It’s that time of year when nieces and nephews everywhere are getting ready for the first day of school. Whether a child is starting preschool, kindergarten, or grade school, just thinking about it is enough to bring on a case of the jitters.

So, being the Savvy Auntie that you are, take some time to read a good story with your nieces and nephews to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about the big day!

Here are some fantastic books your little ones will surely enjoy!



The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn
Ages 4-8
Hardcover & Paperback
 
The Kissing Hand is a must-read for every child who fears separation from his or her mommy, especially when starting school. In this touching tale, Chester raccoon is anxious about starting school in the forest until his mommy teaches him how to carry her love with him all day long.



My First Day at Nursery School
By Becky Edwards
Illustrated by Anthony Flintoft
Ages 2-4
Hardcover & Paperback
 
All of the fun activities depicted in this colorful story will help any niece or nephew anxious about the first day of nursery school.  Playing games, making projects, singing, and dancing are just a few of the highlights in this delightful book for the preschool set.



Countdown to Kindergarten
By Allison McGhee
Illustrated by Harry Bliss
Ages 4-6
Hardcover & Paperback
 
Starting kindergarten is a big deal for every niece and nephew. Countdown to Kindergarten is a wonderfully reassuring story about a little girl who worries about her new school and who will help her when she needs it most.



First Grade Stinks
By Mary Ann Rodman
Illustrated by Beth Spiegel
Ages 5-7
 
The start of every new school year can be worrisome, even for an experienced first-grader like Haley.  She misses her kindergarten teacher and wishes she didn’t have to move on, until she learns that first grade has its advantages as well!



First Day Jitters
By Julie Danneberg
Illustrated by Judith Dufour Love
Ages 4-8
Hardcover & Paperback
 
First Day Jitters offers a clever twist and plenty of humor for children nervous about starting over at a new school. Sarah Jane hides under the covers while her father gently urges her to get ready for her first day of school. She reluctantly pulls herself together, all the while thinking that her new classroom is going to be dreadful.  Nervous nieces and nephews will get a kick when Mrs. Sarah Jane Hartwell is finally introduced to her new students.  And they will learn that adults, too, can be anxious about big changes.