Going to school for the first time is exciting…and maybe a little scary! In I am Too Absolutely Small for School, Lola is not happy about having to go to school. When her older brother Charlie tells her about all the fun things that go on there, Lola becomes less nervous and starts looking forward to attending her first day. Shellie Rich, Public Services Librarian at Central Library, says this story is a family favorite at her house. “I love this book so much...I am pretty sure it is the best kindergarten book ever. And we still call my twelve-year-old's school uniform her schooliform because of this book.”
Another back to school favorite is Llama Llama Misses Mama. Little Llama is like a lot of children, anxious about the first day of school. When he is finally in the classroom without his mama, little Llama really MISSES her! You can listen to Anna Dewdney herself read Llama Llama Misses Mama aloud. Find out what little llama does when he misses his Mama that helps him have a fun day at school anyway!
Mama llama helped little llama by taking him to school early to see the classroom and visit with the teacher. Charlie helped Lola think about the fun new things she would be able to try at school. These are all great strategies when a child is nervous about the first day of school.
Another great idea is reading books about other kids and favorite characters who are ALSO worried about the first day of school. Stories featuring the Berenstain Bears, Amelia Bedelia, Curious George and more can help your child practice what it might feel like to be anxious about school and learn great strategies for having fun instead!
More FREE online stories:
More FREE online reading:
- 100+ Free Video Read Alouds
- e-Book Read Alongs for Kids – free with your IndyPL library card
- Stream Picture Book Videos for Kids – free with your IndyPL library card
- Stream Movies for kids – free with your IndyPL library card
Websites, Printables & Activities:
- Mr. Rogers Talks About Starting Kindergarten
- Printable: Big Bird Back to School
- Printable: Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes Coloring Page
- Printable: Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes Maze
- Printable: Junie B. Jones If I Ruled the School
- Printable: Get Ready for School with Rocket Activity Kit
Great Back to School Books for Kids
Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books at any of our locations, or check out e-books and e-audiobooks from home right to your device. Need help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or text a librarian at 317 333-6877. #indyplkids IndyPL_RachelJ
We Don't Eat Our Classmates!
This is a funny book about a dinosaur who tries to eat her classmates. But, really, it's about fitting in at a new school and making friends.
School's First Day of School
The school building is nervous about his first day of school. Will the children like him?
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Llama Llama is nervous about starting preschool without his mama. But he soon learns that he will have a great time and see his mama at the end of the day.