The 18+ Best End of the Year Books for Preschool

As the school year comes to a close, finding the best end-of-the-year preschool books is a great way to celebrate the achievements and memories of your child. One wonderful way to commemorate this milestone is through the power of books.

End-of-the-year preschool books capture the emotions and experiences of this special time, providing young readers with a sense of closure and excitement for what lies ahead. So whether your little one is transitioning to a new grade or saying goodbye to preschool, these stories will captivate their hearts and minds.

In this article, we compiled a list of the best end-of-the-year preschool books. From heartwarming stories to fun-filled adventures, these books will not only entertain but also encourage a love of reading. 

Picture Books

Picture books are always a great way to introduce younger children to the concept of the end of the school year. Here are some of our favorite picture books for the last days of school:

1. The Goodbye Book

The Goodbye Book is a great reminder that even though goodbyes can be hard, they’re also a natural part of life. This book covers a range of emotions that children may feel as the school year comes to a close, including sadness, excitement, and uncertainty.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 2 - 4 years

By Parr, Todd

2. Little Tree

For graduates, for their parents, for anyone facing change, here is a gorgeously illustrated and stunningly heartfelt ode to the challenges of growing up and letting go. A story of the seasons and stepping stones as poignant for parents as for their kids, from the creator of Otis the tractor and illustrator of Love by Matt de la Pena.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 3 - 6 years

By Long, Loren

3. See You Later, Alligator

A departing tortoise has his bags packed and is almost ready to set out on an adventure, but he can’t leave until he says good-bye to each of his animal friends. With each farewell, the tortoise’s good-byes get sillier and more creative. When will the good-byes end and the adventure begin? “Lovely book. My son is obsessed with the rhymes. My only complaint is that it now takes ages to leave the house as he has to go through all these rhymes!” - Amazon review by Clare S.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 2 - 5 years

By Hopgood, Sally

4. A Letter From Your Teacher On the Last Day of School

From the author and illustrator of Our Class is a Family, this touching picture book expresses a teacher’s sentiments and well wishes on the last day of school. Serving as a follow up to the letter in A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School, it’s a read aloud for teachers to bid a special farewell to their students at the end of the school year. There is a blank space on the last page for teachers to sign their own name, so that students know that the letter in the book is coming straight from them.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 6 - 9 years

By Olsen, Shannon

5. I Wish You More

Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet book is for wishers of all ages! I Wish You More is the perfect graduation gift or baby shower book as well as an uplifting read sure to bring positivity to all who read it. “Both the story and the drawing are wonderful. Every kid deserves this book.” - Verified Amazon review

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 6 - 9 years

By Rosenthal, Amy Krouse

6. A Letter to My Teacher

This funny, touching picture book celebrates the difference a good teacher can make. Written as a thank-you note to a special teacher from the student who never forgot her, this moving story makes a great classroom read-aloud, and a perfect back-to-school gift for students and teachers!

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 3 - 7 years

By Hopkinson, Deborah

7. Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Last Day of School

Dragon loves parties and picnics and playgrounds and is ready to celebrate too. But is it smart to bring a dragon to the last day of school? Find out if Dragon gets to join in the fun in this hilarious picture book by Julie Gassman. “I was a mystery reader for my daughter's kindergarten class. They loved this book. Nice shiney pages. Bold colors. Cute story.” - Amazon review by Shanna S.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 4 - 7 years

By Gassman, Julie

8. The Last Day of Kindergarten

A little girl is sad that kindergarten is coming to an end. She wishes it were the first day again, when everything was exciting and new and there was such a fun year ahead. But then she realizes that graduating is exciting, too, and maybe first grade won’t be so bad, after all! “I purchased two of these for my grandchildren graduating kindergarten. It's a short but sweet story. The illustrations are gorgeous! Your child will love this as much as the adults.” - Amazon review by Amazon Goddess

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 5 - 6 years

By Loewen, Nancy

9. The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation

It's time to celebrate kindergarten graduation in Natasha Wing's best-selling series featuring rhyming text in the style of the classic Clement C. Moore holiday poem. Get ready for a major milestone: kindergarten graduation! Of course, there's a lot of preparation the night before as kids prepare for the momentous occasion. This is a great school-year follow-up to The Night Before Kindergarten!

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 5 - 6 years

By Wing, Natasha

10. Lizzie and the Last Day of School

This is a wonderful book for your kiddos that truly love school and don’t want the year to be over.  It is a great way to discuss the anxiety some students feel about the last day of school, and not feeling ready for change at the end of the year.  “I was the mystery reader at my daughters class and the kids loved this sorry! They were sad to leave Kindergarten but excited for 1st.” - Amazon review by Maria S.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 5 - 7 years

By Noble, Trinka Hakes

11. The Year of Billy Miller

Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller is a wonderful book that follows a young boy named Billy as he navigates the ups and downs of second grade. This Newbery Honor Award Winner is full of humor and heart, and it’s a great way to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 7 - 8 years

By Henkes, Kevin

12. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates

Though this is a story about the first day of school for Penelope Rex, it could be very well the last for classmate as she finds human friends so delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 3 - 6 years

By Higgins, Ryan T.

13. Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the Last Day of Kindergarten

The bestselling Miss Bindergarten series comes to a sweet and jubilant conclusion by honoring an important passage: the last day of kindergarten. Filled with last-day classroom ideas, it's also a perfect gift to honor graduation and moving-up ceremonies. Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the Last Day of Kindergarten is the perfect way for teachers and students to commemorate their own end-of-the-year festivities.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 5 - 6 years

By Slate, Joseph

14. The Knowing Book

This picture book is a celebration of life and the perfect gift to mark any milestone, from birthday to graduation to end of the school year!. Illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell! In this inspiring story, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and wonder. Along the way he chooses a path and explores the unknown. And at the end of his journey, braver and more confident, he returns home—a place he can always count on

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

By Dotlich, Rebecca Kai

15. How I Spent My Summer Vacation

This fun book will get kids excited about their summer vacation! Most kids go to camp over the summer, or to Grandma's house, or maybe they're stuck at home. Not Wallace Bleff.  He was supposed to visit his Aunt Fern. Instead, Wallace insists, he was carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West--from riding buckin' broncos to roping cattle. Here's a western fantasy with sparkling illustrations and enough action to knock kids' boots off!

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 4 - 10 years

By Teague, Mark

16. Last Day, Hooray!

Four, three, two, ONE! The last day of school is finally here. For Ivy and her friends it's time to take down pictures, clean shelves and say good-bye. But there is also time for one last surprise. In this companion to "First Day, Horray!," Nancy Poydar perfectly captures the excitement and fun of the final day of school and the beginning of summer vacation.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 4 - 8 years

By Nancy Poydar

17. Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden

Join Mrs. Spitzer as she nurtures her garden of young students throughout the school year. This wonderful book emphasizes the growth and potential of each child, leaving a lasting impression on young readers. It's a beautiful story that encourages children to blossom and thrive.

Goodreads Rating: 4.08

Ages: 3 - 6 years

By Pattou, Edith

18. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a beloved classic by Dr. Seuss that offers words of encouragement and inspiration to young readers. This fun book encourages children to embrace new adventures, overcome challenges, and believe in their abilities. It is a perfect gift for children moving on to a new grade or embarking on a new journey.

Goodreads Rating: 4.37

Ages: 3+ years

By Seuss, Dr.

19. The Last Day of School

The Last Day of School is a wonderful book that celebrates the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. The book follows a group of students as they enjoy their last days of school and look forward to all the fun things they’ll do during the summer. “If you are an elementary school teacher...grades 2,3, or 4...you will love this book. It truly captures the essence of the last day of school and letting go and how everything you do, kids are internalizing.” - Amazon review by TD

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 7 - 10 years

By Borden, Louise

20. The Wonderful Things You Will Be

The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a beautiful book that celebrates the endless possibilities and dreams of young children. With enchanting illustrations and lyrical prose, this book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and follow their passions. It is a great read-aloud for parents and a reminder that each child has the power to make the world a better place.

Goodreads Rating: 4.43

Ages: 0-3 years

By Martin, Emily Winfield

21. Junie B. Jones is a Graduation Girl

Meet the world's funniest kindergartener, Junie B. Jones, as she gets ready to become the world's funniest first grader! Barbara Park’s #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty-five years.

Goodreads Rating: 4.9

Ages: 5 - 7 years

Chapter Books

Chapter books are a great way to help kids transition from picture books to longer stories. Here are some of the best chapter books for kids that can help to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. Here are some of our favorite chapter books for the end of the school year:

22. Last Day Blues

Join Mrs. Hartwell's class as they prepare for the last day of school. This sweet book captures the mixed emotions felt by both teachers and students as they say goodbye to a great year. It's a wonderful reminder of the fun and friendships that were formed throughout the school year. "Last Day Blues" is a sweet story that follows the adventures of a group of young animal students as they prepare for summer vacation. Written from the perspective of the school's janitor, this book captures the excitement and anticipation of the last day of school. 

Goodreads Rating: 4.14

Ages: 6 - 8 years

By Danneberg, Julie

In Closing:

As the school year comes to an end, sharing these best end-of-the-year preschool books with your child is a wonderful way to celebrate their accomplishments and create lasting memories. From sweet stories that capture the essence of the last day of school to inspiring tales that encourage resilience and growth, these favorite books are a fun way for parents and children to enjoy spending time together.

Remember, reading is not only a valuable educational tool but also a gateway to imagination and creativity. By introducing your child to the magic of books, you are fostering a love of reading that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond. So grab one of these delightful books, snuggle up with your little one, and embark on a reading adventure that celebrates the end of the school year in the most memorable way possible.