10 storybooks to ease first-day jitters for kids heading to preschool

Little kids heading to preschool can feel a bit of first-day jitters. Reading about other kids, dinos and llamas who experience the same feelings can help them understand and overcome their fears.

These 10 storybooks recommended by the children’s staff of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are great conversation starters. They’re part of the Here to Help book lists.

“Chicken in School,” by Adam Lehrhaupt. Zoey, the adventure-loving chicken, sets up a classroom in the barn and appoints herself teacher. But her friend Sam, the pig, is nervous that she will not provide snack time.

“Dinosaur vs. School,” by Bob Shea. Fearless Dinosaur takes on new challenges as he starts preschool, from meeting new friends to pasting glitter and googly eyes, but one task requires assistance from everyone.

“Eddie Gets Ready for School,” by David Milgrim. As young Eddie goes through his checklist to get ready for school, his mother does not agree with all his choices.

“How Do Dinosaurs Go to School,” by Jane Yolen. This fun book explains how young dinosaurs should behave during a typical school day.

“Llama Llama Misses Mama,” by Anna Dewdney. Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of preschool.

“Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?” by Audrey Vernick. Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, those who follow the rules and try their best will get along fine.

“It’s Time for Preschool,” by Esme Raji Codell. This helpful book introduces typical activities a kid might encounter at preschool.

“Ready and Waiting for You,” by Judi Moreillon. Warm and friendly characters welcome a new student to the first day of school.

“School’s First Day of School,” by Adam Rex. It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself.

“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” by Ryan T. Higgins. When the class pet bites the finger of Penelope, a tyrannosaurus rex, she finally understands why she should not eat her classmates, no matter how tasty they are.