Kindergarten can be a wonderful place where children can learn new things and meet new friends, but many children anticipate it with worry and dread. These children’s books will help relieve some common concerns and give children a better idea of what to expect.

Countdown to Kindergarten, story by Alison McGhee, illustrations by Harry Bliss. With 10 days to kindergarten, the young narrator of this book is beginning to panic because she does not know how to tie her shoes. Even though she can count backwards from 10, she is sure that the most important skill for kindergarten is tying shoes. Her panic builds, and she resorts to hiding her shoes, pulling out the laces, and, even, occasionally, practicing. When she arrives at kindergarten she realizes that it’s not as tough as she thinks. This comical book will show children that kindergarten can be a welcoming place. Ages four to six. (Harcourt Inc., 2002)

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, story by Joseph Slate, illustrations by Ashley Wolff. As Miss Bindergarten gets her classroom ready for the first day of school, her 26 animal students are also getting ready. From Adam Krupp, who wakes up, to Zack Blair, who finds a chair, this rhyming alphabet book entertains readers with its comical depictions of the preparation for school. Ages four to six. (Dutton Children’s Books, 1996)

Born in the Gravy, story and illustrations by Denys Cazel. When Margarita comes home from her first day of kindergarten, she tells her father about her classmates, like Archie who climbs trees and Juan who is allergic to beans. And she tells him about the class jobs, circle time, recess, and the songs they learn. Her father tells her how proud he is. This loving bilingual conversation introduces young children to the exciting things they’ll experience in kindergarten. Ages four to six. (Orchard Books, 1993)

Enrico Starts School, story and illustrations by Charlotte Middleton. Despite knowing how to ride a bike, make sardine sandwiches, and chase mice, Enrico is anxious about his first day in school. He worries that he won’t make friends. First he tries to make friends by feeding the kids his sandwich and trying to roller skate. When those attempts fail, he listens to his little brother’s advice and starts just being himself. Soon he meets Pepe and they quickly become friends. This story will help children look ahead to the friends they’ll make in kindergarten. Ages four to six. (Dial Book for Young Readers, 2004)

Wimberly Worried, story and illustrations by Kevin Henkes. Wimberley worries about everything, all of the time. Most of all, she worries about starting school. But, on Wimberly’s first day, her teacher introduces her to Jewel. They spend the day together and before they know it, it’s time to go home. When the teacher tells Wimberly to come back tomorrow, Wimberly responds, “Don’t worry!” Henkes’ story will help boost the confidence of children who worry like Wimberly. Ages four to six. (Greenwillow Books, 2000)

Froggy Goes to School, story by Jonathan London, illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz. After a comically bad dream about his first day of kindergarten, Froggy goes to school. At first he has some trouble paying attention and falls out of his chair, but when it comes to circle time, he gets his chance to shine. Recognizing London and Remkiewicz’s lovable main character from other popular Froggy books, children will laugh their way through any anxiety they may have about their own first day. Ages four to six. (Viking, 1996)