The first day of school can often be a stressful experience for both a parent and a child. We would definitely recommend reading picture books about starting school to introduce children to this new experience, it’s a huge milestone in their life! If you start reading now you will have plenty of time to talk to your child about their first day and give them opportunities to ask questions so that you or their new teacher can address any worries or issues that they may have.
Many first day of school stories include popular characters such as Lucy and Tom, Topsy and Tim, Kipper and The Berenstain Bears. We’ve listed some of our favourites below…
These picture books follow characters as they prepare for their first day of school…
Charlie and Lola I am TOO absolutely small for school by Lauren Child: Lola is convinced that she doesn’t need to go to school so big brother Charlie talks her through the process and helps her to address her fears which include eating school dinners and wearing a uniform. Lola’s imaginary friend, Soren Lorenson, is very worried on the first day but of course he and Lola have a wonderful time!
Tom and Small by Clara Vulliamy: Hopefully you can find a copy of Tom and Small in your local library, we’ve had our copy since my daughter was two and it’s still a favourite! Most of the story takes place during the night before Tom’s first day of school and reassures him that going to a new school will be a positive experience. Tom’s first day includes many traditional activities that take place in an early years classroom and he has so much fun that he can’t wait to go back again!
And the first day of school is here…
Spot Goes To School by Eric Hill: This is a very simple story that is also suitable for those who may be starting nursery or preschool. Eric Hill’s famous character goes through several emotions on his first day but by the end of the story he has convinced us what a fun place it can be!
Lucky Wish Mouse Starting School by Clara Vulliamy: This was (and still is) my daughter’s favourite story about a first day at a new school. It addresses small children’s fears and worries in a humorous way and includes one of the most fun and original classroom spreads that we have seen in a picture book.
Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go To School by Caryl Hart and Leonie Lord: We love the way that Caryl Hart has succeeded in acknowledging Wilson’s insecurities about going to school and has dealt with them in a very humorous way. Wilson thinks that school is boring but his friend, Dotty, convinces him otherwise and he ends up having a lot of fun on his first day.
Not Without My Whale by Billy Coughlan and Villie Karabatzia: It is only natural that you would want to take a friend with you on your first day of school but what if your friend is a whale?! “No problem!” says Arnold’s neighbour, Dora and despite the teachers’ disapproval the whale helps Arnold to make friends and have a really fun day.
Boris Starts School by Carrie Weston and Tim Warnes: Despite his size Boris is still nervous about the prospect of starting school but Miss Cluck (one of our favourite picture book teachers!) helps to ensure that even a big brown bear can have fun. I absolutely love the classroom scenes in the Boris books, Tim Warnes has included so many wonderful displays on the classroom walls.
Archie’s First Day At School by Emma Brown: It’s Archie’s first day at school. He takes his favourite toy, Bunny, with him but during the course of the day Bunny is involved in several ‘accidents’. Archie thinks that school is fun and looks forward to going again the next day but he decides that Bunny should stay at home.
Pirates Don’t Go To School! by Alan MacDonald & Magda Brol: This story takes an amusing look at a little pirate’s first day at school. Jake’s family have heard terrible things about schools and teachers but can he convince them to let him leave The Salty Prawn and go…?
These picture books show that getting things wrong at school is something that can happen to us all. Although we can’t be good at everything, we can all be good at something 🙂
Cactus Annie by Melanie Williamson: To the dismay of her teacher, Cactus Annie gets everything wrong on her first day of school. However, on the following day, she proves that she has great cowgirl skills when the school’s cows are stolen by some pesky rats who need milk for their cheese factory!
Zog by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler: Zog must learn a variety of skills at Madam Dragon’s school but he often has problems with the tasks that he is given. Despite this he tries very hard and finds the perfect job when he finally finishes his education 🙂
If you are looking for chapter books about school these are two that we really enjoy reading:
Sophie’s Tom by Dick King-Smith and Hannah Shaw: Starting a new school is only one part of Sophie’s story but it details her first day and the experiences that it brings. It plays a big part in the subsequent stories and many familiar school events and activities are included in the books.
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy: The Worst Witch is a fantasy and it’s very entertaining. Set in a boarding school for witches it’s the perfect prequel to reading Harry Potter. Young witch, Mildred is often in trouble but when she uncovers a dastardly plot to take over her school she thinks quickly and becomes the heroine of the hour!
Our post Literacy and Numeracy Activities To Prepare Your Child For School also gives suggestions as to how you can help to develop your pre-schooler’s pre-reading and maths skills.
You can find more starting school book suggestions on Story Snug’s Pinterest board;
Leave a Reply