7 Books To Help With Preschool Anxiety

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Something nobody warned me about when we starting approaching 4 years old…ANXIETY.

My daughter has always been the shy and cautious type. There’s no way around it — if she’s uncomfortable in a situation, she will let us know. Otherwise, she can be very loud, opinionated and sing…a lot. This makes waking up each day interesting because we never know which Kinley we’re going to get!

When we started chatting about what was going to happen at school this fall, she went into worry mode. With her being an October birthday, we already know she won’t attend kindergarten until she’s 6. We did a 2-year-old program last year {despite her being 3 most of the year}, where it was structured like preschool, but I was there to help if she needed me.

This year, she will be going alone. And she is SO worried about it. Even though she did great on her own last year, will have the same teacher and some of the same kids in her class.

There’s only so much I can tell her to calm her fears, so I have turned to books to help explain how much fun school can really be. We have read LOTS and LOTS of books, and these are the ones I felt resonated with her the best. Of course, these can apply to any child heading to school, but since I have a preschooler, I focused on ones that were most suitable for her age group {3-5}.

Help calm preschool anxiety with these books! Here’s my list of 7 great reads perfect for showing your preschool-aged child there’s nothing to fear at school.

Books To Help With Preschool Anxiety

I Love You All Day Long

Owen’s anxious question prompts this heartwarming, comforting tale of how a parent’s love stays with a child whether they are together or apart — all day long.

{I already plan to use this concept when dropping her off at school those first nerve-wracking days!}

Little Bunny’s Preschool Countdown

Little Bunny, hero of Dry Days, Wet Nights, will soon be starting preschool. After Cousin Maxine tells him that preschool is scary, LB buries his schoolbag in the strawberry patch. When Mama finds them, she tells LB that although it is scary to try something new, preschool will be fun! 

{This is on the long end, so your child will need to be one who can sit still pretty well}

Little Miss Spider at Sunnypatch School

Little Miss Spider’s very first day at school “brings nothing but frustration as the little arachnid finds she is a failure at leaf chewing, flying, stinging, and other bug activities…[When] she rescues a fellow classmate from a spout…the principal praises her for her kindness, the best gift of all.” – School Library Journal

{I just love the final lesson in this one!}

Llama Llama Misses Mama

It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?

{This is one of Kinley’s favorites we read…and read…and read…}

Maisy Goes To Preschool

Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There’s painting and snack time, stories and nap time (and a bathroom break in between). Soon everyone’s ready to haul out the instruments and make some noise, then head outside for a turn at the sandbox or slide. In a bright, full-size storybook full of familiar scenes, this child-friendly look at a day in the life of a preschooler is one that newcomers and seasoned pros alike will be happy to share.

{This was perfect for kids to get an idea of how preschool is structured. And the Maisy books are always a hit with us!}

Take A Kiss To School

There is so much to learn on Digby’s first day at school. Will he remember where to hang his jacket and to listen for his name? Digby’s mother has some special help for her boy who doesn’t feel quite brave enough for school. This reassuring story with winsome illustrations is just right for kids starting school–and those who need a little encouragement once they’ve begun!

{This was adorable and perfect for children with anxiety especially! Again, this one is longer, so you’ll need a book lover.}

The Kissing Hand

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school.

{Super cute and highly recommended to me by my teacher friends!}

What are your favorite back-to-school books or tips for easing anxiety?