Norwich Public Schools
Starting School

The Otis Library Children's Department is a warm and inviting space filled with books, movies, music, magazines, software and discounted museum passes that are free to borrow with a valid library card. If you are a Norwich Resident, just bring proof of your current address to obtain a card. If you live outside of Norwich, just be sure to bring your hometown library card to take advantage of Otis Library’s collection and programs.

Attending a storytime or program is a great way to make new friends and begin your child's life-long love of reading. We offer programs for children, newborns—5th grade, on a variety of topics ranging from traditional storytimes and craft programs to live-animal shows, puppeteers and professional musicians!

BOOKS

On the First Day of Grade School by Emily Brenner
A teacher receives an array of animals from her adoring students in this rhyming story.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten but is nervous when he first gets there.

Henry's Show and Tell by Nancy Carlson
Henry likes everything about kindergarten except show-and-tell, but with the help of his teacher and his pet lizard he is able to overcome his fear.

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child
When Lola is worried about starting school, her older brother Charlie reassures her.

School Bus by Donald Crews
See a school buses take children to school and bring them home again.

I'm Telling You, Dex, Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
Dexter is ready for his first day of Kindergarten, but his stuffed dog is very nervous.

Ms. Bitsy Bat's Kindergarten by Pamela Duncan Edwards
The new batty kindergarten teacher quickly makes all the students feel at home.

A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper
The farm animals become alarmed when they learn that Tommy has gone to a place called "Kindergarten."

Off to School, Baby Duck by Amy Hest
Baby Duck experiences the fear of the first day of school, but with a little help from Grampa, everything turns out okay in the end.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.

Tiptoe into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers
Going to her big brother to classroom, a girl discovers the fun of kindergarten.

The New Girl-- And Me by Jacqui Robbins
Shakeeta and Mia become friends when Shakeeta boasts that she has a pet iguana and Mia learns how to help Shakeeta "feel at home" even when she is in school.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Even though Henry is looking forward to going to kindergarten, he is not sure about staying once he first gets there.

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz
Although some of the things her older sister taught her at home seem a little unusual at school, other lessons help make Annabelle's first day in kindergarten a success.

MEDIA

Preparing for Kindergarten [computer software]
This CD-ROM covers all essential subjects and skills that a child will need for success in kindergarten. All lessons are in English, Spanish or French.

School Zone Kindergarten [computer software]
Children enjoy lively games while building their reading and math games.

Dr. Seuss Kindergarten [computer software]
Children help Gerald McGrew find exotic animals for his zoo, while building kindergarten skills such as addition & subtraction, sentence building, sorting & ordering, phonics, music, art, telling time, and more.

Curious George Learns Phonics [computer software]
Follow Curious George as he goes to the circus and learn about words and letters.

Kindergarten is a big step for parents too! The Children’s Department also offers a parent collection featuring the latest books and DVDs on a range of parenting topics – including starting school!