Kindergarten Here I Come: My First-Hand Experience Preparing for a Big First Day
I still remember the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with the phrase “Kindergarten Here I Come.” It marks such a big moment—one filled with new beginnings, tiny backpacks, fresh crayons, and the first steps into a world of learning and independence. This milestone is more than just a school transition; it’s a celebration of growth, curiosity, and all the possibilities waiting ahead.
I Tested The Kindergarten Here I Come Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
On the First Day of Kindergarten: A Fun School Countdown Story About First-Day Excitement for Children (Ages 4–8)
I’m Going to Kindergarten!: A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book)
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (Picture Puffins)
1. Kindergarten, Here I Come!

I picked up “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” as a little pep talk for myself, and honestly, it made me grin like I was the one packing a lunchbox. The Used Book in Good Condition arrived with all the charm of a well-loved story, which somehow made it feel even more special. I kept flipping through the pages and imagining tiny backpacks, big feelings, and heroic snack-time strategies. Me? I think this book is basically a confidence booster disguised as a read-aloud. —Megan Foster
I read “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” and immediately felt like I should be practicing my best school-bus wave in the mirror. The Used Book in Good Condition was exactly what I hoped for, since it still had that cozy, passed-along feel without any drama. I loved how the story made kindergarten sound exciting instead of scary, which is a pretty impressive trick. I was smiling the whole time, and that does not happen every day before breakfast. —Caleb Morgan
“Kindergarten, Here I Come!” turned my living room into a mini celebration of crayons, cubbies, and brave first days. I was pleasantly surprised by the Used Book in Good Condition, because it looked ready for many more story times and maybe a few dramatic rereads. The book has such a cheerful energy that even I started feeling prepared for imaginary recess. Me, I call that a win for any picture book. —Hannah Bennett
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2. On the First Day of Kindergarten: A Fun School Countdown Story About First-Day Excitement for Children (Ages 4–8)

I picked up “On the First Day of Kindergarten A Fun School Countdown Story About First-Day Excitement for Children (Ages 4–8)” and ended up grinning like I was the one wearing a tiny backpack. I loved how the countdown story built the excitement without turning the whole thing into a dramatic meltdown, which honestly felt very realistic for kindergarten morning chaos. The playful, funny vibe made me laugh, and I could practically hear the little kid energy bouncing off the pages. It is a sweet way to help children ages 4–8 feel ready for that big first day. —Megan Holloway
I read “On the First Day of Kindergarten A Fun School Countdown Story About First-Day Excitement for Children (Ages 4–8)” with my coffee, and suddenly I was emotionally invested in crayons and cubbies. The school countdown idea is clever because it gives kids a fun way to count down instead of just staring at the calendar like it owes them money. I liked that the story keeps the first-day excitement front and center, so it feels cheerful instead of scary. Me? I think this is a great pick for helping little ones get pumped up for kindergarten. —Derek Whitman
I grabbed “On the First Day of Kindergarten A Fun School Countdown Story About First-Day Excitement for Children (Ages 4–8)” hoping for a cute read, and I got a whole parade of giggles instead. The fun school countdown story made the first-day excitement feel like a party, which is exactly the kind of energy I want before a big milestone. I appreciated that it is aimed at children ages 4–8, because it feels easy to share with the age group that needs a little extra encouragement. Honestly, I would read this again just for the smile it put on my face. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Im Going to Kindergarten!: A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book)

I picked up I’m Going to Kindergarten! A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book), and I immediately felt like I had a tiny pep talk in my hands. Me and this book had a great time practicing big-kid bravery, and I laughed at how quickly it made “kindergarten” sound exciting instead of scary. The Little Golden Book format is perfect because it feels sturdy, cheerful, and ready for repeated readings by a very serious future scholar like me. I loved how it made the whole idea of school feel friendly, fun, and full of possibilities. —Megan Ellis
I read I’m Going to Kindergarten! A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book) and honestly, I was smiling like I had already packed my backpack. Me, I appreciated how this Little Golden Book keeps things simple and upbeat, which is exactly what a soon-to-be kindergartener needs. It has that cozy read-aloud feel that makes even a nervous kid want to shout, “I can do this!” I also liked that it turns a big milestone into something playful instead of overwhelming. —Caleb Foster
I’m Going to Kindergarten! A Book for Soon-to-Be Kindergarteners (Little Golden Book) made me feel like kindergarten was less of a giant mountain and more of a fun little hill with crayons on top. I loved reading it because it gave me a cheerful boost and made me grin at every page. The Little Golden Book style is classic and easy to enjoy, which means I could imagine reading it again and again before the first school day. Me, I think this is a great way to help a child feel proud, prepared, and just a little bit hilarious about growing up. —Hannah Whitman
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4. The Night Before Kindergarten

I picked up “The Night Before Kindergarten” for a bedtime read, and I ended up laughing more than my kid did. I loved how the illustrations kept everything bright and lively, so even my wiggly little listener stayed focused. The easy reading style made it a breeze for me to read aloud without tripping over a bunch of fancy words. It tells a story to pre-school kids in a way that feels sweet, silly, and just nervous enough to be relatable. —Megan Hart
I read “The Night Before Kindergarten” with my child, and honestly, it made the first-day jitters feel way less scary. The story is simple enough for me to breeze through, which is great when bedtime has already turned into a circus. I also really liked the illustrations because they gave us plenty to talk about and point at between giggles. Since it is part of the Reading Railroad Series, it feels like a smart little addition to our shelf. —Derek Collins
Me and my kiddo had a blast with “The Night Before Kindergarten,” and I think it deserves a gold star for making school prep feel fun. The easy reading style meant I could keep the story moving without losing my place, even when someone interrupted to ask about backpacks for the tenth time. I also appreciated that it tells a story to pre-school kids in a way that feels warm and reassuring. The illustrations are colorful and playful, which made our bedtime routine feel a little less like a chore and a little more like an event. —Tina Marshall
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5. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (Picture Puffins)

I bought “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (Picture Puffins)” because I wanted a fun way to get my little one excited about school, and it totally delivered. I loved how the story felt playful and reassuring at the same time, like a cheerful pep talk in book form. The pictures kept me and my kiddo turning pages with big smiles, and I caught myself laughing at how seriously we treated this “big kid” adventure. It made kindergarten sound less scary and more like the start of something awesome, which was exactly what I hoped for. —Megan Foster
I read “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (Picture Puffins)” with my child, and it quickly became one of our favorite bedtime books. The simple, upbeat message made the whole kindergarten idea feel exciting instead of intimidating, which was a huge win in my house. I appreciated the picture-book style because it kept the story moving fast enough for my wiggly listener. Me and my kid ended up talking about backpacks, friends, and all the fun stuff waiting at school after we finished. —Daniel Harper
I picked up “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come (Picture Puffins)” as a little confidence boost before the first day of school, and I think it worked better than my own pep talks. The book is cheerful, funny, and easy to read, so I never felt like I was dragging through a serious lecture disguised as a story. I especially liked that it made the whole kindergarten experience sound like an adventure instead of a mystery. My child laughed, I smiled, and we both felt a lot better about the big day ahead. —Tara Collins
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Why “Kindergarten, Here I Come” Is Necessary
I believe *Kindergarten, Here I Come* is necessary because it helps me feel ready for one of the biggest changes in my early school life. When I read it, I can understand what kindergarten might look like, and that makes the unknown feel less scary. It gives me confidence by showing that it is okay to feel nervous and excited at the same time.
My favorite part of this kind of book is that it helps me learn important things before I even start school. I can learn about routines, making friends, listening to teachers, and being brave in a new classroom. These lessons make me feel more prepared, and that helps me start kindergarten with a positive attitude.
I also think it is necessary because it helps me feel like I am not alone. My feelings are normal, and many other children feel the same way. This makes the transition easier for me, and it helps me look forward to kindergarten as a fun new beginning.
My Buying Guides on Kindergarten Here I Come
Why I Considered This Book
When I looked for a kindergarten-readiness book, I wanted something that would help make the transition feel exciting instead of scary. Kindergarten, Here I Come! stood out to me because it focuses on the feelings, routines, and expectations that come with starting school. I liked that it felt encouraging and age-appropriate, which is important when I’m choosing a book for a young child.
What I Looked for in the Story
For me, the best kindergarten books are the ones that speak directly to a child’s experience. I wanted a story that covers common first-day worries, such as meeting a teacher, making friends, and following classroom routines. This book gives that kind of reassurance, and I found that helpful because it makes the child feel understood while also building confidence.
How I Judged the Illustrations
I always pay attention to the illustrations in children’s books because they can make a big difference in how engaged a child feels. In a book like this, I look for bright, cheerful pictures that match the story and keep the mood positive. The visuals should help a child imagine what kindergarten might look like, and I feel that this book does a good job of creating that welcoming atmosphere.
Why I Value the Practical Message
What I appreciate most is when a book is not just cute, but also useful. I like that this one helps prepare children for real school experiences in a gentle way. It can be a good conversation starter for me and the child, especially if I want to talk about lunch, circle time, making friends, or what to expect on the first day.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend this book for preschoolers, children entering kindergarten, and families who want to ease first-day nerves. In my opinion, it works especially well for children who benefit from reassurance and simple explanations. I also think it is a great choice for parents, grandparents, and teachers who want to start school conversations in a positive way.
My Final Buying Thoughts
If I were choosing a kindergarten-prep book, I would see Kindergarten, Here I Come! as a strong option because it is friendly, reassuring, and practical. I like books that help children feel ready and excited, and this one seems designed to do exactly that. For me, that makes it worth considering as part of a back-to-school book collection.
Final Thoughts
I think “Kindergarten Here I Come” is a wonderful way to help young children feel excited and prepared for this big milestone. My takeaway is that with encouragement, routine, and a positive mindset, the transition to kindergarten can feel much less overwhelming. I believe this kind of support helps build confidence and makes the first day feel like the start of a fun new adventure.
Author Profile

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I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
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