Books That Prepare Toddlers for Preschool and Daycare

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5 min

Harnimom – By Julia Roberts

When my daughter first clutched her backpack and looked at me with wide, nervous eyes before preschool, I knew this was more than just another milestone. It was a huge transition—for both of us.

Toddlers thrive on routine and familiarity. So starting daycare or preschool can feel overwhelming, even scary. But with the right storybooks, you can help your toddler feel safe, understood, and even excited about this new adventure.

This post will guide you through how to use storybooks to ease preschool transitions, handle separation anxiety, and gently build your toddler’s confidence—one page at a time.

Table of Contents

Why Storybooks Work So Well for Preschool Prep

Books give toddlers a chance to “practice” preschool in a safe and playful way. When toddlers see characters:

Packing bags
Meeting new teachers
Saying goodbye to parents
Playing with new friends

…they begin to understand what to expect and how to cope.

Storybooks for preschool transitions help toddlers:

Visualize new routines
Learn preschool vocabulary (circle time, cubbies, snack!)
Build emotional readiness
Express fears through characters
Feel less alone

What to Look for in a Preschool Prep Book

Not all books are created equal. Look for titles that are:

Toddler-paced (simple, short sentences and relatable experiences)
Emotionally validating (“It’s okay to feel sad when Mommy leaves”)
Realistic but uplifting
Illustrated with diverse children and warm environments
Repetitive (to build comfort and familiarity)

Featured Read: Ellie’s First Day

SHOP NOW

In Ellie’s First Day, Ellie packs her bag, meets her teacher, feels nervous, and even sheds a tear when it’s time to say goodbye—but by the end, she’s laughing at storytime and hugging a new friend.

This story is gentle and realistic, showing your toddler that:

It’s okay to miss home
You’re still connected even when apart
Preschool can be full of fun and love

Find it in our Ellie Storybook Series — now available on Harnimom.com

5 Things Toddlers Fear About Preschool (And How Books Help)

1. Being Away from You

Use books that show parents returning. Reassure with lines like “Mommy always comes back.”

Try: Llama Llama Misses Mama, Owl Babies, or Ellie’s First Day

2. Not Knowing What to Expect

Books that walk through the daily routine step-by-step ease uncertainty.

Look for pages showing:

Arrival & drop-off
Snack time
Naps
Outdoor play

3. Not Fitting In

Choose stories with diverse characters, inclusive classrooms, and kind teachers.

Try: Chu’s First Day of School, Maisy Goes to Preschool

4. Separation Anxiety

Some toddlers cry, cling, or shut down. Stories help by modeling bravery.

Try: Bye-Bye Time, The Kissing Hand, Ellie’s First Day

5. Using the Potty at Preschool

If this is part of your child’s worry, include books about bathroom independence too.

How to Use Storybooks to Ease the Transition

Here’s a routine that worked wonders for us:

Read a preschool-themed book every evening for 1–2 weeks before school starts
Point out routines: “Look, Ellie hangs her bag like you will!”
Let your toddler ask questions (“Where do I nap?”)
Act it out with stuffed animals or dolls
Make a goodbye ritual from the book (a wave, a hug, a secret handshake)

Pro Tip: Repetition creates confidence. Toddlers may want to hear the same story 15 times. That’s okay—it’s their way of processing!

Great Book Picks for Preschool Prep

Here are more toddler-friendly reads:

Ellie’s First Day – Gentle and relatable, part of the Ellie series
The Kissing Hand – Reassures toddlers that love stays with them
Bye-Bye Time – Validates goodbye tears and gives real tools
Maisy Goes to Preschool – Bright and simple for younger toddlers
Llama Llama Misses Mama – Shows emotional ups and downs of separation
I Love You All Day Long – Reinforces that love continues even apart

Free Download: ABC Flash cards

Final Thoughts from Julia

Starting preschool is big for both of you. I know how bittersweet it feels—letting go just a little while still wanting to protect them completely. Storybooks helped me parent with gentleness through that moment, and I truly believe they’ll help you too.

Let your toddler explore these stories again and again. Let them cry a little and smile a lot. Let them know it’s okay to be scared, and even more okay to grow brave—one story at a time.