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First Day of School Stories

Big feelings for a big day

First day of school stories for the night before the big day: nervous tummies, new backpacks, unknown classrooms - and the friend, teacher or bus ride that turns it all around. Reading one together is the gentlest way to talk about what is coming.

All stories are free to read online, and you can create a personalized version where your child walks into their real school. This collection is part of our children's stories with values.

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Illustrated cover of the story “Leo and the Little Paper Star”, Children's, Felt illustration, for ages 4 to 6Children's

Leo and the Little Paper Star

4–6 yearsRead free story →
Illustrated cover of the story “Butterflies in My Tummy”, Children's, Felt illustration, for ages 3 to 6Children's

Butterflies in My Tummy

3–6 yearsRead free story →

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Frequently asked questions

When should we read a first-day story?
Start a week or two before school begins and reread as often as your child asks - repetition is how they rehearse the day.
My child is anxious about school. Will a story help?
It gives their worry a shape and a happy ending to hold on to. Watching a character survive (and enjoy) the first day makes their own feel more manageable.
Can the story show my childs actual school?
A personalized story can include the schools name, the teacher and your child as the protagonist - the closest thing to a rehearsal.

More story categories

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30 categories to find your story.

Our collection is organized into themed categories so you can quickly find what you're looking for: from stories about learning to apologize to stories for weddings or retirement.

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