom is ready to be on his own—but his parents don't want to leave!

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell

A boy visits the classroom where he will attend kindergarten the following fall and finds out what is in store for him.

When Kangaroo Goes to School by Sonia Levitin

Kangaroo learns the proper way to behave on the first day of school.

Who Will Go to School Today? by Karl Rühmann

Sam decides to send his toy monkey Timbo to kindergarten in his place, but after telling Timbo about his school friends and what his day is really like, he realizes he wants to go himself.

Resources for parents:

The Between the Lions Book For Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Learn to Read by Linda K. Rath and Louise Kennedy

Based on the show Between the Lions, the authors explain early literacy to parents and suggest ways to support their children as they learn.

The Complete IEP Guide: How To Advocate For Your Special Ed Child by Attorney Lawrence M. Siegel

This book offers advice on understanding current IEP laws, how to plan for IEP meetings, and how to make a case for your child, should it becomes necessary.

Games For Learning: Ten Minutes a Day To Help Your Child Do Well In School—From Kindergarten to Third Grade by Peggy Kaye

Suggests games for you and your child to play to help her get ready for school.

Helping Your Child Start School: A Practical Guide for Parents by Bernard Ryan Jr.

This guide explains what happens during the day in Kindergarten and why.

The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and Middle School by Stacy DeBroff

This book offers advice on everything from getting the most out of Parent/Teacher Conferences to Learning Disabilities to Volunteering. Subdivided chapters and a bulleted format make this guide easy to use.

The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

The Read-Aloud Handbook demonstrates the importance of reading aloud to kids of ALL ages with a combination of easy-to-understand research, examples, and personal stories. Offers a list of over 1,000 great books for reading aloud.

What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know: Preparing Your Child for a Lifetime of Learning edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., and John Holdren

The beginning of a series that goes through grades six, the authors offer a guide to some of the general knowledge and skills Kindergarteners need.

Check out our booklist for Going to School for Children & Parents!

Compiled by Youth Services Department, Springfield City Library, 2004, revised 2007

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