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8 Brilliant Picture Books for Starting School
Some children cannot wait to go to school, but for others, it can be the cause of a lot of anxiety, even if they find it hard to verbalise. Children need time and encouragement to think about school and imagine what it might be like and one effective and enjoyable way to do this is to read books together.
Through the characters, children might hear some of their own concerns or worries and hey will also get to hear about and imagine some of the fun things they will experience.
There are so many to choose from but here are a few of our favourites:
- 1. Starting School
- – Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This book covers the whole first year of school, and although it was first published over 30 years ago, is still an engaging read, with plenty to talk about with your little ones.
- 2. Lulu’s First Day
- – Anna McQuinn
Prepare very young children for what might happen at nursery or another pre-school group as they go though the day with Lulu. The illustrations are beautiful too.
- 3. I am Too Absolutely Small for School
- – Lauren Child
Charlie’s younger sister, Lola, doesn’t want to go to school, she can count up to 10 and that’s enough! This book is full of humour and the illustrations, combining real pictures and spiraling text, are fabulous!
- 4. Wise Before Five
- – Ekaterina Trukhan
A great book to give children confidence in themselves and how amazing they already are. Celebrate the fact that children go though more changes in the first five years than at any other time in their lives!
- 5. The Invisible String
- – Patrice Karst
A comforting book and a lovely way to explain how we can all be connected even when we’re not together. Especially useful to read with children who suffer from separation anxiety.
- 6. Starting School
- – Daisy Upton
A new book featuring questions and activities all about school. Written by social media’s ‘Five Minute Mum’, there is so much to talk about here and it provides a great introduction about what primary school is really like today.
- 7. Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School
- – Ian Whybrow
Harry doesn’t like the idea of school, but then he makes a friend and realises it’s not as bad as he thought! Another winning story from this popular series.
- 8. The Colour Monster goes to School
- – Anna Llenas
Another book to reassure children that whatever their worries, school will be fine, and they might even enjoy it! Who would they choose to take if they hadn’t got a colour monster? Perhaps they could choose their own ‘friend’ who needs a little help to settle in on the first day of school.
