Stocking your kindergarten classroom library is an amazing chance to share the world with your young students. You’ve definitely got your reliable favorites, but updating your shelves with fresh picks is fun and important. Here are 70 recent and diverse kindergarten books to pull your students in, make them laugh, and help them learn and grow.
First Day Books For Kindergarten
Read aloud from day one! These are some of our favorite books for kindergarten to share with students during the first days and weeks of school.
1. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman (Fiction)
Families of every makeup and background walk to school on the first day of school. Teachers greet them with joy and reverence. This is one of the loveliest rhyming books for kindergarten. Share it to set a welcoming tone at the start of school and revisit it all year long.
Buy it: All Are Welcome at Amazon
2. Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Joe Cepeda (Fiction)
Lupe Lopez starts kindergarten with big dreams to become a classroom rock star, but her teacher’s rules threaten to silence her plans. Lupe learns that being a good friend can be lots of fun, too. Read this as a conversation opener for creating classroom rules as a group.
Buy it: Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules! at Amazon
3. Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Fiction)
When Vanessa starts school, her name takes so long to write (and those two s’s are hard!). When her family teaches her what her name means, it helps everything feel better. Name stories make great first day books for kindergarten! Follow up with all your favorite name crafts and activities.
Buy it: Becoming Vanessa at Amazon
4. KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Joey Chou (Fiction)
Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer the Tutu Teacher, this picture book follows Leo on his first day of kindergarten as his classmates share ideas about kindness and what it means. Share this at the start of school and then brainstorm together all the ways your class will be kind this year!
Buy it: KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day at Amazon
5. & 6. The Queen of Kindergarten and The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Fiction)
Detailing the routines and rituals of a day in kindergarten, thes gentle and sweet stories portray kids getting ready for and enjoying the beginning of kindergarten. Share these encouraging books to ease kids’ anxiety as school starts—and cap them off with some kindergarten crown making!
Buy it: The Queen of Kindergarten and The King of Kindergarten* at Amazon
7. 100 Things I Know How To Do by Amy Schwartz (Counting)
Kids can do so many things! This empowering title is one of our favorite rhyming books for kindergarten to share at the start of the year. Read it and then have kids write and draw about things they can do. It could be a great addition to your “100th day of school” festivities, too.
Buy it: 100 Things I Know How To Do at Amazon
8. Out the Door by Christy Hale (Fiction)
A young girl shares her journey to school, which starts with her heading out the door and continues through her urban neighborhood and onto the subway. Use this as a conversation starter about neighborhoods and journeys to school, to introduce activities about prepositions, directions, or mapping, or as a writing mentor text.
Buy it: Out the Door at Amazon
9. Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer (Fiction)
Two kids take a “wonder walk” and share their questions about everything they see. This is an ideal book for creating a culture of curiosity and inquiry in your classroom. Read it and take your class out on beginning of the year wonder walk of their own!
Buy it: Wonder Walkers at Amazon
10. We All Play by Julie Flett (Nonfiction)
Who loves to play? All kinds of animals, and kids of course! Sharing kindergarten books that celebrate play helps highlight the value of play in your classroom right from the start of the year. Written in both English and Cree, we love using this title to celebrate native languages and connections to nature too.
Buy it: We All Play at Amazon
Friendship Read Aloud Books for Kindergartners
You constantly talk about what it means to be a good friend in kindergarten—having a solid stack of friendship read aloud books to frame those discussions is a must!
11. Elmore by Holly Hobbie (Fiction)
Elmore struggles to make friends as a spiky porcupine. Eventually he finds a creative way to connect with others: He gives away his quills as pens for other animals. Share this book to get kindergarteners thinking about the unique gifts they can each share with others. They can even make signs to celebrate their ideas, just like Elmore!
Buy it: Elmore at Amazon
12. The Fort by Laura Perdew (Fiction)
A “prince” and a “pirate” unknowingly plan to use the same forest fort to play. There’s conflict at first—until they realize it’s more fun to play together. Read aloud this book to help frame conversations about sharing classroom and playground play spaces, and to spark fun ideas for playing together.
Buy it: The Fort at Amazon
13. Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal (Fiction)
Captain Swashby is a reclusive retired sailor happy with his quiet life by the sea—until an energetic girl and her grandmother move in next door and shake up his routine. Add this to the kindergarten books you re-read multiple times, because it has a lot to enjoy: You can notice and describe the characters, discuss the friendship themes, and hone in on interesting vocabulary words. There are even a handful of authentic chances to review phonics skills and sight words as students decipher messages the characters write in the sand.
Buy it: Swashby and the Sea at Amazon
14. Fern and Otto: A Story About Two Best Friends by Stephanie Graegin (Fiction)
On the hunt for an exciting story idea, Fern and Otto take a grand tour of fairy-tale and nursery rhyme events in the forest. In the end, they realize that the best stories can be found closer to home. Add this book to your collection of fairy tale books for kindergarten, or read it to help talk about noticing story elements.
Buy it: Fern and Otto: A Story About Two Best Friends at Amazon
15. A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy (Fiction)
Gabo wants to try sledding but he doesn’t have the right clothes or gear. His community comes together to help him. The English version includes lots of Spanish words, and this title is also available fully in Spanish. Add this to your collection of winter books for kindergarten, and use it to talk about how friends can problem-solve together.
Buy it: A Sled for Gabo at Amazon
16. Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus (Fiction)
A young girl who lives in a refugee camp treasures her pebble—until she realizes someone else needs it more. Share this developmentally-appropriate title to gently build knowledge about experiences of refugees, and the power of friendship in challenging situations.
Buy it: Lubna and Pebble at Amazon
Best Picture Books for Kindergarten for Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning is always important, but it’s an especially big part of kindergarten! These are valuable read aloud books for kindergarten that emphasize emotional literacy, empathy, growth mindset and other key skills.
17. Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park (Fiction)
Vern wishes they could pump on the swings, but (as many kindergarteners know), it’s a skill that takes practice. A new friend gives direction and encouragement. Share this relatable story to discuss themes of empathy, perseverance, and friendship. It’s also ideal for modeling how readers visualize as they read.
Buy it: Touch the Sky on Amazon*
18. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez (Fiction)
Sometimes it’s all about how we look at things. This book shows kindergarteners many concrete examples of how we can change our mindset by considering that we aren’t able to do something “yet.” Share this story to introduce shared language about having a growth mindset.
Buy it: The Magical Yet at Amazon
19. How To Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka (Fiction)
This is a light-hearted but super-helpful primer about how to deliver a genuine and effective apology. Use this to introduce shared vocabulary and expectations about apologizing in your classroom.
Buy it: How To Apologize at Amazon
20. Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak (Fiction)
This thoughtful story explores the complexity of emotions and how to show up for a friend who is having a hard time. It reminds us that sadness doesn’t always look the same and that we can be upset without crying or visibly displaying our emotions. Use it as a discussion starter for ways students can support each other through various tough feelings.
Buy it: Jenny Mei Is Sad at Amazon
21. Pink Is for Everybody! by Ella Russell, illustrated by Udayana Lugo (Fiction)
Discussions about colors—and who should wear them, use them, or like them—often come up in kindergarten. This wonderfully inclusive book models for kids how everyone has the right to choose just what they like. Share it when those inevitable comments about “boy colors” and “girl colors” pop up in your class.
Buy it: Pink Is for Everybody! at Amazon
22. Willow Takes on the Weather by Rachel Noble, illustrated by Annabel Tempest (Fiction)
Willow has big plans to enjoy her day outside—until the wind and rain get in the way. After some grumbling, she shifts her outlook and manages to have a fantastic time. This is a fun complement to nonfiction weather books for kindergarten, or great for sharing any time it feels like your class needs an example of the power of a positive outlook.
Buy it: Willow Takes on the Weather on Amazon*
23. We’re Moving House by Mick Jackson, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh (Fiction)
When his mom tells him the family is “moving house,” a boy imagines his home being lifted and taken with them. When he finds out this isn’t true, he feels anxious about the transition. Share this to help students empathize with peers facing an upcoming change.
Buy it: We’re Moving House on Amazon*
27. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (Fiction)
Other animals try to help when Taylor is sad, but it’s the rabbit who does what’s needed. Share this tender story reminds kindergartners (and those who teach them) that sometimes just listening is the best way to help. After reading, students could act out empathetic listening with puppets or partners, or write about what helps them when they are sad.
Buy it: The Rabbit Listened at Amazon
28. The Bear and the Moon by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Catia Chien (Fiction)
A bear joyfully finds a red balloon—and then inadvertently pops it in this tender tale. Use this book to discuss themes of guilt, loss, and disappointment in a reassuring way. The descriptive language also provides a beautiful model for kids’ own detailed oral storytelling and narrative writing.
Buy it: The Bear and the Moon at Amazon
29. Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall (Fiction)
Revisit the beloved characters from Jabari Jumps. in this story about the challenges of executing a big project vision. Jabari’s dad wins once again with his spot-on advice about slowing down, breathing, and digging deep for the patience to try, try again. Invite kindergarten students to make connections to times when similar strategies have helped—or could help—them work through frustrating moments.
Buy it: Jabari Tries at Amazon
70. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
It can be hard to express your feelings and even recognize when you’re having a hard time. This silly story about a monkey who learns to identify and honor his emotions is a lighthearted pick with a helpful message. As Jim Panzee uncovers his true feelings, we learn about how to take the time to recognize our own. Love this one? Be sure to check out all six stories in the series.
Buy it: Grumpy Monkey at Amazon
26. Very Good Hats by Emma Straub
Through imagination and creativity, this book demonstrates how many different things can function as hats and that the possibilities are endless. An enjoyable read-aloud about seeing things from a new perspective.
Buy it: Very Good Hats at Amazon
Best Picture Books for Kindergarten to Build Literacy Skills
58. T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski
You can never have too many kindergarten alphabet books, and this silly one will have kids giggling. Sure, horses can’t play hopscotch, and raccoons definitely can’t ride roller coasters, but trying out new things is still tons of fun!
Buy it: T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes at Amazon
59. Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty
It’s a race to get through the cleaning to-do list before Grandma comes to visit. But uh-oh! The cat keeps swiping at the magnetic letters on the fridge, jumbling the tasks in hilarious ways. Share this to reinforce print concepts. Plus, you can add to your kindergarten books that represent two-dad families.
Buy it: Bathe the Cat at Amazon
60. The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
Many kids collect rocks, baseball cards, and comic books, but Jerome collects words. Inspire students to notice vocabulary and show them the power that just the right word can hold.
Buy it: The Word Collector at Amazon
61. Time for Bed, Old House by Janet Costa Bates
Isaac is happy to be visiting his grandfather’s house but hesitant about actually going to sleep. His grandfather leads him through a sweet routine that makes all the creaks and groans of the old house endearing instead of scary. We love that savvy Grandpop introduces Isaac to “Reading the Pictures” so he can help tell the bedtime stories—a great skill to build for pre-readers in kindergarten!
Buy it: Time for Bed, Old House at Amazon
62. It’s a Sign! by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey
The Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! collection never lets us down! Colorful creatures make signs for their new club. Add this one to your kindergarten books for talking about using letter-sound knowledge to write decodable words.
Buy it: It’s a Sign! at Amazon
My Friend Mae by Julie Flett
Gaga Mistake Day by Emma Straub and Susan Straub, illustrated by Jessica Love
Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall
2. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
When Omu makes her thick red stew, the delicious smell attracts many visitors hoping for a taste. Selflessly, she gives every last bit away—but her grateful neighbors have a plan to say thanks. This is the perfect story to act out with your class.
Buy it: Thank You, Omu! at Amazon
3. Saturday by Oge Mora
In this quiet gem, a mother and daughter make the best of a series of mishaps by keeping in mind what’s truly important: being together.
Buy it: Saturday at Amazon
18. The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya
We adore this rhyming Spanish and English adaptation of a classic tale! It has lots of familiar details, but in an updated ending, the troll becomes the goats’ newest amiga. Perfect for comparing and contrasting with a traditional version.
Buy it: The Three Billy Goats Buenos at Amazon
19. The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
This Little Red Hen retelling stars Ruby, who spies some scrap wood and gets a vision for an amazing fort. Will any of her brothers help her build it?
Buy it: The Little Red Fort at Amazon
20. Pool Party by Amy Duchȇne and Elisa Parhad
Add this to your kindergarten books for helping kids with ideas for their own personal narrative writing. Who doesn’t love a pool party? There are just a few words per page, but there are so many fun details to notice in the pictures. Encourage kids to add small details to their own drawings, right down to wrinkles on pruned fingers! (This is also one of our go-to summer books for kindergarten to enjoy before school lets out.)
Buy it: Pool Party at Amazon
30. Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling
Kids can make so many connections to this story of a girl learning to ride a bike. Share this when you’re talking about noticing details in book illustrations—and adding more to kids’ own drawings.
Buy it: Together We Ride at Amazon
21. A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo
Initiate a new crop of Mercy Watson fans with a tender picture book explanation of how Mercy arrived at the Watson family’s doorstep.
Buy it: A Piglet Named Mercy at Amazon
24. Barkus series by Patricia MacLachlan
This dog and owner duo reminds us of Henry and Mudge. The wholesome content works for a read-aloud or your occasional advanced independent kindergarten reader.
Buy it: Barkus series at Amazon
Decodable Books for Kindergarten
Express Readers
63. Bright Owl short vowel books by Molly Coxe
Learning short vowel sounds doesn’t have to be a drag when you’ve got adorable felted animals to teach you. Supplement your phonics curriculum with these gems.
Buy it: Bright Owl short vowel books at Amazon
Knowledge-Building and Nonfiction Books for Kindergarten
Sharing nonfiction books for kindergarteners to build knowledge about a variety of topics is so important. These are some of our recent favorite science books for kindergarten, plus books about notable people and places.
17. Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali
When Musa starts kindergarten, his new teacher invites him to share his favorite day with the class. He’s shocked that Eid al-Fitr isn’t everyone’s favorite day! Over the course of the year, the class learns about Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, Pi Day, and many more special days. If you’re looking to add more inclusive holiday and calendar-themed kindergarten books to your shelves, try this one.
Buy it: Our Favorite Day of the Year at Amazon
14. Love Is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer
As Mari and her mother create signs for an upcoming march, Mari isn’t sure their letters are big enough for anyone to read their messages. But read them, people do. By the time you reach the author’s note, with reflections from the real-life 6-year-old Mari on her experience attending a women’s march in 2017, we guarantee you’ll have chills. Share this to kick off an opinion writing unit, or anytime you want to let the children in your life know that love—and their own words—are most definitely powerful.
Buy it: Love Is Powerful at Amazon
Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
What’s New, Daniel by Micha Archer
48.–51. Winter Is Here, In the Middle of Fall, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek
The patterned text, precise language, and cheerful illustrations in these titles are perfect for sharing with kindergartners, no matter the weather! Inspire seasonal artwork and writing all year long.
Buy it: Winter Is Here, In the Middle of Fall, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song at Amazon
22. Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown
This is a colorful and engaging portrait of artist Frida Kahlo presented in a context that children can appreciate: her special relationships with the animals in her life.
Buy it: Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos at Amazon
40. See How They Grow series by DK
Kindergarten books that help tackle science standards are the best! Uncluttered photos show how baby animals from different habitats grow and change over time.
Buy it: See How They Grow at Amazon
41. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Science by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
What is science, anyway? Use the opening section to teach kids about the habits of scientists at the start of the year, and return to its captivating coverage of different science topics when you start each new unit.
Buy it: National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Science at Amazon
42. Nibi’s Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco
Educate kids about the importance of working to ensure everyone has clean water to drink with this energetic story of activism written by two indigenous Canadian women.
Buy it: Nibi’s Water Song at Amazon
43. Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World by Christy Hale
This innovative book uses paper cut-outs to show how land and water forms are related—plus, plenty of fun details in the illustrations invite wondering and conversation.
Buy it: Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World at Amazon
44. Germs vs. Soap by Didi Dragon
Kindergarten classrooms have to talk about handwashing … a lot. At least this book makes it entertaining! Captivate kids’ imaginations while teaching them to wage battle using germs’ sudsy nemesis.
Buy it: Germs vs. Soap at Amazon
45. Anywhere Farm by Phyllis Root
Introduce key concepts about plants, and inspire young farmers, whether or not you have conventional garden space available.
Buy it: Anywhere Farm at Amazon
46. Living Things and Nonliving Things: A Compare and Contrast Book by Kevin Kurtz
Explore this foundational concept with a book that encourages critical thinking. The engaging photographs and embedded questions help students decide if something is “probably a living thing,” leaving room for a realistic dose of scientific uncertainty.
Buy it: Living Things and Nonliving Things: A Compare and Contrast Book at Amazon
47. The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes by Julia Finley Mosca
This rhyming biography manages to present complex information in an accessible way. Use it to discuss gender equality or as an interesting extension to a unit on the five senses.
Buy it: The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes at Amazon
52. Peek-Through Picture Book series by Britta Teckentrup
Perfect blends of artistry, information, and engagement, each title in this series uses cut-outs to share new details on each page about a topic in nature. Who says nonfiction can’t be beautiful?
Buy it: Peek-Through Picture Books at Amazon
53. If I Were a Tree by Andrea Zimmerman
If you were a tree, how would you feel? What would you taste, smell, hear, and see? What amazing questions to discuss with kindergartners! This is one of our favorite new kindergarten books to introduce the five senses.
Buy it: If I Were a Tree at Amazon
54. I Hear You, Ocean by Kallie George
Sounds and sights on a trip to the ocean create a lyrical poem. Use the repeating text structure to write your own class poem.
Buy it: I Hear You, Ocean at Amazon
55. Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
This book makes for a gorgeous read-aloud, and we see adorable kindergarten “thank-you letters to the earth” in your classroom future.
Buy it: Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet at Amazon
Math Read Aloud Books for Kindergarten
35. Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Inside Cat looks at the world through so many different windows—it’s surely seen it all, right? The surprise ending will delight kids. This is a unique addition to your kindergarten books that will definitely get your class noticing and talking (and maybe heading out on a shape hunt!).
Buy it: Inside Cat at Amazon
36. Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan
This is so much more than a shape book. Explore both 2D and 3D shapes alongside Muslim culture with this unique offering. Students who enjoy artwork will especially appreciate the intricate designs in the illustrations. Also check out others in this series: One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors.
Buy it: Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes at Amazon
37. Ten Blocks to the Big Wok by Ying-Hwa Hu
Counting stories are awesome kindergarten books! In this bilingual English and Mandarin title, Mia and her uncle Eddie walk through Chinatown on their way to eat dim sum. On each block, they see more interesting things. Introduce ordinal and cardinal numbers and inspire kids’ own neighborhood counting books.
Buy it: Ten Blocks to the Big Wok at Amazon
38. Ten on a Twig by Lo Cole
You know how you teach ways to make 10 for, oh … the entire year? This book makes it so much happier! Ten colorful birds sit on a twig until—snap!—the twig keeps breaking, causing birds to fall off. The illustrations are pleasing yet uncluttered enough to use for math lessons and could inspire the most adorable art projects ever.
Buy it: Ten on a Twig at Amazon
How Do You Spend? by Cinders McLeod
Funny Books for Kindergartners
Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!”by David La Rochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Who Ate Steve? by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Lulu is a Rhinoceros by Jason Flom with Allison Flom, illustrated y Sophie Corrigan
Too Much Glue
64. Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork by Constance Lombardo
Need to grab a book to shift the mood? This competitive rant between baby feeding utensils will have your kiddos laughing hysterically. We also love it for introducing speech bubbles.
Buy it: Tiny Spoon vs. Little Fork at Amazon
65. The Jack Books by Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli
The many decodable words and short sentences are supportive for sure, but it’s the deadpan humor and mischief that will hook new readers. Kids will also love the drawing tutorials at the back of each title.
Buy it: The Jack Books at Amazon
66. The Giggle Gang Books by Jan Thomas
The Giggle Gang books deserve their own bin in your classroom library. With just the right amount of repetition, these books feel like “real” reading despite their easy content. They also work well as quick read-alouds or mini-lesson mentor texts.
Buy it: The Giggle Gang Books at Amazon
67. Runny Babbit Returns: Another Billy Sook by Shel Silverstein
These poems are not only fun tongue twisters but also offer a great chance for kindergartners to explore manipulating initial sounds. And, of course, you get the laughs you’ve come to expect from this legendary poet.
Buy it: Runny Babbit Returns: Another Billy Sook at Amazon
68. The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach
This thoroughly engaging tale about the mystery of a bear and his sandwich is filled with appealing illustrations and rich detail. The silly story ends with a fun twist you won’t see coming.
Buy it: The Bear Ate Your Sandwich at Amazon
69. Wordy Birdy by Tammi Sauer
The subtle lesson in this endearing story about a bird who likes to talk more than listen is great for a kindergarten audience. Wordy Birdy is a funny character we can all root for, and we appreciate the kindness of her friends when she gets into trouble by not listening.
Buy it: Wordy Birdy at Amazon
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