Ease the Transition with the Power of Reading

The end of Pre-K or VPK marks a huge milestone in your child’s early years—and for many families, the next big step is kindergarten. While it’s an exciting time, it can also come with some nerves (and not just for the kids!).

One of the best ways to prepare your rising kindergartener is also one of the simplest: read together.

Books help children explore new emotions, understand routines, and build confidence—all from the safety of your lap. Reading together also strengthens your bond and encourages important language and listening skills they’ll need in school.

Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite kindergarten-themed books to help your child feel ready and excited for their big day:

Mrs. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Follow Mrs. Bindergarten and her students as they prepare for the first day of school. This rhyming classic is both fun and reassuring.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Perfect for kids who are a little nervous, this book walks through the morning of a kindergartener’s first day—step by step.

Mae’s First Day of School
Mae isn’t so sure about kindergarten… until she finds out she’s not alone. A relatable story for kids who are feeling anxious about change.

The Kissing Hand
A beautiful story about separation and love, this book helps comfort children who may feel nervous about leaving home for school.

Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!
Splat is worried about his first day of school. This playful story helps normalize jitters and shows that even nervous cats can have a great day.

Make Reading Part of Your Daily Routine

Aim for just 15–20 minutes a day. Bedtime is great, but anytime works. Let your child pick the book, talk about the pictures, and ask how they think the characters are feeling.

And yes—repeating the same book over and over? That’s completely normal, and it’s great for learning.

Want More Kindergarten Readiness Tips?

Visit elcnwf.org/power-up-for-kindergarten to find tools, checklists, and free resources designed to help you and your child get ready for kindergarten—together.

Reading is more than just pages. It’s preparation. It’s connection. And it’s one of the best ways to power up for kindergarten.