Books About First Experiences · 31 titles considered

The Best First Experiences Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about first experiences? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Simon Sort of Says
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About First Experiences

Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

It's Halloween, Little Monster

By Helen Ketteman, Bonnie Leick (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Little Monster series

A young monster experiences Halloween for the first time while navigating spooky sights with the help of a reassuring parent.

32 pages· 330 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 410 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Simon Sort of Says

A boy seeks a fresh start in a town where the internet is banned, hoping to escape his past and find new stories to tell.

320 pages· 70,587 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,059 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2008

Campfire Mallory

By Laurie Friedman, Jennifer Kalis (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Mallory McDonald series

Camp turns challenging for Mallory. Can she find happiness?

176 pages· 17,469 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 435 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

Operation Pucker Up

Grace must conquer stage fright and first-kiss jitters before her school play's opening night.

256 pages· 48,242 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 163 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

A Very Fiona Christmas

A hippo's quest to uncover the true meaning of Christmas at the zoo.

32 pages· 743 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 341 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Tony Baloney

A penguin's first school day spirals into chaos.

39 pages· 452 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 167 ratings
Picture Book · Ages 2–7 · 2012

Maisy Goes on a Sleepover

A sleepover full of fun, games, and surprises. Will anyone sleep?

32 pages· 275 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 176 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2019

Lola Goes to School

A young girl navigates her first day of school, filled with new experiences and friendships.

32 pages· 274 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 339 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Amelia's Boy Survival Guide

By Marissa Moss · Book #28 in the Amelia series

Eighth grade brings unexpected feelings for Amelia. Will she risk asking a boy to the dance?

80 pages· 8,106 words· Est. 55 min read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2007

Maisy Goes to the Hospital

A trampoline mishap sends Maisy to the hospital. What will she discover there?

32 pages· 204 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 339 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
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First Experiences Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about first experiences for preschool and elementary-age readers.

A Song for Snow

Ages 3–5 · 2017

A young owl eagerly awaits her first snowfall, discovering its magic and wisdom in patience.

My Puppy Patch

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A playful puppy learns manners on her first walk outside the yard.

Dixie Loves School Pet Day

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Excited puppy Dixie joins Pet Day at school. Can she make new friends?

Don't Go to School!

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A little bear must calm his anxious mom on his first school day.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A literal-minded girl navigates school, turning everyday tasks into hilarious mix-ups.

Monstergarten

Monstergarten

2013

A young monster fears he's not scary enough for his first day of school.

The Night Before Summer Camp
Sale price
$499

The Night Before Summer Camp

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A nervous camper finds unexpected friendship and fun at summer camp.

Pout-Pout Fish: Back to School
Sale price
$599

Pout-Pout Fish: Back to School

Ages 2–5 · 2019

A nervous fish becomes a substitute teacher with unexpected help.

First Day Farts

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Conquer first-day school jitters with laughter and fun.

Spike in the Kennel
Sale price
$1299

Spike in the Kennel

Ages 2–6 · 2001

A dog's first kennel stay turns from scary to fun with new friends.

Tacos

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Can Baby Bear overcome his fears and try tacos on a trip with Poppa Bear?

Off to School

Ages 4–6 · 2010

A school bus ride turns into an exciting first-day adventure.

View all first experiences picture books
Browse by age

First Experiences Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about first experiences for developing and independent readers.

The Schernoff Discoveries

Ages 10–14 · 1997

A teen's theories lead to hilarious misadventures.

Fly High, Katie!

Ages 5–7 · 2014

A young girl's first flight to visit her grandma becomes an adventure filled with unexpected events and surprises.

Goblin Monday

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A winter break reveals goblins are more than just tales.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2299

Space Chasers

Ages 8–12 · 2025

Young astronauts face peril in space, relying on teamwork to survive.

Time for School, Baby Shark
Sale price
$699

Time for School, Baby Shark

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Baby Shark's school day is full of surprises and catchy tunes.

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