Kindergarten Picture Books

It's my first picture book post!  If I do another one in the future I might have to revamp my book graphic, as picture books do not fit quite as nicely as adult books do! 

School is starting this week, or next week, or already has begun all over the United States!  A major milestone in children's lives, and a theme for August - Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!  Here are ten books about kindergarten.

Eliza's Kindergarten Pet by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by Nancy Speir - Miss Summer has a special treat for Eliza's kindergarten class--a new pet guinea pig that the kids name Cookie. But Eliza doesn't like this kind of cookie: "A cookie with teeth?" Eliza thinks. She knows that people eat chocolate chip cookies. But do chocolate chip cookies ever eat people? Child-friendly illustrations using acrylic paint by Nancy Speir add charm and appeal as Eliza overcomes her fear and makes friends with Cookie.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Daniel Jennewein - Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He's smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?) Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine.

It's the First Day of Kindergarten, Chloe Zoe! by Jane Smith - Chloe Zoe is starting kindergarten! Full days of school for a full week. Chloe Zoe has a new backpack and matching lunch box and is so excited to see her best friends Mary Margaret and George. On the first day of school, Chloe Zoe discovers Mary Margaret is in a different kindergarten class. Will kindergarten be any fun without her best friend?

Jumping Into Kindergarten by Julia Cook & Laura A. Jana, illustrated by James Newman Gray - Follow Roo as he figures out how to use and apply his amazing "QI" (new, school-readiness skills pronounced key) skills: ME, WE, WHY, WILL, WIGGLE, WOBBLE, and WHAT IF. 'I love to move around and explore, so my favorite skill is WIGGLE. I can jump into things, and reach for the stars. And bend and stretch and jiggle!' With his backpack of "super cool" skills and a head full of questions, Roo is excited to jump into kindergarten, and your children will be too!

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis - Starting kindergarten can be a little scary. But Annalina shows us there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to--meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the pet tortoise, and making new friends. Experience the ups and downs of the first days of kindergarten through Annalina's very own diary.

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by DJ Steinberg and illustrated by Mark Chambers - This adorable picture book celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every single kindergartener. Whether it's the first-day-of-school jitters or the hundredth-day-of-school party, every aspect of the kindergarten experience is introduced with a light and funny poem--not to mention charming illustrations.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick D. Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton - Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.

Kisses for Kindergarten by Livingstone Crouse and illustrated by Macky Pamintuan - School is about to begin, and Stella Isabella Harden decides that kindergarten just isn't for her. Instead, she decides to spend the day learning from her puppy named Buster. Together these two adventurers plan a day full of playtime, teatime, nap time, and story time. After every "lesson," Stella gets the best reward: a kiss from her best friend and favorite puppy. But will she change her mind about kindergarten before the first day of school? Join Stella and Buster in this lyrical read-aloud and heartwarming story about growing up.

Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Shane Prigmore - This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero navigates the unknown reaches and alien inhabitants of this strange new world. Hilarious and confidence-boosting, this exciting story will have new kindergarteners ready for liftoff!

Twindergarten by Nikki Ehrlich and illustrated by Zoey Abbott - Dax and Zoe are twins. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's the night before the twins are starting kindergarten, and they have the just-about-to-start-school jitters. After all, they will be in different classrooms! What will kindergarten be like when they're not together all day? But Dax and Zoe will learn that kindergarten is full of new surprises and adventures, and being apart for a short while isn't so bad.