9 Great books for children starting school in September
THE CLASSIC:
'Starting School' by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
First published in 1990, this classic picture book by well-loved husband and wife team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is filled with eager young pupils learning all the new and exciting rituals and routines associated with Big School. From hanging your coat on a peg with your name on to sitting cross-legged for class circle time, this is the perfect way to reassure and familiarise your preschoolers with all the thrilling days that lie ahead.
THE FUN ONE:
'I Am Too Absolutely Small for School' (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child
Loveable Lola is at her inimitable feisty best as she points out the multitude of reasons why she can’t possibly go to school. Charlie, in his own masterfully persuasive manner, manages to convince her that actually, school is going to be a great adventure. A lively and contemporary take on starting school, filled with Child’s signature style and joie de vivre. The only downside might be Lola’s distaste at the thought of having to wear a “schoolifom” (her school actually doesn’t have one), which might put a downer on a child who does have to wear regulation kit. Nonetheless, a delightful winner!
THE CONVERSATION STARTER:
'Never take a Bear to School' by Mark Sperring and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
A lovely, warm-hearted and funny story for little ones making the transition from nursery or playgroup to school about a boy who wants to take his bear to school and explaining why he can’t. You see, bears are clumsy. They don’t sit still. They’re much, much bigger than teachers – and they eat such a lot of lunch! Yes, taking a bear to school is a bad idea. Follow as the boy finds the courage to face the first day of school alone, distracted by painting, dressing up, storytime, and making new friends – and feeling reassured that Bear will always be waiting at the end of the day, with a great big hug! We love the vintage inspired illustrations too.
THE GENTLE ONE:
'Lucy & Tom at School' by Shirley Hughes
Shirley Hughes’ beautiful illustrations always bring a touch of magic to the otherwise ordinary realities of life. This warm and humorous book shows how exciting the first day of school can be, with all the shiny new equipment required, new surroundings, new toys to play with, and not forgetting, new friends to make.
THE ARTY ONE:
'Going to School' by Rose Blake
This bright and beautiful book follows a little girl as she weaves her way through her busy school day. Rose Blake’s detailed and immersive illustrations are a great introduction to the typical structure of a school timetable and the surroundings little children will find themselves in. A real conversation starter for any children who are a little daunted by what’s to come next.
THE RHYMING ONE:
'I Have to Start at School Today' by Simon Philip and Ged Adamson
A spirited, fun rhyming book that is perfectly paired with bright, bold, fabulously expressive illustrations, about starting at a new school. Starting school is BIG deal at the best of times, but what if you also have to deal with a cross rhinoceros, a selfish bear taking up your chair and a weird baboon with a loud bassoon? Luckily, Grandma is on hand to reassure that there’s no need for fright because what if it just all goes…right?
THE ONE TO EASE NERVES:
'School's First Day of School' by Adam Rex, Pictures by Christian Robinson
A charming reversal of first-day-of-school nerves that will help children put their own anxieties at bay. As it’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself! What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first day jitters, offering a unique point of view that makes this school book stand out from the rest.
