Best End of School Books for Storytime (Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade)

Just In Case You Want to Fly (2019)

By Julie Fogliano · Illustrated by Christian Robinson · Published by Neal Porter Books
Celebrate your littles heading off on new adventures, and remind them that their people will always be there if they need them. Reassuring, humorous, and heartwarming, Fogliano’s rhyming, rhythmic text pairs perfectly with Robinson’s signature whimsical collages. So many fun opportunities for dialogic reading, and it would pair beautifully with a tender melody.

Mel Fell (2021)

By Corey R. Tabor · Published by Greenwillow Books
I LOVE this read-aloud for celebrating milestones because it is a perfect “jumping off point” for talking about trusting yourself and your abilities and taking a leap of faith. A truly delightful read-aloud with adorable characters throughout, you get to physically turn the book sideways and upside down to follow Mel from downward fall to triumphant flight. Be sure to check the end notes for a cool blurb about kingfishers! Caldecott Honor.

I Wish You More (2015)

By Amy Krouse Rosenthal · Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld · Published by Chronicle Books
Go ahead and get your tissues out because this one is precious. Since its publication, it has joined the ranks of people’s most beloved books—and for good reason! Hopeful, upbeat, clever, and heartfelt all at the same time, this book exudes pure love. The text and illustrations provide great opportunities for dialogic reading and sweet conversations.

Will the Pigeon Graduate? (2025)

By Mo Willems · Published by Union Square Kids
The Pigeon did the work! He paid attention to the little details! He overcame BIG obstacles! He’s gonna graduate! But wait…then what? A hilarious (and honestly, unexpectedly poignant) take on graduating and then facing the unknown. Willems’ classic speech bubbles, bold typography, and expressive illustrations make it another fantastic read-aloud in this series.

Nellie’s Big Splash (2025)

By Cori Doerrfeld · Published by Dial Books
Nellie the sea turtle’s siblings gleefully run into the ocean and swim away—but Nellie is too scared. When she gains a new perspective and realizes that there’s a whole world out there just waiting for her to jump in, she finds the courage to push past her fear. A brilliant take on “the only way out is through,” this is another deeply emotionally intelligent book by Doerrfeld, perfect for kiddos stepping into the unknown.

And Then Comes Summer (2021)

By Tom Brenner · Illustrated by Jaime Kim · Published by Candlewick
I remember being so ready for elementary school to end and for summer to begin—and this book captures that feeling like lightning in a bottle. The language is stunning, and along with the nostalgic illustrations, it evokes the ethos of summer. An ode to the freedom and fun of all the adventures summertime brings.