Preschool:

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney: This book is perfect for kids 3 and up who are having trouble dealing with separation from their parents. Llama Llama Misses Mama broaches topics like new teachers, new toys and other kids. It reinforces that the Mama comes back for the little llama and all the fun that can be had at preschool.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn: The Kissing Hand is a great option for kids facing separation anxiety, whether it’s the first day of pre-school, daycare or kindergarten. The sweet story encourages kids to remember that their parents will love them just as much wherever they may be. This book also comes with a CD that includes a cute song written by the author, set to relaxing music that will be sure to put any young mind at ease.

Kindergarten:

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing: A good bet for kids ages 4 and up, this book encourages the fun that preparing for the first day of school can be and how fun school can be. The book is a play on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, so it may already be familiar to your child.

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff: This book is part of the New York Times bestselling series including If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Perfect for kids at Kindergarten age, it tells the tale of bringing a mouse to school. The mouse wants to participate in all sorts of school-related activities and will get your child in the school frame of mind in no time.

Grades 1 - 3:

Off to First Grade by Louise Borden: This book tells the story of 23 kids in a first grade class. The magic of Off to First Grade is that it uses so many different perspectives, there is sure to be one that speaks to your child. Along with the creative illustrations, this book will keep your child’s attention and help to prepare them for a full day of first grade.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg: First Day Jitters is a book that’s great for kids who are nervous about starting in a new school. It’s appropriate for kids ages 5 and up. The story aids kids in feeling that they are not alone in their new school “jitters,” and even serves up a surprise ending that will delight your little one.

Grades 3 - 5:

Frindle by Andrew Clements: Kids in the 3 - 7 grade range will enjoy this story about a ten year old boy, Nick Allen, who invents a new word for a pen: "frindle." As he battles out his new word with his teacher, the elementary antics ensue. Kids will laugh along with young Nick about getting along and the power of language.

The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School by Ken Derby: This award winning book presents a humorous story that kids will identify with and love to laugh at. The story focuses on a fifth grade teacher who is always thinking up ways to get on the David Letterman show. He tries many creative ways to get on the show and after each attempt, he writes to David Letterman and includes a top 10 list. Will he ever get on the show? Read the book and find out!

Grades 5 - 7:

Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal: This book is geared toward the now maturing fifth to seventh grader that thinks about more serious issues. The book's main character, Harper, is an aspiring poet. She goes through trouble at home (divorce, financial issues, etc.), but she begins to focus more on a poetry contest at school. Harper expresses herself through her poetry, in a very concise way that young readers of this age group will relate to.

The Report Card by Andrew Clements: Self-proclaimed genius, Nora Rose Rowley, gets fed up with how important her school regards test scores and grades. So, she decides to get bad grades! Follow her as she figures out the consequences of her secrets and the importance of being honest.